When doors squeak, creak or slam shut suddenly, they can evoke feelings of fear and unease. In the darkness of night, noises particularly stimulate your imagination and make you believe that something supernatural may be afoot. In this context, it is worth taking a closer look at the causes of spooky sounds and finding out how to prevent them.
Why lack of maintenance causes noise
One of the most common reasons is dry or damaged hinges that are not well oiled, which can lead to loud noises. Rust and general aging of the hinges also amplify these noises. Another reason can be a wobbly frame. If the door frame warps or the door itself does not fit properly, this usually leads to the door scraping at the edges. This can also be caused by a lack of adjustment options.
Changes in the wood itself play a role. Wood is very sensitive to moisture and temperature changes, which means it can expand or contract. When this happens, the door will not close properly and will create scraping noises. Not to mention, old doors that may be cracked or worn will also create eerie noises.
An all-purpose product with great popularity
Outside of its original use for preventing rust, WD-40 has proven useful in a variety of situations. Because of its lubricating properties, it can be used on squeaky hinges, sticking locks, and a variety of other moving parts. Another benefit of WD-40 is its ability to dissolve dirt, grease, and oil residue. This also makes it a useful cleaning agent for various surfaces.
To fix the problem of a squeaky and scratchy door, you can take the following steps:
1. Oil the hinges: Open the door and apply a suitable lubricant such as WD-40 or a special oil to the hinges. Leave it for a few minutes. Move the door back and forth several times to distribute everything well.
2. Check the door position: Make sure that the door is properly seated in the frame. Sometimes it can help to slightly tighten or loosen the screws of the hinges to adjust the position of the door.
3. Adjust the wood: If the door is scratching at the edges, you can try to lightly sand the edges. You will need sandpaper for this and you should be careful not to remove too much material.
4. Check the hinges: If the hinges are damaged or rusted, it may be a good idea to replace them. Buy high-quality hinges from a hardware store and replace them.
5. Check the frame: Check if the door frame is warped. If so, it may be necessary to realign the frame or make minor adjustments.
6. Humidity control: Pay attention to the environmental conditions in the room. Maintaining a constant room temperature and humidity can help minimize wood warping.
7. Professional help: If the problems persist or you are unsure, it is advisable to contact a carpenter.
Dark deposits on hinges
This is often residue from lubricants such as oil or grease that combine with dust and dirt over time. Another possibility is rust, which can occur especially on metal fittings if they are not well lubricated or protected from moisture. The simple abrasion of material from hinges and door frames can also lead to dark discoloration.
To remove this dirt, you should wipe the hinges with a damp cloth or sponge and lubricate them again after cleaning. To avoid getting the whole door oily when using WD-40, follow a few simple tips: Spray the product directly onto the area to be treated and hold the spray can at a narrow angle to minimize the spread of the spray.
Another helpful measure is to cover the areas around the application site with old newspapers, towels or plastic. Wipe off any excess WD-40 immediately after application with a clean, dry cloth. For very precise work, simply use a cotton swab or brush and do not apply too much! Often a small amount is enough to achieve the desired effect.
