How to Fix a Squeaky Door: Simple Solutions for Smooth Operation

Nothing is more annoying than a door that squeaks every time you open or close it — especially in a quiet space like an office, home, or commercial door building. At Larnec, where durability and performance are central to every door we manufacture, we also understand the importance of keeping your doors functioning quietly and smoothly.

Here’s a quick and easy guide to help you eliminate that pesky squeak and keep your doors operating like new.

What Causes a Door to Squeak?

Most door squeaks come from:
- Friction between metal parts (like hinges)
- Dust or dirt buildup
- Lack of lubrication
- Humidity or wear and tear

Regular use, especially in high-traffic industrial or commercial settings, can wear down hinges over time — but the fix is usually simple. For a full guide on how to fix squeaky door hinges, you can check out this detailed tutorial by Family Handyman.

How to Remove Door Squeak in 4 Easy Steps

1. Identify the Squeaky Hinge

Open and close the door slowly to find which hinge is causing the noise. Most often, it's the top or middle hinge.

2. Clean the Hinge

Remove dust or grime with a cloth. If needed, use a small brush and mild cleaner to remove buildup that could be causing friction.

3. Lubricate the Hinge

Apply a lubricant such as:
- WD-40 (quick fix)
- Silicone spray (for lasting effect)
- Petroleum jelly or bar soap (in a pinch)

Pro tip: Spray directly into the hinge pin area, then open and close the door a few times to spread the lubricant. To learn more about multi-use lubricants ideal for door hinges, visit the WD-40 official product page.

4. Tighten Loose Screws

Check if the hinge screws are loose and tighten them. This helps realign the door and reduce noise from unnecessary movement.

Works for All Types of Doors

Whether it’s a steel personal access door, a fire-rated door, or a shed or modular building door, these steps apply to most hinge-related door squeaks. If your door uses specialty hardware or heavy-duty hinges, contact our support team for product-specific advice.

When to Consider a Replacement

If squeaking persists despite multiple fixes, it may be time to:
- Replace old or rusted hinges
- Upgrade to heavy-duty hinges for industrial settings
- Check for door frame misalignment

Larnec’s range of high-performance access doors and hardware is built to withstand daily use and maintain silent, secure operation — even in the most demanding environments.