A squeaky dishwasher door rarely harms the appliance, but it grates every time you load or unload. The noise tends to get louder, because the hinges and springs work in a hot, wet environment and their lubricant is gradually washed away.
You can sort it out in half an hour: clean the door, find and inspect the hinges, apply silicone precisely and run an empty cycle.
What you will need
Important: Unplug the dishwasher before you start. Apply the product only to the hinges, never to the baskets, spray arms, tub seal or any surface that touches crockery. Always run an empty wash cycle afterwards.
Step 1
Clean the door
Spray kitchen degreaser over the inside of the door, paying extra attention to greasy build-up and food residue. Give it a few minutes to dissolve the grime, then work it with a microfibre cloth and wipe everything clean. Take care around the detergent dispenser and seal so you do not damage delicate parts.
Step 2
Locate the hinges
On most models the hinges sit in the bottom corners of the door, often at the sides of the cabinet. Open the door fully and use a torch to see them clearly. If you cannot find them, check the manufacturer's manual.
Step 3
Inspect the hinges and springs
Before lubricating, make sure the hinges are undamaged and nothing is caught in them, such as food scraps, broken glass or labels. Check the counterbalance springs and cords at the sides too: if a cord has frayed or a spring has snapped, the door will drop or close heavily, and that needs a repair technician rather than lubricant.
Step 4
Lubricate the hinges
Lack of lubrication is the most common cause of a squeak. Tuck a paper towel under the hinge to catch drips. Using the straw on the WD-40 Specialist Silicone, apply the product precisely to the hinge pivot and friction points. Silicone does not attract dirt, resists moisture and suits both metal and plastic parts.
Wait a few minutes, then slowly open and close the door several times to spread the product through the hinge. Wipe off any excess with a microfibre cloth.
Step 5
Run an empty cycle
Let the product dry completely, plug the machine back in and run a full cycle with no dishes. This removes any trace of product that may have reached the tub, so none ends up on your plates or cutlery.
Tip: If the squeak returns within weeks, check that the dishwasher is level: a tilted cabinet loads one hinge more than the other and wears it out faster.
What next
Lubricate dishwasher door hinges every 6-12 months or as soon as a squeak appears. The same WD-40 Specialist Silicone works well on kitchen drawer runners and cupboard door seals.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».