Hello, my dear QTT lovers! If you’ve ever been startled by a squeaky door in the middle of the night or annoyed by that persistent creak every time someone enters or exits a room, you’re not alone. Squeaky doors are a common household nuisance, but the good news is that fixing them is easier than you might think!
Today’s tip comes straight from the movie The Help (though I couldn’t find it in the book). It’s a simple, inexpensive, and effective solution that might surprise you: Crisco. Yes, you read that right! While Crisco may no longer be the healthiest choice for cooking, it turns out to be a fantastic lubricant for silencing those annoying squeaks.
Why Do Doors Squeak?
Before diving into the fix, let’s quickly understand why doors become squeaky in the first place. The sound is usually caused by friction between the metal hinge and the hinge pin. Over time, dust, rust, and general wear can make these components rub against each other, creating that telltale creaking sound.
Traditional Fixes for Squeaky Doors
Many people immediately reach for WD-40 or another store-bought lubricant when dealing with a squeaky door. While WD-40 can be effective, it has some drawbacks:
- If it gets on your walls, it’s difficult to remove, and it can prevent paint from adhering properly.
- It has a strong, unpleasant smell.
- Breathing in the fumes can be harmful over time.
If you’re looking for an alternative, Crisco is a great option! It’s non-toxic, odorless, and works just as well if not better than commercial lubricants.
How To Fix Squeaky Doors Using Crisco
Supplies Needed:
- Crisco (vegetable shortening)
- Flathead screwdriver (or a butter knife if you’re like me!)
- Hammer (if your hinges are old and rusty)
- Paper towel or rag
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Remove the Hinge Pin:
- Use a flathead screwdriver or butter knife to gently pry the hinge pin out of the hinge. If your hinges are old and rusty, a hammer might help to loosen them.
- Important: Remove one hinge at a time to keep the door attached and stable.
- Apply Crisco:
- Take a small amount of Crisco and rub it onto the hinge pin. Ensure you coat it evenly for the best results.
- For extra lubrication, apply a thin layer inside the hinge as well.
- Reinsert the Hinge Pin:
- Line up the hinge and push the pin back in.
- If necessary, use a hammer to tap it gently into place.
- Test the Door:
- Open and close the door a few times to spread the Crisco evenly inside the hinge.
- If the squeak persists, repeat the process with the other hinges.
Alternative Household Lubricants
If you don’t have Crisco on hand, here are a few other household items that can do the trick:
- Coconut oil – Natural, safe, and has antimicrobial properties.
- Petroleum jelly (Vaseline) – Works well but can attract dust over time.
- Olive oil – A quick fix, but it may not last as long as Crisco.
- Candle wax – Great for wooden doors that stick rather than squeak.
Why Crisco?
You might be wondering—why use Crisco when there are so many other lubricants out there? Well, aside from being an excellent alternative to chemical-based products, Crisco is:
- Non-toxic and safe (compared to commercial sprays)
- Inexpensive (chances are, you already have some in your kitchen!)
- Odorless (unlike WD-40, which has a strong chemical smell)
- Long-lasting (provides a durable coating that won’t dry out too quickly)
A Word About Crisco and Health
While Crisco is fantastic for fixing squeaky doors, it’s not the best choice for cooking. I’m not a nutrition expert, but I continuously seek to educate myself on healthier food options for my family. Over the years, research has shown that partially hydrogenated oils (found in Crisco) are linked to several health risks.
For more information on the health effects of Crisco, check out this article or do a quick search for “health risks of Crisco.”
Final Thoughts
Squeaky doors can be incredibly frustrating, but with a little Crisco and a few minutes of your time, you can eliminate the noise effortlessly. Plus, you get to repurpose an old kitchen staple in a way that’s safe, effective, and environmentally friendly.
So, the next time you hear that dreaded creak, skip the WD-40 and reach for the Crisco instead! Have you tried this trick before? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
