How to oil door hinges
Door hinges are frequently used parts in daily life, and they are prone to squeaking or jamming after long-term use. Oiling your hinges regularly will extend their life and keep your door opening and closing smoothly. This article will introduce in detail the steps, precautions and related tool recommendations for oiling door hinges.
1. Why should we oil the door hinges?

The hinge is a key component connecting the door and the door frame. After long-term use, due to dust accumulation or insufficient lubrication, friction will increase, causing noise or the opening and closing will not be smooth. Regular oiling can effectively reduce friction, prevent rust, and extend the service life of the hinges.
2. Preparation of tools and materials
Before you start, you need to prepare the following tools and materials:
| Tools/Materials | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Lubricating oil (such as WD-40, silicone-based lubricating oil) | Reduce friction and lubricate hinges |
| Cleaning cloth or cotton swab | Clean dust and old oil from hinge surface |
| Screwdriver (optional) | Remove hinge screws (if deep cleaning is required) |
| small brush | Remove dirt from gaps |
3. Operation steps
Here are the specific steps for oiling door hinges:
1. Clean the hinge surface
First wipe the hinge surface with a clean cloth or cotton swab to remove dust and old oil. If there is a lot of dirt, you can use a small brush to clean the gaps.
2. Check hinge status
Check the hinges for looseness or rust. If the screws are loose, they can be tightened with a screwdriver; if the rust is severe, the hinges may need to be replaced.
3. Apply lubricant
Apply lubricating oil evenly to the rotating parts of the hinges. Be careful not to overdo it to avoid oil dripping onto the floor or door panels.
4. Door opening and closing test
After applying lubricating oil, open and close the door several times to ensure that the oil is evenly distributed, and check for abnormal noise or jamming.
5. Clean excess oil stains
Wipe excess oil around the hinges with a cleaning cloth to keep the door tidy.
4. Precautions
When oiling door hinges, you need to pay attention to the following points:
| Things to note | Description |
|---|---|
| Choose the right lubricant | Avoid using oil with too high a viscosity to avoid attracting more dust |
| avoid overdosing | Too much oil will drip and cause contamination |
| Regular inspection | It is recommended to check the hinge status every 3-6 months |
| Pay attention to safety | Make sure the door is secure during operation to avoid pinching |
5. Frequently Asked Questions
1. What should I do if the hinges still make noise after being oiled?
It may be that the hinges are severely worn or improperly installed. It is recommended to check whether the hinges are deformed or whether the screws are loose, and replace the hinges if necessary.
2. Can cooking oil be used instead of lubricating oil?
It is not recommended to use cooking oil, because cooking oil easily deteriorates and absorbs dust, which will accelerate hinge wear.
3. How to judge whether the hinge needs oiling?
If the door squeaks or feels awkward when you open and close it, you need to oil the hinges.
6. Summary
Oiling door hinges is a simple but important maintenance task that can effectively extend the service life of the hinges and keep the door opening and closing smoothly. Many common problems can be avoided with regular cleaning and lubrication. Hopefully the detailed steps and notes in this article will help you accomplish this task easily.
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