lubrication
I've heard an opinion that using graphite lubricant on door hinges can lead to metal abrasion and damaging the hinges. The idea is that graphite has abrasive properties and thus can damage metal.
Is this true? Should I use graphite lubricant on door hinges and similar metal parts around the house?
Properly lubricating the hinges should stop the squeaks. In short, you remove the hinges from the door, lubricate them, and put them back.
You'll want to use white lithium grease. It works very well for metal on metal contact.
I'm assuming simple door hinges here, like these
You'll want to do each door one at time.
Long Process
Short Process
Do one door first, and give it few days to make sure the squeak is gone.
Best Answer
After reading @woodchips answer and throwing in my $0.02 offhand, I did a bit of research. I found this article on the use (or non-use) of graphite on aircraft. The article mentions that metals such as aluminum, magnesium, zinc, and cadmium may experience galvanic corrosion when exposed to graphite lubricant. Since galvanic corrosion requires an electrolyte, you might be okay if your metal components are inside, and not in a wet area.
The article also mentions that graphite can damage stainless steel at high temperatures. (Probably not going to be an issue in a home though. If it is, you may have other problems like a house fire, and probably won't care much about your hinges at the moment.)