Figured out a cheap trick for fixing squeaky stairs without buying a special kit

Honestly, I had this one stair in my hallway that would squeak every time you stepped on it, drove me nuts for like 2 years. I tried screwing the tread down from the top but that looked ugly and didn't even fix it. Then my buddy who does flooring told me to just grab some baby powder and puff it into the gaps between the tread and the riser. I did that last Saturday in my house near Columbus and the squeak was gone instantly. The powder acts as a dry lubricant so the wood stops rubbing together. Cost me nothing since I already had the powder in the bathroom. Has anyone else tried something like this or got a better way for the really stubborn spots?

2 comments

2 Comments

lilyfisher1d ago

Oh man, the baby powder trick is genius, I did the same thing on my squeaky stairs last month and it worked like a charm. I had tried everything else too, even shoving wax paper in the cracks, but the powder just disappears and does its job without any mess. It's wild how such a simple fix can save you from that awful creak every single time you walk by.

evaperez19h ago

Does the powder buildup ever cause issues down the road though? I've heard it can attract bugs or get sticky if it gets damp.