10 Quick Fixes for Squeaky Floors and Doors

Squeaky floors and doors can be maddening. Whether it’s the floorboards announcing every late-night snack run or a door creaking like a haunted house prop, those little noises can really get under your skin. The good news? Fixing them doesn’t have to involve tearing apart your home or spending a fortune.

With just a few simple tools and techniques, you can silence those squeaks for good. These fixes are easy to do and won’t require calling in a pro.

Use Powdered Lubricant to Silence Squeaky Floors

When your hardwood floors start squeaking, the culprit is usually friction between the boards. A powdered lubricant like graphite can work wonders to quiet things down. It’s easy to apply and doesn’t create a mess.

Sprinkle a small amount of powdered graphite directly on the squeaky spot. Cover it with a paper towel to keep it from spreading everywhere, then step into your shoes and gently rub your foot over the area. Move in circles and back and forth to work the lubricant into the cracks. If you still hear the squeak, repeat the process a couple more times until things quiet down.

Shim the Gaps to Fix Squeaky Subfloors

Sometimes, the squeak isn’t coming from the floorboards but from a gap between the joists and the subfloor below. Every time you step on that spot, the subfloor flexes, rubbing against the joists and creating that annoying noise. The fix? A shim.

Grab a small piece of wood and add a little construction adhesive to one side. Carefully slide the shim into the gap between the joist and the subfloor. If it doesn’t go in easily, give it a gentle tap with a hammer—no need to go overboard. You’re just looking to snug it in about an inch or two. Avoid forcing it all the way in, as that could cause more problems. Done right, this simple trick can save your floors and your sanity.

Drive Screws from Below to Quiet a Squeaky Floor

If you can pinpoint a squeaky spot and it’s not caused by a gap, driving screws from underneath the floor can be a reliable fix. This method keeps the top of your floor looking flawless while silencing the noise.

Start by drilling a pilot hole through the subfloor using a power drill. Then, drill a smaller pilot hole into the underside of the hardwood floor. Have a helper stand on the squeaky spot to keep things steady while you drive in short screws using an electric screwdriver. Be careful with screw length—you don’t want them popping through the floorboards and creating a bigger mess.

Secure Squeaky Floors from Above with Trim Screws

When you don’t have basement access to work from below, driving screws from the top of the floor is the next best option. It’s straightforward and doesn’t require tearing up the whole floor.

Drill small pilot holes into the hardwood floor at a slight angle, keeping at least a 1/2 inch from the edge to avoid splitting the board. Use trim screws and apply gentle pressure as you drive them through the pilot holes into the subfloor. Make sure the screw heads are below the floor’s surface. To finish, cover the holes with wood filler that matches your floor color for a seamless look.

Quiet Squeaky Floors Under Carpet Without Tearing It Up

When squeaky floors hide under thick carpeting, the fix requires a bit of finesse. If possible, roll back the carpet to get direct access. If that’s not an option, use a stud finder to locate the joists underneath. Once you’ve pinpointed the trouble spot, drive a finish nail through the carpet and into the subfloor at the squeaky area.

To make the fix seamless, use a nail set to sink the nail below the surface of the subfloor without damaging the carpet. Avoid screws—they can tangle in the carpet fibers and create a bigger problem.

Lubricate Door Hinges to Stop the Squeak

When a door squeaks every time it moves, the culprit is almost always the hinges. A quick application of lubricant is all you need to fix it. Grab a household product like WD-40 or a silicone spray and apply it directly to the hinges. If those aren’t handy, olive oil or petroleum jelly can serve as temporary fixes.

After applying the lubricant, swing the door open and shut a few times to work it into the hinge. You’ll likely notice the difference right away—no more squeak, just smooth movement.

Tighten Loose Hinges to Eliminate Door Squeaks

Sometimes, squeaky doors are caused by something as simple as loose hinges. Over time, the screws can work themselves loose, especially on doors that see a lot of action. Fixing this is straightforward and doesn’t take much time.

Grab a screwdriver and check each hinge screw to make sure it’s snug. If you find any that are loose, tighten them gently but firmly. Be careful not to overtighten—you just want the hinge to sit securely without stripping the screw holes. This small adjustment can make a big difference in silencing those squeaks.

Clean Door Hinges to Get Rid of Dirt-Related Squeaks

When dirt and grime build up in the hinges, they can cause a door to creak every time it moves. Cleaning them thoroughly is a simple fix. Start by removing the hinge pins—use a hammer and screwdriver to tap them out gently.

Wipe down the hinge pins and plates with a clean cloth to get rid of any debris. For tougher grime, a little soapy water or rubbing alcohol does the trick. Once they’re clean, reassemble the hinges and add a touch of lubricant before testing the door. You’ll be amazed how much smoother and quieter it works!

Replace Worn Hinge Pins for a Long-Term Fix

If cleaning and lubricating don’t cut it, the culprit might be the hinge pins themselves. Bent, rusted, or worn pins can keep causing noise no matter how much you clean or tighten them. Replacing them is a simple and affordable solution.

Start by removing the old hinge pins just like you would for cleaning. Head to your local hardware store to grab replacements—they’re easy to find and budget-friendly. Insert the new pins and ensure they fit snugly. Once everything is back in place, swing the door a few times to test it out. This small upgrade can completely transform how your door functions and sounds.

Fix Door Squeaks by Adjusting the Frame

Sometimes the squeak isn’t about the hinges at all—it’s the door rubbing against the frame. Over time, frames can shift slightly, or the door itself may swell, creating friction that leads to those annoying creaks.

Inspect the edges of the door and frame for signs of wear or contact. If you spot rough patches or sticking points, sand them down gently to smooth things out. For extra slickness, rub a bit of wax or soap along the edges. This reduces friction and makes the door’s movement smoother and quieter.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.