Noisy beds aren’t just annoying – they can keep you awake at night! If you’re wondering how to fix a squeaky bed, read on! We’ll help you keep your bed silent, whether the sound is coming from your mattress, box spring, or bed frame.
Why Is My Bed Squeaking?
Before you can fix the problem, you’ll need to identify the source. When your bed starts to creak, it usually comes from one of these three places:
Bed Frame
Bed frames tend to squeak when bolts loosen or humidity causes the wood to warp. To figure out if this is the culprit, examine the corners of your bed frame and wiggle the sides. If it appears unstable, there’s a good chance you may need to adjust your bed frame.
Mattress
As time goes on, hybrid and innerspring mattresses have a tendency to squeak. If your bed has springs at the bottom, press into the top layers of the mattress and listen for noise.
Box Spring
If your box spring creates sound, it’s usually due to two reasons: Either the wooden frame is scraping against the frame or the springs have become old and squeaky.
To find the source of your problem, move your mattress off the bed and press into the box spring. If that doesn’t sound noisy, chances are the box spring is rubbing against your bed frame.
How To Fix A Squeaky Bed Frame
Whether they’re made out of wood or metal, bed frames can become a noisy nuisance. Fortunately, there are many ways to silence them! Here are the most effective tactics:
Tighten the Bolts
First things first – check the bolts. Over time, these can loosen and squeak. You can often fix the problem using only a screwdriver or Allen wrench.
Lubricate The Frame
If loose joints aren’t the culprit, try lubricating the frame. First, identify the general area that’s creating sound. If you have a metal frame, apply some WD40 to the noisy spot. If you have a wooden frame, use a gentle lubricant such as candle wax or beeswax.
Use Cork
Don’t want to place WD40 or beeswax on your bed frame? Cork is a great alternative. All you need to do is place pieces of cork between the squeaky wood or metal. This will cushion the frame and help reduce noise.
Cushion the Slats
Similarly, you can cushion noisy slats with an old T-shirt or pair of socks. This prevents the support beams from rubbing against each other, which reduces the annoying sound.
Even The Legs of The Frame
Still haven’t solved your problem? You might need to expand your view. It’s possible your bed might squeak because the legs are wobbly. This can happen for a few reasons, but it’s most likely due to uneven floorboards. This is an easy problem to fix – simply place a thick piece of cardboard under the uneven leg to keep the bed stable and secure.
If you have a metal bed frame with casters, you may need to purchase some rubber caster cups from the hardware store. These typically only cost about $5 for a pack of four, and they’re easy to install.
Replace Your Bed Frame
If you’ve tried all of these tactics, it might be time to purchase a new bed frame. There are many to choose from, so no matter your personal taste and budget, you should find something that will look great in your home.
If you tend to snore, you might want to consider getting an adjustable base. These frames allow sleepers to raise the head of the bed, which opens up airways and helps snorers find relief. They’re also beneficial for people with acid reflux and muscle issues! Check out our list of the best adjustable bed bases for some ideas.
How To Fix A Squeaky Mattress
Though it might seem like a lost cause, there are many effective ways to fix a squeaky mattress.
Rotate the Mattress
Sometimes, mattresses can squeak because the filling in the comfort layer has shifted. Before you try a more in-depth approach, rotate your mattress and see if that solves the problem. Or, if your bed is flippable, turn your mattress upside down and see if the squeaking stops.
Cushion with Plywood
If rotating doesn’t work, try placing a thin piece of plywood under your mattress. This is a good short-term fix, but we don’t expect it to solve the issue forever. If your mattress is squeaking, it’s often a sign of wear and tear and it might be time to purchase a new one.
Add a Mattress Topper
Noise often occurs due to the pressure placed on the springs. A topper will absorb some of that pressure, and many of them won’t break the bank! Check out our list of the best mattress toppers for some ideas.
Purchase a New Mattress
If the previous tactics don’t work, it might be time to buy a new mattress. Innerspring mattresses typically last 7-10 years, and if you don’t replace them, you might develop some back problems.
Memory foam mattresses tend to stay silent for their entire lifespan, but if you love that springy feel, take a look at our list of the best hybrid mattresses.
How To Fix A Squeaky Box Spring
Box springs tend to create a lot of sound, there are two easy ways to quiet the noise.
Spray Lubricant On The Springs
Over time, the innersprings can croak and squeak. To fix this problem, flip the box spring upside down and cut a hole in the fabric. Then, lubricate the springs with WD40 and let the oil dry for a few minutes. When you flip it over, you shouldn’t hear any more annoying sounds.
Place Padding Around the Box Spring
Box springs sometimes make noise when they move against the bed frame. If this is what’s causing your issue, try cushioning the box spring. You don’t need anything fancy for this – old T-shirts work wonders.
If you’re still hearing squeaking noises, you might want to forgo the box spring altogether. Nowadays, most mattresses don’t need box springs at all! You can place a mattress directly on a platform frame and rest easy.
FAQs
Still wondering about how to fix a squeaky bed? Check out our FAQ section below.
Why does my bed squeak when I move?
Beds can squeak for many reasons, but it usually occurs in three places: the mattress, the bed frame, or the box spring. If your mattress is the culprit, it’s most likely due to its innersprings. Over time, this support mechanism can creak and squeak. Bed frames also create sound when the bolts become loose. Box springs, like mattresses, tend to create noise as time goes on.
How do I stop my bed from squeaking?
There are many ways to stop your bed from squeaking, but before you start fixing it, you’ll need to identify the source. If your mattress is the culprit, you can try rotating your mattress, cushioning it, or adding a mattress topper. There are many ways to fix a squeaky bed frame. First, try tightening the bolts. If that doesn’t work, you may want to cushion the slats or lubricate the frame. Box spring causing your issue? You can easily fix this problem by cutting a small hole in the fabric and oiling the springs. Sometimes, box springs create noise when they scrape against the bed frame. If that’s happening, you can muffle the sound by adding padding around the box spring.
Do wood or metal bed frames squeak more?
Metal bed frames tend to squeak more than wooden ones. Luckily, it’s easy to solve this problem. Just grab a can of WD40 and oil the joints.
Are beds supposed to squeak?
If your mattress, bed frame, or box spring starts squeaking, that’s usually an indication that it needs replacing. However, you can alleviate the noise and extend the lifespan of your bed with a few easy home remedies.
