WD-40 won’t fix this—here’s how DIY pros silence doors in under five minutes

May 14, 2025

Stop Grabbing the WD-40 (You’re Probably Using It Wrong Anyway)

Fix squeaky door hinges fast, without mess or frustration—using one tool you already own.

It's 10:06 PM. The baby’s finally asleep. You tiptoe out of the nursery, trying not to breathe too loud—

SCREEEECH.

That sound? Your old enemy: the squeaky hinge. And it picked the worst possible time to make its comeback.

But here’s the surprise twist—this isn’t a complicated job. You don’t need builder’s know-how or a box of mystery sprays. Just one everyday item (yep, the same one you used to lube your bike chain or store in the glove box) and five spare minutes.

With a screwdriver, a rag, and a little bit of niche know-how, squeaky doors become satisfying silence machines.

The Quick Fix: How to Silence a Squeaky Door Hinge in Under 5 Minutes

Before You Begin

Do a quick check: is the noise really coming from the hinge, or is the door rubbing elsewhere? Open and shut it a few times, slowly. If the noise happens at the same part of the swing, the hinge is your culprit. If it's dragging near the top or bottom edge, you may have a different problem—like a warped frame or sagging door.

Your 3-Piece Anti-Squeak Kit

Screwdriver (to pop the hinge pin)
Old rag or paper towel (this could get grubby)
Lubricant — not WD-40, but a thicker lubricant like graphite spray, petroleum jelly, or a silicone-based product for better longevity

Step-by-Step: Silence in 5 Minutes

Open the door slightly so it’s stable but with enough angle to work.
Use your screwdriver and gently tap out the hinge pin from the middle hinge (or whichever one squeaks).
Wipe down the pin with your rag—gunk builds up over time.
Apply your chosen lubricant lightly to the pin—just a touch, no need to drench it.
Slide the pin back in, and open/close the door a few times to distribute the lubricant.

Repeat on other hinges if needed.

What to Skip (So You Don’t Make It Worse)

WD-40: It’s technically a solvent—not a long-lasting lubricant. The squeak might stop, but it often returns worse.
Cooking oils: Smells weird, attracts dust, and can go rancid. Save it for the roast chook.

Used to be Loud as a Clanging Gate. Now? Whisper Quiet.

A customer told us once that her hallway used to sound like a haunted house. One quick hinge tune-up later, she texted this: “Even the dog thinks someone’s sneaking in now—it’s too quiet!”

There’s something low-key magical about a problem that’s been bugging you for weeks vanishing in five minutes flat.

Why Hinges Start Squeaking (and What That Tells You)

Hinges squeak because of tiny amounts of friction where metal rubs against metal. Over time, dust and grime settle into those joints, and any lubrication baked off in summer heat or washed away by winter damp disappears.

It’s like joints without cartilage—you hear every movement loud and clear. So that squeak? It’s a little cry for TLC.

Pro tip: Cleaning first, then lubing, gives you the best chance at long-term peace and quiet.

What If the Squeak Sticks Around?

If the noise returns within a day or two, you might be dealing with:

Old hinges that need replacing (look for rust or warping)
Poor alignment causing extra pressure on one hinge
A pin that’s bent or doesn’t sit flush anymore

In cases like that, it’s worth bringing the hinge (or good photos) into your local hardware store. There’s almost always a solid fix—sometimes as simple as swapping the pin or aligning the screws better.

Here’s What This All Comes Down To

You don’t need a full toolkit or a tradie on speed dial to stop a pesky door hinge from squealing every time you walk into the bathroom. What you do need is a few minutes, the right choice of lube, and to never underestimate how deeply satisfying a silent door can be.

Whether you’re patching walls, painting nursery cubes, or fixing rattles in a hallway door—those small jobs stack up. And every one you knock over gives you momentum for the next.

See you in the shed aisle,

Candeece