Hinges are the unsung heroes behind every smooth door opening and closing. But they are not immune to wear and tear, which is why regular maintenance is crucial to extend their lifespan.

Continuous hinges distribute the weight of doors along the entire length, reducing the stress on the door and frame. This is particularly helpful on heavier storefront doors.

WD-40

WD-40, the iconic spray lubricant that has been a staple in every garage and toolbox for decades, can be used to extend the lifespan of your door hinges with proper maintenance tech. WD-40 is an all-purpose lubricant that protects metal from rust and corrosion, penetrates stuck parts, displaces moisture, lubricates almost anything, and removes grease, grime, and more.

Developed in 1953 by three employees of the Rocket Chemical Company in San Diego, California, WD-40 has become an industry-renowned name and is now sold around the world in over 2,000 uses. It has a broad spectrum of industrial and consumer use, with over half of the company’s sales now coming from the aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing industries.

WD-40 Brand, a recognized name in maintenance products for over 65 years, supports skilled trades through educational programs and partnerships with the Universal Technical Institute, TechForce Foundation, Generation T, ASE Education Foundation, and S/P2. This is especially important as there will continue to be a shortage of highly trained technicians as current and former car and truck mechanics retire.

Silicone Spray

One of the best ways to extend the lifespan of your door hinges is to make sure that they are lubricated properly. Using WD-40, silicone spray, or white lithium grease will help to keep them free from rust and ensure that they move smoothly with minimal friction.

Silicone is also a great lubricant for manual tools with moving parts like pruners and other woodworking tools. It helps to reduce friction during cutting and can even increase tool life.

It also softens leather gear making those first few times wearing a new pair of shoes much more comfortable. It is also great for window hinges, latches, locks, and weather seals as it will reduce friction and create a protective layer of protection from moisture.

Berryman Professional’s WD-40 Specialist (r) silicone spray is a multi-surface silicone lubricant that lubricates, waterproofs, and protects metal and non-metal surfaces such as rubber, plastic, and vinyl. It dries fast and leaves a clear, non-staining film that won’t stick or attract dirt.

Grease

Properly lubricating door hinges as part of your maintenance routine helps to reduce wear and tear, and extend the lifespan of these components. Without lubrication, hinges are more likely to break down and require expensive repairs.

Fortunately, there are some simple and effective products on the market that can help you re-lubricate your hinges. You can either use a spray lubricant or white lithium grease to do the job, and these are both available at most home improvement stores.

Once you have cleaned your door and removed the pin, apply a small amount of WD-40 or GT85 directly onto the hinge pin. Let it soak in, then gently tap it out.

You can also try a small amount of white lithium grease, although it is more difficult to apply and not as long-lasting. Once you have coated the hinge pin, open and close your door several times to work the lubricant into the innards of the hinges.

Dish Soap

One of the most common and effective ways to clean door hinges is with dish soap. It is a mild cleaner that will cut through grease and dirt, but it does not dry out your hands or the environment like many other cleaning products.

Eco-conscious consumers looking for a greener choice should look for plant-based dish soaps that have removed the harmful chemicals found in conventional cleaners. Synthetic surfactants are particularly hard on the ecosystem and are also more likely to biodegrade more slowly than plant-based versions.

This plant-based dish soap from Puracy is hypoallergenic and gentle on the skin, with a formula that does not contain any irritating sulfates, parabens, or caustic ingredients. Its lemongrass scent is refreshing without being overpowering, and it does an excellent job of cutting through grease on dishes. It even comes with a compostable loofah, making it a great choice for those who want to cut back on single-use plastic in the kitchen.