How To Fix Squeaky Kitchen Cabinet Hinges

A noisy hinge isn't the most pleasant thing to hear, especially if it happens in kitchen cabinets that you open and close all the time. But aside from the noise, squeaky hinges can be an early warning sign that something's starting to go wrong with them, which can turn your creaky hinges into stuck hinges. So if you want to make sure that your squeaky cabinets stay silent, you'll need to do a few things to get them stuck that way.

But how can you fix squeaky kitchen cabinet hinges? There are a few products around which can help with your cabinet repair - but by far the best way to fix these noisy cabinets is to keep them well-lubricated and in good working order. So while there may be a few things you can try to make sure that your squeaky cabinets fall silent a couple of times, the best way to not deal with it at all is to be preventive.

How To Silence Noisy Cabinets

The most common culprit behind squeaky cabinet hinges is something going wrong with the hinges themselves. It could be that your hinge pin is misaligned, the plastic tube cracked, or something in the hinge casing, hinge components, or hinge pocket has been blocked.

Squeaky hinges are caused by friction - when the components of your hinges aren't moving as intended. On most occasions, the culprit behind this is the development of rust. Rust doesn't merely cause discoloration over time: as the components of your hinge get covered by it, it will eventually become more difficult to move.

So what can you do about it? Here are a few things you can consider:

1) Rust Eater Or Rust Remover

Plenty of products can easily dissolve and remove any rust on your hinges, especially if there isn't a lot of it. Dissolving the rust allows your hinges to work as intended, and removes any other blockages that can affect the motion of how it closes and opens.

Rust-free hinges are also quieter since there isn't any rough surface that it can catch on itself when it moves. The only thing that you need to keep in mind when using a rust remover is to select a spray nozzle that's ideal for your specific type or size of your hinge. The smaller you go, the better - options like broad fan sprays can get the rust remover on the finish of your cabinets, which may degrade them over time.

2) Hardware Lubricants

If rust isn't an issue, then your hinges simply need a lubricant. Hinges are built to function as a smooth surface, but as time goes by and your hinges are exposed to regular use and the elements, some of the smooth surfaces get scratched. These scratches cause friction, which can cause a squeaking noise when you open your cabinets.

Store-bought lubricants like hinge lube can smooth your hinges and fill in any scratches and gaps that may have formed. Keep in mind that not all lubrication is suitable for all hinges - for example, plastic hinges and metal hinges respond better to certain types of lubricant - so always check the packaging of which one works best for your hinge.

3) Other Compounds In The House

In cases where you've run out of store lubricant, some products around your home work as great lubricants in a pinch. Paraffin wax, olive oil, a bar of soap, and petroleum jelly are all acceptable options for lubrication. Since these compounds are smooth and attach well to metal and plastic, they work well as a quick fix for a squeaky kitchen cabinet.

However, keep in mind that these products are only intended as a temporary solution, not a permanent one. These substances may be able to lubricate your hinges, but they can also have unintended effects on the surrounding area. Excess products may damage the finish of your kitchen cabinets, attract pests, or may accelerate rust accumulation in the future.

Preventive Care For Squeaky Kitchen Cabinets

While the previously discussed solutions work wonders for cases where you're already hearing squeaky cabinets, most experts would recommend that you make sure that your hinges never get to that condition, to begin with. Here are a few things you should keep in mind if you don't want to experience a noisy kitchen cabinet ever again:

1) Lubrication

Lubrication is by far one of the best ways to ensure that you never get squeaky cabinet hinges. By making sure the parts of your hinges are well lubricated, rust and other obstructions are less likely to form over time, and your hinges will last longer even with regular use.

2) Material

The material of the hinges also plays a crucial role in how well it'll withstand any potential damage or wear and tear from your use. Picking hinges that are made from high-quality materials can drastically reduce the risk of getting squeaky hinges.

3) Moisture

Since rust usually forms in response to damp conditions, making sure that your hinges are moisture-proof is another excellent way to prevent them from squeaking. Always make sure that your hinges don't get wet, and avoid placing things inside your cabinet that can introduce moisture into their surroundings.

Custom Kitchen Cabinets And Other Quality Fixtures With Zothex Flooring

Squeaky door hinges can be an irritating issue that keeps coming back no matter how many times you fix it - common household products like WD-40 spray lubricant, silicone sprays, or even petroleum jelly may fix the issue. However, squeaky hinges don't always have to be an inevitability - with a well-designed kitchen cabinet, you'll never have to worry about a faulty hinge pin or sticky cabinet doors ever again.

Zothex has plenty of experience in providing the best furnishings and flooring for an entire house, with convenient storage solutions for your needs. We pride ourselves on offering you an affordable choice for a custom solution for your home.

Call us now at (916) 925 - 1958 to learn more about our products and services.

Learn More: How Often Should You Be Cleaning Your Kitchen Cabinets