Determine where the door is sticking and lubricate the area so it slides easier. Rubbing soap or wax on the sticking area will often help. Silicone spray lubricant, sold at most home centers and hardware stores, also can be used. Try shims.
Lubricate the sticky part: Rub a candle against the edge of the door where it is sticking to lubricate and remove the friction. Candle was is an excellent lubricant and it's not messy. Alternatives to candle wax here are petroleum jelly and beeswax.
Replace the Screws
If the problem is stripped screws, then replacing the screws should allow you to tighten the hinges and strike plate, an easy method for how to fix a sticky door. However, if stripped screw holes or a sagging doorframe are causing the door to stick, you need to get 3-inch screws.
A popular choice that many choose to stop doors making a squeaking sound is to spray the hinge with some silicone. Available at most good hardware stores, it's free from grease and oil and is safe to use on wood, metal, plastic, and rubber.
Once you get a can of WD-40, you can get your door lubricated within minutes and open jammed doors with the utmost ease. It also helps you maintain the smooth functioning of your door lock.
If the swelling is due to humidity, using a fan or dehumidifier can help reduce the moisture and make it easier to open. Will a swollen door go back to normal? Sometimes, yes! If the humidity drops, a swollen door might shrink back to its original size.
Often, a door not closing properly is a hinge issue. Grab a screwdriver and tighten those screws on both the door and the frame. If the screw holes are feeling a bit loose, consider using longer screws, such as 2-3" screws or inserting wooden dowels (or even some wooden toothpicks) for a sturdier fix.
One of the most common reasons for wood doors to stick is fluctuations in humidity. Wood is a natural material that expands when it absorbs moisture and contracts when it dries out. In humid environments, doors can swell, causing them to fit too tightly in their frames.
The good news is that a sticking door is often easy to fix. Tightening the strike plate and hinges are reliable ways to fix a door that sticks. If that doesn't work, replacing the hinge screws with longer screws usually does the trick.
If the door is sticking in several places, it could be swollen because of the humidity. This is likely to be the problem if your door sticks in summer, but is fine during the winter. If you have one, try running your air conditioner to get rid of the moisture in the air. Running a dehumidifier can help, too.
Top of our list is PTFE lubricants. Polytetrafluoroethylene, or PTFE, is a Teflon-based lubricant that dries inside the lock to leave behind a non-stick, water-repellent film on all the surfaces.
Clean and Lubricate
Dirt and grime build up from around your house can cause friction so that the door unfortunately sticks. Clean the door and frame with soapy water, then apply a lubricant like WD-40 to the hinges.
If the closer doesn't close the door completely—or the door springs back slightly when you try to manually shut it—it's possible the arm has been installed incorrectly. You can locate most installation instructions on the door closer manufacturer's web site to assess if installation was done correctly.
To try and fix a door latch stuck within a door, use a flathead screwdriver or a Philips head screwdriver to free the latch. Open the door and hold it in an open position with a door wedge. Next, place the screwdriver at the top of the latch and use a hammer to tap the latch and remove any obstructions gently.
Using a Dehumidifier
Place a dehumidifier near the problem door to reduce ambient moisture. This can help shrink the swollen wood and alleviate sticking. A dehumidifier can be a great solution for temporary humidity issues.
The most likely cause is that the latch isn't engaging properly with the strike plate – the two crucial parts that need to interact in order for the door to stay closed. You'll generally be able to tell by the absence of any clicks or snaps when you push the door closed.
Finding the Sticking Point
If the sticking point isn't clear, one handy tip is to apply chalk onto the edge of the door – you'll be able to spot the chalk on the door frame after opening and closing, quickly identifying the problem area.
Grime buildup: Heavy areas of grime on door frames can also make it stick. Squeaky hinges: Evidence that oiling or replacing the hinges can help fix a sticky door. Loose screws: If the screws on the door jamb are loose, they can make the door hard to open in winter and summer.