Keeping the doors of our homes in good working order should be a priority. After all, the doors are one of the barriers between us and the outside world. If not maintained properly, they can develop all sorts of problems from creaking hinges to jamming locks. Luckily, most issues can be addressed with just a few simple adjustments, and a little elbow grease.

In this post, we’ll guide you through door and hinge maintenance basics, so you can keep your doors squeak-free.

1. Tightening Loose Screws on Hinges 👩‍🔧

Over time, screws holding hinges in place can come loose, causing the door to creak and wobble. To remedy this, all you need is a screwdriver. Start by tightening the screws that secure the hinge plates to the door and the door frame. If the screws won’t tighten, try replacing them with slightly larger screws.

A person tightening screws on a door hinge

2. Lubricating Hinges to Reduce Friction 🧴

Has your door ever made an ear-piercing screech when you opened it? If so, it’s time to grab some lubricant. A small amount of oil or grease applied to the hinge’s pivot points can work wonders. It’s best to use a silicone-based spray since they leave no residue and don’t attract dust. However, if you don’t have any silicone lubricant, you can also use WD-40, vegetable oil, or petroleum jelly.

A bottle of silicone spray on a door hinge

3. Fixing a Sticking Door with Sandpaper 🙌

If your door sticks when you open or close it, it may just be a matter of a misaligned door. Scrape the rubbing edge with sandpaper until you get a perfect fit. Start with a coarse grit (60-grit), then gradually move to a finer grit (120-grit). Once you’re done, wipe the edge with a damp cloth, then dry it to remove the accumulated grit.

A close-up of sandpaper on a wooden door

4. Replacing Worn Hinges to Avoid Sagging 🤔

Hinges can wear out over time, making doors sag and hard to close. Worn hinges can also cause the door to rub the frame, leading to scratches and damage. The solution to this is to replace the hinges. Before doing this, make sure that you choose the correct size and weight-bearing capacity for your door, or you might end up doing more harm than good.

An open door with a new set of hinges beside it

5. Repairing Door Knobs and Handles 🚪🔨

Loose or broken doorknobs and handles can be frustrating to deal with, but luckily it’s an easy fix. Begin by removing the trim plates that cover the screws holding the knob or handle in place. Then, tighten the screws and replace the trim plates. If the screws are damaged, you may need to replace them or the entire knob or handle.

A person holding a screwdriver and fixing a doorknob

With these five simple tips, you can keep your doors and hinges in good working order and prevent the need for more expensive repairs down the line. Remember to perform regular checks and address issues as they arise, and your doors will continue to serve you well.

Until next time, keep your home squeak-free!

A happy person holding a door with no squeaky hinges