Debate: Should you fix a squeaky door with WD-40 or bar soap?

I grew up using WD-40 on every sticky or squeaky door, worked fine for a week then the squeak came back. My neighbor Tom, retired carpenter, told me "WD-40 is a cleaner not a lubricant, use a wax bar or soap on the hinges instead." So I tried a $2 bar of soap on my bedroom door hinge last month. It's been 30 days and not a peep. But my buddy says soap attracts dust and gums up over time so he sticks with a silicone spray. What's your go to for door squeaks that actually lasts?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_leo22d ago

My front door hinge was squeaking so bad last winter it woke up my kid every time I came in from shoveling. I tried a wax bar from the hardware store after reading about it online, and it's been silent for about 8 months now with no dust buildup that I can see. @smith.parker mentioned graphite powder and I've heard that's good too especially for outdoor hinges that see weather. The soap thing worked for me for a while but I switched to a dry lubricant stick and it lasts way longer without that greasy feel.

smith.parker22d ago

Tom from my old job used graphite powder on his hinges and swears by it. Told me it's dry so no dust sticks and it lasts years not weeks. Might be worth a shot if soap and sprays keep failing you.