When an interior door suddenly sticks, it can be a major inconvenience. Fortunately, there are several common causes that are relatively easy to diagnose and fix. Typically, sticking doors are caused by weather, the wrong door for the job, the wrong fit, regular wear and tear, and a seasonal change. Here's a closer look at the five most common causes of interior doors suddenly sticking and what you can do to fix them.5 Common Causes of Interior Doors Suddenly Sticking | House Designs
Most interior door sticking problems are caused by one of five scenarios. High humidity can cause swelling, causing your door to stick suddenly and unexpectedly. An improperly sized or hung door can also cause sticking. If the door is either too small or too large for the frame, it will cause it to rub against the sides as you open and close it. Additionally, wear and tear can cause sticking as dust, dirt, and grime accumulate on tracks and hinges.Why Does a Door Stick and How Do You Stop It? | House Designs
For sticking doors caused by weather-related swelling, the fix is relatively easy. You just need to wait for the humidity to decrease and the door to dry out. If the sticking is caused by the wrong size door, you may need to replace either the door or the frame to make sure they match up. You may also need to adjust the hinges, trim, or door handle if the sticking door is caused by regular wear and tear. How to Fix a Sticking Door | House Designs
For a door that is sticking due to a seasonal change, such as a hot summer, the solution is usually as easy as running a dehumidifier in the room or near the door. This will help take the moisture out of the air, reducing the swelling and, thus, the sticking. If the door has minor sticking because of the wrong size or wear and tear, you can use a file or sandpaper to sand away a portion of the door edge to help it slide open and closed more easily.Fix a Door That Sticks | House Designs
If your door is sticking because of regular wear and tear, there are several simple solutions you can try. Carefully clean the tracks on either side of the door and the hinges that hold the door in place. Additionally, lubricating the tracks and hinges with WD-40 or mineral oil will help the door open and close more easily. For sticking caused by a wrong size, you may need to adjust the hinges, trim, or door handle.How to Stop an Interior Door from Rubbing & Sticking | House Designs
If your door is stuck completely shut, it's likely due to swelling in the door or frame caused by excess moisture in the air. In these cases, the fix is as simple as waiting for the humidity to decrease. You can speed up the process by pointing a fan directly at the door or running a dehumidifier in the room. Once the door is dry, it should open easily.Help! My Door Is Stuck | House Designs
A door can jam due to several causes, including a wrong size for the frame, regular wear and tear, or a seasonal change. High humidity levels can cause swelling, making the door hard to open and close. Additionally, dust, dirt, and grime can accumulate on tracks and hinges, causing sticking and binding. Fixing a sticking door is usually as easy as running a dehumidifier, cleaning the tracks and hinges, and lubricating with WD-40 or mineral oil.What Causes a Door to Stick and Jam? | House Designs
If your door is stuck closed and won't open, the likely culprit is excess moisture in the air causing swelling. Firstly, try to open it by adding some extra force. Try putting a flat head screwdriver under the door and carefully pushing up – then you can use both the doorknob and the screwdriver to open it. If this doesn't work, wait for the humidity to reduce, which can be sped up by running a dehumidifier nearby or pointing a fan at the door.How to Fix a Door That's Stuck Closed | House Designs
How to Fix a Swollen Door | House Designs
Interior Doors Suddenly Sticking

Identifying & Correcting the Issue

Long-term Fix - Resizing the Door or Replacing the Hinge

Lubrication Can Help, Too
