Try Cooking Oil

A few drops of cooking oil can silence a squeaky hinge as a quick temporary fix using something already in the kitchen. Olive oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil all work.

Steps

1. Apply 2-3 drops of oil directly to the top of each hinge knuckle
2. Open and close the door several times to let the oil seep in
3. Wipe away any drips with a paper towel

Tips

• This is a stopgap measure, not a permanent fix -- cooking oils oxidize over time and become sticky, which can attract dust and eventually make the squeak worse
• Use a light, neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil rather than olive oil, which is heavier and can develop an odor
• Plan to follow up with a proper lubricant like silicone spray or petroleum jelly