How Do I Fix A Squeaky Door?
Whether it’s the front door to your house or a cabinet at the back of your pantry, a squeaky door can be enough to drive just about anyone crazy. Luckily, this problem is incredibly easy to fix with the right supplies and a little bit of elbow grease.
Lubricating Oil
The simplest way to stop the constant squeaking is to grab a can of lubricating oil like WD-40 or 3-In-One. While alternatives like vegetable oil can work in a pinch, they will collect dirt and grime far faster than their non-cooking oil options. Spray the oil directly onto the hinges in short bursts to avoid making too much of a mess – you may want to have some rags or paper towels on hand to clean up any excess oil. Open and close the door a few times in between applications, and keep spraying a bit more each time until the noise is gone.
Hinge Pin
If the lubricating oil didn’t do the trick, it’s time to completely remove the hinge pin from the door to give it a proper clean. Take a pair of long pliers and twist the hinge back and forth to help pull it out of the slot. You have a few options for how to scrub the hinge clean once it’s removed depending on what the problem is. Steel wool is great for removing dirt and grime and some rust, but you may want to switch to sandpaper to really clean up a rusty hinge. If you don’t have any steel wool on hand, a bar of soap will be able to remove most of the dirt and grime, but won’t be nearly as effective on the rusty parts.
While you’re cleaning off the hinge pin, you may notice that it’s become bent over time. To fix this, simply place the hinge pin on a cement floor or workbench and tap the bent spot with a hammer until it’s properly straightened out.
The Hinge
If neither of these fixes do the trick, you may need to replace the entire hinge. It’s a fairly easy project to tackle by yourself, but if you aren’t comfortable doing it alone you can always call in a friend or family member for assistance. Before you head down to your local hardware store for a replacement, be sure to take down the exact measurements so you know which hinge to get.
Once you have your replacement, open your door and keep it propped up with a door wedge to stop it from shifting around during the repair. Remove the screws holding the current hinge in place and carefully store them off to the side – you don’t want to accidentally step on a loose screw! You may need to sand down the wood underneath your old hinges if it’s been a while since they were installed. If your new hinge’s screw holes are in different locations, you’ll want to fill in the old holes with some wood putty. Once that’s set and sanded down to be flush with the rest of the wood, carefully screw your new hinge in. If you’re replacing multiple hinges on the same door, be sure to remove and replace each hinge one at a time so the entire door doesn’t fall off.
Keeping your doors silent and smooth is an important part of making use your home is as great as it can be. However, you need to make sure to clean up after your handiwork to avoid creating unnecessary extra messes. At The Maids Murrieta, we know just how important maintaining a clean home is to our customers, and we’re ready to assist you in all of your cleaning needs. Request a free price estimate today by filling out our online form, or by calling us at (972) 471-9509.
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