How to Fix a Squeaky Bed

Do you have trouble sleeping? Do you spend half the night tossing and turning, waking up every minute because of your squeaky bed? 

Your bed squeaking can get on your nerves and even negatively impact your health!

Are beds supposed to make noise? And what can you do about it? 

Here are some tips on how to fix a squeaky bed. 

Find the Source

The first step you need to take is to locate the source of the noise. 

Squeaky Mattress

Do you think that your mattress is to blame? 

Well, that’s unlikely if you have an all-foam mattress. Latex and memory foam mattresses are pretty noiseless. 

Innerspring mattresses and hybrid mattresses are generally noisy beds, though. To test this, place your mattress on a clean floor and listen closely for any unwanted noises. 

The good news is that a squeaky mattress is the least likely option, but the bad news is that if that’s the case, you’ll need to get a new bed. Most warranties don’t cover a squeaky bed.

Squeaky Bed Frame

A squeaky frame is typical. The best way to check for this is to eliminate mattresses and box springs first, then push slightly against the frame to locate the noisy spot. 

The good news is that most noise issues related to bed frames can be easily fixed with some DIY tips and tricks. The cause of the bed squeak is most likely a loose bolt or friction from bed slats. 

Squeaky Box Spring

If you use a box spring, know that it’s the most likely cause of a squeaky bed. Test this the same way you’d test a mattress. Put the box spring on the clean floor and put some pressure on it to pinpoint what’s making the noises. 

The issue could either be in the wooden frame or the coils. And if it’s time to get an entirely new box spring, check your warranty and bed frame. Maybe you don’t even need it. 

Uneven Floor

Lastly, the cause of the bed squeak could be uneven floorboards. This isn’t the case in most modern houses and apartments, but it could still happen. 

If you notice that the bed is wobbly, and if no other part makes any noise, check out your floor. You should add something to level the playing field. 

How to Fix a Squeaky Mattress

Unfortunately, in most cases, a squeaky mattress means it’s time to get a new one. But here’s how you can try to fix a squeaky bed.

Rotate the Mattress

If you have a flippable mattress, flip it. If it isn’t flippable, you can rotate it to try to get rid of the noise. It would be best if you did this every three months to make the mattress last longer. 

Add Plywood

Putting a piece of plywood between the mattress, the box spring, or the bed frame can help. This provides firmer support, but can only be helpful for a short period of time. 

Center the Mattress

Your mattress could also squeak if it’s not put on the bed frame correctly. Ensure it’s appropriately centered on the bed frame or box spring. 

Mattress Topper

One way to minimize a mattress’s squeakiness is to use a mattress topper. Toppers are usually applied to improve the comfort of the bed, but they can also be used as buffers in this case. 

Get a New Mattress

If all else fails, it’s time to get a new mattress. If an innerspring or a hybrid bed gets noisy, it usually means it is losing the supportiveness, which is terrible for you. 

If you don’t want your mattress to squeak in the future, invest in a memory foam mattress or a latex mattress. 

How to Fix a Squeaky Bed Frame

The good news is that most issues with squeaky bed frames can be fixed at home. This is how you fix a squeaky bed frame.

Tighten the Joints

Always check all the joints first! The squeakiness is usually their fault. 

Get your tools, or visit a hardware store, and tighten any loose joints and all the bolts. This should help stabilize the frame and stop it from making noise, but if it doesn’t, follow our next tips. 

Oil the Joints

After you tighten any screws and bolts, use something to grease the area and stop the friction. You can use a few coats of WD-40 or similar products, even vegetable oil, on a metal bed frame.

A little wax or soap can help reduce friction on wood parts. The contact points in wooden frames use a metal hook. These stringers rub together, so you need to spray lubricant on them if you want to reduce noise.

If this doesn’t get rid of the squeaky noise, the problem lies somewhere else. 

Add Cushioning

Adding some cushioning to the empty spaces of the frame can also help eliminate the squeak. The friction is making noise, so a layer of fabric between the bed and the frame should get the job done. Put your old t-shirt and kitchen towels to good use!

If you have a wooden bed frame, you can also put pieces of cork between the mattress and the bed frame to minimize the noise. 

Add Floor Padding

The source of the creaks could also be the contact between the bed and the floor. Place furniture pads or rubber caster cups under the legs of the bed frame to stop it from moving around and creating friction. A quick fix is to use a thin piece of fabric, like old t-shirts, beneath the legs.

Get a New Bed Frame

Most of the issues with a creaky bed frame can be fixed with DIY remedies, but sometimes the structural problems of the structure can become so bad that the best course of action is to get an entirely new one. If none of the above tips work, it’s time to refresh your bedroom! 

How to Fix a Squeaky Box Spring

Box springs are a common source of a squeaky bed. Here’s how you can fight it. 

Oil the Coils

If your box spring has squeaky coils, you can try lubricating them. Flip it over and cut a small hole in the fabric to get to the coils. Next, spray some WD-40 or similar products on the springs to eliminate the sounds. 

Use Padding

The friction between the box spring and the bed frame can also be the noise source. If that’s the case, try adding some thin fabric materials, like an old towel or old socks, between the box spring and the bed frame to create a tighter fit. 

Get a New Box Spring

Unfortunately, even though it’s common, a squeaky box spring is usually a sign that you need to get a new one. Get shopping if the coils are too damaged and the structural issues aren’t worth it. 

The Best Noiseless Bed Frames

Is your noisy bed frame making you tired in more ways than one? Here’s the list of the most noise free bed frames you could get. 

Platform Beds

Platform beds have a firm support layer, so there’s no need to use a box spring. All of the parts are set in place, and you can only get noises from some friction or loose bolts, which are easy to fix. 

Metal Beds

If you take care of a metal bed frame and keep the joints lubricated, you shouldn’t have any squeakiness. A metal frame is very sturdy and durable. 

Slatted Beds

Slatted beds aren’t as solid as platform beds, but the wood slats are still enough to handle the stop the noise, if they’re lubricated well enough. They’re also very breathable. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Wood or Metal Frames Squeak More?

Metal bed frames squeak more than wood bed frames, but only if you don’t take care of them properly. Use oil and tighten the bolts to ensure your metal bed frame doesn’t get noisy. 

How to Fix a Squeaky Wooden Bed Frame?

If your wooden bed frame is getting squeaky, you may need to tighten the bolts or use some lubrication. Candle wax, soap, or baby powder get the job done, and you can even use something petroleum-based, like WD-40. 

How Often Should I Replace My Mattress and Sleep Products?

A typical bed lasts around eight years, depending on its materials and quality. When it comes to bed frames and box springs, they tend to last ten years or sometimes even more. 

A new mattress and bed accessories are essential as soon as they stop being supportive because an unsupportive bed can lead to discomfort and joint pain. 

Final Thoughts

Well, this is our guide on how to fix a squeaky bed.

Fixing a noisy bed works most of the time, but sometimes you must be willing to let go and get new bedroom furniture. 

Whatever the case, we wish you good luck!