This is our review of the best Garage Door lubricants in 2023.

When creating my 5-minute guide to Garage door maintenance, I discovered a lot of incorrect information about what garage door lubricant to use. 

In fact, many sites recommended a type of lubricant that every major garage door manufacturer explicitly said NOT to use!

For example, depending on whether you have steel, plastic, or nylon garage door rollers, you need a different lubricant. Using the wrong lubricant can actually damage your rollers, causing them to disintegrate. 

This article will show you how to choose the correct garage door lubricant to help keep your garage door running smoothly and silently, no matter what type of garage door you have. 

Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or a novice homeowner, you’ll find valuable information and practical tips for maintaining your garage door and extending its lifespan. 

---

What to Look for in the Best Garage Door Lubricant

No matter which type of lubricant you choose, there are some critical things to consider.

There are two main types of garage door lubricants: silicone-based and white lithium-based. Plant-based or eco-friendly lubricants exist but occupy a much smaller market segment, so we’ll only briefly touch on them in this article. 

Is it Compatible with Your Garage Door?

As I mentioned, some lubricants will actually damage your garage door. So choosing one compatible with how your garage door was constructed is critical. 

I asked the five major US-based garage door manufacturers what type of lubricant they recommend, and here’s what they said. 

Amarr recommends lubricating their garage doors yearly with “Amarr Super Lube or similar non-silicone-based lubricant (e.g., 10W-30 motor oil).”

Cloplay recommends lubricating their garage doors “at least twice per year…with Clopay Garage Door Pro Lube or a synthetic lubricant.” Although they don’t prohibit using a silicone-based lubricant, it’s worth noting that their product does not contain silicone.

Overhead Door doesn’t specify a type of lubrication for their garage doors beyond saying that “a 30w or other medium weight oil is satisfactory.”

Raynor is the only garage door manufacturer to recommend a “silicone or Teflon® based spray.” They also warn against “WD-40® type lubricant (oil based) or grease.”

Wayne-Dalton recommends a “non-silicon-based lubricant.”

Why the different recommendations?

It all comes down to what type of garage door rollers you have. 

Generally speaking, White Lithium grease is perfect for steel or nylon garage door rollers but not safe for plastic parts. If your garage door has plastic rollers, use a silicone-based lubricant instead. 

Viscosity

The lubricant’s viscosity (thickness) determines its ability to reduce friction. Typically, a high-viscosity lubricant will be more effective at reducing wear and tear but attracts more dirt and debris. In contrast, a low-viscosity lubricant won’t last as long but will be easier to apply.

White lithium grease is typically thicker than silicone lubricants, making it ideal for lubricating metal tracks and rollers of your garage door. The thick consistency of white lithium grease allows it to adhere to these components, providing longer protection.

Silicone lubricants, on the other hand, are typically thinner and have a lower viscosity than white lithium grease. This makes them better suited for lubricating plastic components, such as the hinges and weatherstripping of your garage door. 

Silicone lubricants’ lower viscosity allows them to penetrate into small spaces and coat the surfaces of plastic components more effectively.

Temperature Range

The temperature range of your location can also be a determining factor. 

Extreme temperatures can cause lubricants to break down, evaporate, or become too thick or thin, compromising their effectiveness and reducing the lifespan of your garage door’s components.

White lithium grease performs better than silicone lubricants, particularly in colder temperatures. It maintains its viscosity and lubricating properties in temperatures as low as -18°C (-0.4°F), which makes it an excellent choice for areas with cold winters. It also has a higher melting point than silicone lubricants, making it more effective in high-temperature environments.

Silicone lubricants may become too thin and runny in colder temperatures and require more frequent reapplication. However, they are still a good option for areas with mild temperatures.

Ultimately, the choice between silicone lubricants and white lithium grease will depend on your area’s specific temperature range and the materials and components of your garage door system. 

---

Best Overall: WD-40 White Lithium Grease

I’ve used WD-40 White Lithium Grease on my garage door for years. It’s a high-viscosity spray lubricant that goes on thick and doesn’t run. 

It is compatible with all garage door materials, including metal, nylon, and plastic, making it the go-to choice for most homeowners. Additionally, its high viscosity provides long-lasting protection against wear and tear on the moving parts of your garage door.

WD-40 White Lithium grease has excellent water resistance, which helps protect against rust and corrosion on metal components. This makes it particularly useful in areas with high humidity or heavy rainfall.

Overall, WD-40 White Lithium Grease is the best garage door lubricant for most homeowners. 

---

Runner Up: Blaster High-Performance White Lithium Grease

Blaster High-Performance White Lithium Grease came in a close second. When applying it, it came out very foamy and didn’t penetrate the moving parts of my garage door as well as the WD-40. 

That could give Blaster White Lithium Grease a lower operating temperature range than the WD-40. Blaster recommends their product up to -20 degrees Fahrenheit, while the WD-40 White Lithium Grease is only rated to 0 degrees. (TDS sheets 1, 2)

Since it’s a white lithium grease, it is compatible with steel and nylon garage door rollers but should not be used on plastic rollers. 

Overall, Blaster High-Performance White Lithium Grease is an excellent lubricant if your garage gets below freezing, but you still want the benefits of white lithium grease. 

---

Best for Plastic Rollers: Blaster Chemical Company Garage Door Lube

While Blaster’s Garage Door Lubricant is their most popular product, I can only recommend it for homeowners with plastic garage door rollers. 

Because it’s silicone-based, it has a low viscosity, which makes it easy to apply and suitable for lighter use. It also has a wide temperature range, making it more suited for extremely cold and hot garages. (TDS Sheet)

That said, except for Raynor, most of the garage door manufacturers I polled explicitly recommend against using a silicone-based lubricant because it could damage plastic or rubber parts. 

If you have plastic garage door rollers, Blaster’s silicone-based lube is the best garage door lubricant to use. 

---

Best Eco-Friendly: Gear Hugger Eco Multipurpose Lubricant

Gear Hugger Eco Multipurpose Lubricant is an excellent plant-based lubricant. Because it’s based on vegetable oil, it doesn’t include silicone or petroleum, making it safe for steel, nylon, and plastic garage door rollers. 

I found Gear Hugger to have a low viscosity, similar to a silicone-based spray. That allowed it to penetrate into small gaps between parts but also meant a lot of oversprays and dripping. 

Like a silicone-based spray, Tree Hugger has a wide temperature range, so you can use it year-round to help your garage door operate smoothly. While Gear Hugger doesn’t list a safe operating temperature for their product, vegetable oil has a very high ignition temperature, meaning it should be safe, even in extremely hot garages. 

Overall, Gear Hugger Eco Multipurpose Lubricant is an excellent choice for those who want the benefits of a silicone-based spray while being more environmentally friendly. 

---

FAQ

Can you use WD-40 to lubricate a garage door?

WD-40 is a water-displacing spray designed to penetrate and loosen rusted parts. It can provide temporary lubrication, but it is not a lubricant, per se. 

Additionally, while it works well on rusted or corroded metal parts, it can attract dirt and dust. This may end up causing more harm than good to the moving components of your garage door. 

For proper lubrication of your garage door, it is recommended to use a silicone spray or white lithium grease. These lubricants are specifically designed for use on garage doors and provide long-lasting lubrication while preventing rust and corrosion. 

White Lithium Grease vs. Silicone Spray

Both silicone spray and white lithium grease have advantages and disadvantages for garage door lubrication. 

Silicone spray is a popular lubricant for garage doors because it is non-staining, non-corrosive, and dries quickly, leaving no residue. It is also highly effective at reducing friction and eliminating squeaks, making it an excellent option for those looking for a quick fix. 

However, silicone spray is less viscous than white lithium grease, meaning it doesn’t provide the same level of protection against wear and tear. Additionally, silicone spray is less effective in extreme heat and may wear off more quickly than other lubricants.

White lithium grease, on the other hand, is a thicker lubricant that offers longer-lasting protection. It is highly effective in extreme temperatures, making it a great option for those who live in areas with harsh weather conditions. 

That said, white lithium grease may leave behind residue and is unsuitable for use on plastic or rubber.

Both silicone spray and white lithium grease can be effective lubricants for garage doors, depending on your specific needs and preferences. Always consult your garage door manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure you use the correct lubricant for your garage door.

Can I use White Lithium Grease on Plastic?

White lithium grease is not recommended for use on plastic surfaces. It can damage plastic surfaces by softening, swelling, or degrading them over time.

When lubricating plastic components in your garage door, use a lubricant specifically designed for plastic, such as a silicone-based lubricant. 

It’s important to always read the manufacturer’s instructions before applying any lubricant to ensure that it is suitable for use on your garage door’s specific surfaces and materials. Using the wrong lubricant can damage your garage door, requiring costly repairs or replacements.

When Should You Use a Spray Lubricant vs. Grease Lubricant on a Garage Door?

Spray lubricants, such as silicone sprays or penetrating oils, are ideal for lubricating hard-to-reach areas or components with small moving parts. You can direct the spray precisely where it’s needed. The thin viscosity of the lubricant allows it to penetrate tight spaces. 

Spray lubricants are quick and easy to apply, making them perfect for routine maintenance.

In contrast, grease lubricants, such as white lithium grease, are ideal for lubricating metal components that experience heavy use. This includes your garage door’s rollers and torsion springs. Because grease lubricants are thicker than spray lubricants, they adhere to surfaces more effectively and provide long-lasting lubrication and protection against wear and tear. 

Grease lubricants are also ideal for components exposed to extreme temperatures or heavy loads.

In general, spray lubricants are better suited for routine maintenance and lubricating small components, while grease lubricants are better suited for heavy-duty lubrication and protecting metal components. 

How Often Should You Lubricate Your Garage Door?

It is generally recommended to lubricate your garage door at least once or twice a year. However, the frequency of lubrication may vary depending on how frequently you use your garage door and the environment in which you live.

If you use your garage door frequently, you may need to lubricate it more often, especially if it starts to squeak or grind. Similarly, you may need to lubricate your garage door more frequently if you live in an area with a lot of humidity or salt air.

I recommend lubricating your garage door during the change of seasons. This will help ensure that your garage door operates smoothly and quietly while prolonging its components’ life.

It’s also important to remember that regular maintenance and lubrication can help prevent costly repairs down the line. So, if you’re unsure when you last lubricated your garage door, it’s worth prioritizing it to avoid any potential issues.

How to Lubricate Your Garage Door

I have an article that shows my complete garage door maintenance routine, but here are some basic tips for lubricating your garage door:

1. Clean the components: Before lubricating your garage door, clean the parts thoroughly. Use a rag or a brush to remove any dirt, debris, or old lubricant that may have built up on the components. If you find any rusted metal parts, you can use red-cap WD-40 to break up the corrosion. 
2. Choose the right lubricant: Select the appropriate lubricant based on the type of garage door you have and the specific components that need lubrication. Metal and nylon rollers need white lithium grease, while plastic parts get silicone lubricant. 
3. Apply the lubricant: Apply the lubricant to the moving parts of your garage door, including rollers, hinges, springs, and bearings. Garage door tracks should be cleaned but never lubricated since this can attract dirt and debris.
4. Wipe off excess lubricant: After application, wipe off any excess with a rag. This will help prevent drips.
5. Test the door: Open and close the garage door several times. This will help distribute the lubricant evenly and ensure it works properly.
6. Repeat regularly: Lubrication should be performed at least every six months to ensure your garage door operates smoothly. There’s no such thing as over-lubricating your garage door. 

This will help you maintain your garage door’s performance and prevent costly repairs. 

The post The Best Garage Door Lubricants: #1 Isn’t What You Think! appeared first on Garage Transformed.