When you rent a home with GPS Renting, you might face common maintenance issues like a jammed garbage disposal, loose toilet seat, or misaligned door. Most of these can be resolved in under an hour. That’s why we created the DIY Maintenance Series—to empower our tenants and homeowners with quick solutions that save time and reduce repair costs.
Today, we’re tackling one of the most persistent household annoyances: squeaky doors and creaky floors. Not only are these sounds irritating, but if you’re a homeowner trying to sell, they can even raise red flags for potential buyers.
Let’s walk through how to fix these issues yourself—and when to call in a pro.
How to Fix Squeaky Doors
Noisy hinges are usually caused by friction from dust, rust, or wear.
Quick Fix: Lubricate the Hinges
Apply a few drops of WD-40, household oil, or silicone spray.
Open and close the door several times to distribute the lubricant.
Wipe away any drips.
Long-Term Fix: Remove & Clean Hinge Pins
Tap out one hinge pin at a time using a nail and hammer.
Check for bends. If bent, straighten with a hammer or replace it.
Clean off any rust or grime using fine steel wool.
Apply white lithium grease to the pin.
Reinsert and repeat for remaining hinges.
How to Fix Creaky Floors
Creaky floors are typically caused by boards or subflooring rubbing against each other due to movement.
Quick Fix: Talcum Powder
Sprinkle talcum powder or baby powder into the seams.
Sweep it into the cracks to reduce friction.
Long-Term Fixes
From Below (Access to Crawl Space or Basement)
Insert a shim: Lightly tap a glue-coated shim between the joist and subfloor.
Screw through joist: Secure with angled drywall screws.
Add construction adhesive: Seal seams between joist and subfloor for added stability.
Floorboards Rubbing (Not Near Joists)
Drill pilot holes from below and insert screws to reduce movement.
Be sure the screw length is slightly less than the total thickness of your floor.
From Above (No Underside Access)
Use finish nails driven in at opposing angles to tighten loose boards.
Set nails below the surface, fill with wood filler, and sand smooth.
Tools & Products to Help
Squeeeeek-No-More – Great for carpet over wood floors.
Counter-Snap Kit – Ideal for hardwood floors. Includes breakaway screws that leave no visible trace after repair.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional: What’s the Best Option?
DIY repairs are satisfying and budget-friendly—but only when the issue is minor and you have the time and tools. Choose DIY if:
The repair is non-urgent
You feel confident and safe doing it
You want to save on service calls
But for more serious issues—or if you simply want peace of mind—calling a professional is the smart move.
Let GPS Renting Handle the Hard Stuff
GPS Renting is a full-service property management company based in Seattle. We don’t just manage—we maintain, repair, and protect your property with the same care we’d give our own.
With GPS Renting, you get:
Fast, professional maintenance
24/7 service for emergencies
Experienced, licensed technicians
A seamless experience for tenants and landlords
Whether you’re a tenant needing help or a homeowner tired of handling repairs, we’re here to make your rental experience smooth, efficient, and stress-free.
Contact Us Today
Serving the Greater Seattle Area
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Call us to learn how we can manage and maintain your property the right way.