The home you share with your loved ones has provided shelter, warmth, and space for memories over the years. In return, you give your house the care it needs right down to the smallest detail. One of the more common problems to crop up in home maintenance is squeaky door hinges. Learn about all the fast easy ways to get clean hinges and silence the squeak.

 

How to Clean Hinges

 

Clean Hinges

Hinges can get coated in buildup and grime. To get rid of the gunk, fill a container made from equal parts vinegar and water. Remove the screws from the hinges with the appropriate screwdriver. Be careful (you don’t want to drop a whole door on your toe) and place the screws in a safe place. Place the hinges in the vinegar-water mixture. If your screws are dirty, toss them in there too. Let the hardware soak for 10 minutes.

After the soak, scrub the hardware with a toothbrush to remove any lingering build-up. Rinse and dry the hinges with a clean cloth. Replace the hinges. You might need a friend to hold your door in place while you focus on the screws.

 

How to Fix Squeaky Hinges

The squeak of a hinge is right up there with fingernails on a chalkboard as far as annoying sounds go. Sometimes, you just need to tighten a screw to stop the squeak. If you try that and the noise persists, try one of these methods:

WD-40

WD-40 will get rid of the sound immediately. Grab a can, shake well, and spray the hinges. Open and close the door or drawer a few times to allow the WD-40 to get into the joints of the hinge. You may need to do this a few times to get the squeaking to finally stop. Once the noise is silenced, use a rag to wipe away excess liquid. Avoid getting WD-40 on your skin if you can.

If done right, now you should have silent and clean hinges. If not, then try…

Petroleum Jelly

Take a dab of petroleum jelly and apply a light but solid coat on and around the squeaky hinge. This should be given at least 24 hours to air dry before any residue is wiped off.

Bar of Soap

Use chunks or shavings from a traditional bar of soap and gently smear the door hinge. Test the application by slowly opening and closing the door.  Carefully wiping up any residue.

 

The Sound of Silence

Now when you open the door you hear…nothing. It’s wonderful! And clean hinges make your door look fresh and inviting. Looking for how to tackle rusty hinges? Check out our Cleaning Tip on How to Remove Rust.