Clean and Lubricate Exterior Door Hardware
Why It Matters
Sticky locks and stiff hinges get worse until they fail completely, potentially locking you out or compromising security.
Quick Guide
- 1
Gather your tools and materials
You'll need: basic tools. Materials required: Graphite lubricant or silicone spray.
- 2
Perform the clean and lubricate exterior door hardware
Clean and lubricate locks, deadbolts, hinges, and handles on all exterior doors.
- 3
Verify and clean up
Check that the work was completed correctly and clean up your workspace.
Tools & Materials
Materials
- Graphite lubricant or silicone spray
Community Tips
Graphite lubricant outperforms silicone spray for locks and hinges because it doesn't attract dust or leave sticky residue that accumulates dirt over time. Mobil 1 Synthetic Grease ($6-9) applied sparingly to lock cylinders and hinge pins keeps hardware operating smoothly for 12+ months without requiring frequent reapplication.
Never apply lubricant to door handles or knobs where hands make contact, as this creates a slipping hazard and accelerates grime buildup that's difficult to clean. Restrict lubrication to hinges, locks, and sliding mechanisms only to maintain both safety and appearance.
Preventive lubrication costs under $15 annually and eliminates $200+ lock replacement expenses caused by binding mechanisms and corrosion. WD-40 Specialist Silicone Lubricant ($7-11) applied twice yearly extends hardware lifespan by 5-7 years compared to neglected exterior doors in coastal or harsh climates. ---