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The swelling of wood leads to irritating noises and difficulty in opening or closing them, which not only causes inconvenience but also reduces their lifespan
During the rainy season, wooden doors and windows begin to creak and jam due to excess moisture in the air. (Local18)
The rainy season brings welcome relief from the scorching heat, but it also causes several problems around the house. One common issue is that wooden doors and windows begin to creak and jam due to excess moisture in the air. The swelling of wood leads to irritating noises and difficulty in opening or closing them, which not only causes inconvenience but also reduces their lifespan.
To help you deal with these seasonal troubles, here are five simple yet effective home remedies to keep your doors and windows in good shape during the monsoon:
Use Mustard Or Coconut Oil
Moisture often causes the hinges of wooden doors and windows to rust or wear down, resulting in squeaky noises. A quick fix is to apply mustard oil, coconut oil, or WD-40 lubricant. Use a brush or cotton to apply the oil into the hinges, then open and close the door a few times to ensure it spreads evenly. The creaking should stop within minutes.
Apply Vaseline Or wax
Humidity causes wood to absorb moisture and swell, leading to stuck doors and windows. An easy solution is to apply Vaseline or rub candle wax along the edges. This prevents moisture from seeping in and helps the wood glide more smoothly.
Smoothen Bulging Areas With Sandpaper
Sometimes, parts of the door may swell and stick out, making it hard to close properly. In such cases, gently rub the raised area with sandpaper to restore its original shape. Afterwards, apply Vaseline or wax to protect it further.
Install Foam Strips Or Rubber Sealing Tape
If your doors or windows rattle in the wind or allow rainwater to seep through, consider using foam strips or rubber sealing tape, easily available in the market. Apply it along the edges of frames to reduce noise and block out water.
Apply Varnish Or Waterproof Coating
To prevent future problems, it’s best to get a waterproof polish or varnish applied to wooden surfaces before the monsoon begins. This coating protects the wood from absorbing moisture and extends its lifespan.
Avoid These Two Common Mistakes
- Don’t use grease or machine oil on hinges, as they attract dust and make the problem worse.
- Don’t dry wooden parts under harsh sunlight, as it can cause the wood to crack.
With these easy remedies, you can save yourself from the hassle of creaky, jammed doors this rainy season, without needing a carpenter.
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