Remove, clean, and re-lubricate the hinge pin

Pulling the hinge pin, cleaning off rust and grime, and applying fresh grease is the most thorough fix for a squeaky hinge. It addresses the root cause -- metal-on-metal friction from degraded lubricant -- and the results last for months or years.

Steps

1. Close the door and place a nail or awl under the hinge pin head.
2. Tap upward gently with a hammer to loosen and remove the pin.
3. Scrub rust and old lubricant from the pin with steel wool or a rag.
4. Apply white lithium grease, petroleum jelly, or silicone grease to the pin and inside the hinge knuckles.
5. Reinsert the pin and tap it back into place with the hammer.
6. Open and close the door several times, then wipe away excess lubricant.

Tips

• Work one hinge at a time so the door stays supported by the remaining hinges
• Avoid WD-40 for the re-lubrication step -- it evaporates quickly; choose a grease or oil that stays in place