Door Lock Maintenance

Keeping your door locks in good condition can help to prevent wear and tear, lock outs and general locking issues, but it can also play a big role in maintaining the security of your home. Well maintained and lubricated locks can ensure that they are working correctly, keeping your home, values and family safe.

 

Lock Maintenance Top Tips

  1. Clean your locks regularly: we suggest cleaning the outside your locks regularly to prevent the build up of dirt and debris. A damp cloth with dish soap is ideal.
  2. Lubricate your locks: you should lubricate your locks every 3-6 months with a graphite power or water-based/silicone-based lubricant, such as the CK Microfine Dry Lubricant.
  3. Check the alignment of your door: doors out of alignment will cause unnecessary pressure on your locks, if there is not an even gap around the outside of your door, you might need to adjust the hinges.
  4. Avoid slamming doors: slamming doors can loosen door hinges which in term will cause misalignment, so be sure to always close your door gently when you can.
  5. Keep an eye on your keys: make sure your key is easy to use in the lock, don’t use force or pull on the key to close or open the door. Likewise, if your key is damaged don’t use it as it could snap and damage the lock too.

 

person cleaning lock on upvc door

 

  1. Use a damp close to wipe away dirt, debris and stains.
  2. Use a compressed air can to gently clean out the keyhole. Don’t position it too close as this can cause rust.

Top Tip: avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or WD-40, as these can damage your locks.

 

It’s important that you lubricate your locks so that they continue to work smoothly and don’t cause issues like your key getting stuck or breaking off in the lock.

 

How to Lubricate Door Locks

  1. Use compressed air to remove any dusk in the lock.
  2. Apply a dry graphite lubricant to your key and the keyhole
  3. Gently insert, remove and re-insert the key into the keyhole

 

Don’t panic if you’re having lock issues and lubricating your locks doesn’t work. Our locksmiths are able to service, repair and replace your locks, so that your door goes back to good working condition and your home remains safe.

 

Issues with your door lock?

Call a Keytek® Locksmith

Jim Lockwood
Locksmith at Keytek Locksmiths

Jim Lockwood is a fully qualified locksmith with over 10 years of hands-on experience in domestic, commercial, and emergency locksmith services across the UK. Holding a Level 4 NCFE Locksmithing accreditation—Jim is a trusted authority in lock security, key systems, and burglary prevention. As Keytek’s lead technical content specialist, Jim draws on real-world experience to create detailed, trustworthy resources that help homeowners, tenants, and professionals make informed decisions about their security. From guiding readers through emergency lockout procedures to explaining locksmith pricing, his content combines expert knowledge with practical, easy-to-follow advice. Throughout his career, Jim has tackled a wide range of locksmithing scenarios—including uPVC door lock failures, snapped keys in locks, and high-security upgrades and remains actively engaged in the locksmith industry, staying up to date on emerging technologies, British Standards, and security legislation. This ensures that every guide, article, and tutorial he authors is not only accurate and actionable but also aligned with the latest best practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Lubricate Should I Use for Locks?

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A graphite powder or a silicone / Teflon-based lubricate are best for door locks.

Can You Use WD-40 on Locks?

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No, you should never use regular WD-40 on locks. WD-40 is a solvent-based lubricant and can make your lock worse by gumming it up. WD-40 does do a silicone-based version which can be used, but there are other products which are better suited for door lock maintenance.

Why Do Keys Get Stuck in Locks?

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Keys can get stuck in locks for a few different reasons:

  • Worn-out keys
  • Broken or bent keys
  • Incorrect key
  • Debris, dust or dirt in the lock or on the key
  • Damaged locks
  • Lack of lubrication

If your lock has gotten stuck in your lock then you should call out a local locksmith to help remove the key using non-destructive methods.