Hardware inside your home can contract and expand through the course of temperature changes. During these cold months, you may notice that your doors (or specifically the hinges) can squeak. And with anything that squeaks, a good lubing is in order. Follow these quick and easy steps to stop your door hinges from squeaking.

It’s time to bring out that can of penetrating lube. And we all know that would be the legendary WD-40 (unless you use some other brand of lube). Other stuff that you need for this operation will be a pair of pliers and some rags (old newspaper would do fine too). Be sure to attach the extension nozzle to give you better aim and directionality.

Swing the door open and check the hinge for any signs of rusting. Check the hinges for excessive rust. Rusty hinges should be replaced soon.

The way the hinge works is that it has a pin that slots right into the middle of the hinge plates. You can try pulling out the pin halfway (using the pliers) and check for dirt and rusting. Blast the hinge with lube. Be sure to hit the pin and the hinges. Slide the pin all the way back in. Remember to place a rag or some sheets of newspaper to catch any lube that might hit (and ruin) your floor.

Swing the door open and close repeatedly to get the lube into the crevices of the hinge. If it still squeaks, hit it with just a tad more lube. Repeat the process until you don’t hear anymore squeaks. Wipe off any excess lube.

Some people swear by using gun oil for this. Haven’t tried it yet though since WD-40 always works for me.