Lubricate door hinges and locks

Why It Matters

Dry hinges squeak, sticky locks wear out keys and tumblers, and a hard-to-operate lock is a security and safety problem.

Materials

• Silicone spray or dry lubricant

How to Do It

1. Gather your silicone spray or dry lubricant before starting.
2. Open each door and spray lubricant directly onto the hinge pins, coating the top and sides where metal contacts metal.
3. Work the door back and forth several times to distribute the lubricant into the hinge joints.
4. Spray lubricant into each lock cylinder through the keyhole.
5. Insert the key and turn it several times to work the lubricant through the tumblers.
6. Do not use WD-40 in lock cylinders, as it attracts dust and can cause locks to stick over time.

Related Tasks

• Inspect attic Once a year
• Inspect basement Once a year
• Inspect crawlspace Once a year
• Re-caulk tub and shower Once a year
• Seal tile grout in showers and floors Once a year