As temperatures drop and the air turns colder, many households might have noticed their doors creaking more than usual. This seasonal squeak is caused by changes in humidity and temperature as wood and metal contract, hinges can dry out or stiffen, causing that familiar groan every time you open a door. And as we shift into winter and colder weather, it is likely this sound will become more common in households this month.
The forecast for November predicts an unsettled start to the month with spells of rain and mild temperatures, followed by a cooler, drier period as the month progresses. With increased chances of frost and fog, it’s no surprise that indoor humidity levels will fluctuate, creating the perfect recipe for noisy doors. However, there is one, inexpensive fix already sitting in your kitchen and that’s washing-up liquid.
The handy hack was highlighted in a video by consumer organisation, Which?, which shared five surprising uses for washing-up liquid beyond cleaning dishes.
The list includes removing stains, washing windows, scrubbing bathrooms, and cleaning garden furniture, proving that a bottle costing less than a pound can be extremely versatile in your home.
The video reporter, Grace Forell said: “A bottle of washing up liquid will take you a long way in life.”
All you need to do is squirt a small amount of washing-up liquid onto your noisy hinge and open and close it a few times, and it will fix your creaky door in mere seconds.
A Reddit user also praised the method’s effectiveness, and wrote: “Just put a small amount at the top of the hinge, rub it over with your fingers, open and close the door a few times, wipe off any excess with a tissue, and the squeak should be gone.”
Unlike cooking oils or sprays, washing-up liquid isn’t greasy and won’t leave a sticky residue. It also helps to lift dust and grime, which are the two main culprits behind squeaky hinges, meaning that if you use washing-up liquid, you’re cleaning and helping to loosen the hinge’s movement at the same time.
The Met Office expects early to mid-November (10–19) to be mostly unsettled and mild, with bands of rain affecting much of the UK, particularly the west and south, along with occasional strong winds.
Drier spells are likely in the east and north, though frost and fog could form overnight where skies are clear. Conditions may become drier and cooler toward mid-month, increasing the risk of overnight frost.
From November 20 to December 4, the weather pattern is less certain, but high pressure may bring more settled and dry conditions, again raising the chances of fog and frost. Some rain and wind will still occur, mainly in the west. Overall, temperatures are expected to be near or slightly above average, though shorter cold spells remain possible.