How to Fix Squeaky Cabinet Hinges

Cabinet hinges squeak for straightforward reasons: friction between moving parts, loose hardware, or dirt buildup in the hinge mechanism. The sound is annoying, but the fix is almost always simple and takes no special skills. A squeaky hinge is your cabinet's way of telling you it needs attention before the problem spreads to the door itself. The good news is that you can eliminate the noise entirely with basic household items and a few minutes of work. Once you understand what causes the squeak, you'll be able to handle it anywhere in your kitchen.

1. Pinpoint the Noisy Hinge. Swing the cabinet door open to its maximum range. Look closely at both hinges—top and bottom—for visible dirt, rust, or corrosion. Run your finger along the hinge barrel (the cylindrical part where the pin sits) and check for grit or dried lubricant. Note which hinge squeaks by listening as you open and close the door slowly. If both hinges are dirty, plan to clean and lubricate both.
2. Lock Down Loose Screws. Using a screwdriver that fits the screw head perfectly, tighten the two screws that hold the hinge body to the cabinet frame. Turn clockwise slowly—do not overtighten, which can strip the wood or crack the hinge. Then tighten the two screws that attach the hinge to the door itself. Check the fit of the hinge barrel around the pin; if the barrel is loose, the hinge body screw on the opposite side may need tightening. Work methodically and check tightness with your fingers afterward.
3. Banish Dirt and Rust. Dampen a small cloth or old toothbrush with water and wipe away any dust, grease, or debris from the hinge barrel—the cylindrical housing where the pin sits. Use an old toothbrush to work into the tight spaces around the pin itself. If you see rust or corrosion, use a small amount of white vinegar on the cloth to dissolve it, then wipe dry immediately. Pay special attention to the underside of the hinge barrel where grit tends to collect. Work carefully so you don't force debris deeper into the mechanism.
4. Oil the Barrel and Pin. Choose a silicone-based spray lubricant or lightweight machine oil (3-in-1 oil works well). Spray or apply a small amount directly onto the hinge barrel and let it drip down around the pin. Avoid over-applying; a light coating is all that's needed. Work the lubricant in by opening and closing the door slowly ten to fifteen times, listening for the squeak to fade. Wipe away any excess lubricant with a clean cloth so it doesn't drip onto your cabinets or floor.
5. Verify Even Door Seating. Close the cabinet door and observe how it sits in the frame. The gap between the door and frame should be even all around. If the door is rubbing on the top or bottom, or if there's a large uneven gap, the hinge may be sitting at an angle. Open the door fully and look at the hinge body—it should sit flat and square against the cabinet frame with no visible gaps. If the hinge is tilted, the hinge screws may not be tight enough or the mounting holes may be enlarged. Tighten again, checking alignment after each adjustment.
6. Fix Door Sag. If the door is sagging or the gap at the top is larger than at the bottom, the bottom hinge may have loosened over time. Close the door and check the gap visually. Using a screwdriver, tighten the top screw of the bottom hinge (the one closest to the door edge) in quarter-turn increments. After each adjustment, open and close the door to check alignment. Do not overtighten; you're aiming for even gap all around, not a pinched door. Stop as soon as the door sits evenly in the frame.
7. Service Second Hinge. Open and close the door and listen to the opposite hinge. If it's also squeaking, repeat the tightening and lubrication process for the second hinge. It's common for both hinges to wear evenly, especially on heavy doors. Cleaning and lubricating both hinges at once prevents you from having to return to the same cabinet a few weeks later. Apply the same amount of lubricant and work it in with the same ten to fifteen opening-and-closing cycles.
8. Listen for Silence. Open the cabinet door slowly and listen for any remaining squeak. Pay attention to both the opening and closing motions. Move the door through its full range of motion several times—most hinges will squeak briefly the first few times after lubrication, then quiet down as the lubricant distributes. If a squeak remains after this cycle, check whether it's coming from the hinge barrel or from the door frame itself (sometimes frame wood flexes and creates a similar sound). If the sound persists and you've tightened and lubricated, the hinge pin itself may be bent or the hinge body may be damaged.
9. Install New Hardware. If the squeak persists after tightening and lubrication, the hinge barrel or pin is likely damaged. Remove the door by opening it fully and lifting it straight up off the bottom hinge pin. You may need a helper to support the door. Once the door is free, unscrew the hinges from the door and frame. Take the old hinge to a hardware store to match the style, size, and screw pattern. Install the new hinge using the existing screw holes. Rehang the door carefully, ensuring it sits level in the frame before fully tightening all screws.
10. Wipe Clean and Dry. Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe the front and underside of the cabinet door and the area beneath the hinges. Excess lubricant can drip down and create stains on your cabinet finish or kitchen floor. Check inside the cabinet as well. If you used oil-based lubricant, you may want to dampen a cloth with a small amount of degreaser and wipe the area once more to remove any sticky residue. Allow any wet surfaces to dry completely before closing the cabinet.