How to Fix a Squeaky Bed and How Can You Stop the Noise

Type “how to fix a squeaky bed” on Google, and you’ll get about seven million results. Guess like we all have a story to tell.

That obnoxious sound that gets worse with your twists and turns prevents you from reaching REM is one of the most frustrating things ever.

Well, not anymore. With our guide on how to fix squeaking beds, you won’t have to ask yourself:

  • “How to stop bed from squeaking?”
  • “Why is my bed squeaky?”
  • “Why does my bed squeak?” a hundred times.

Why Does My Bed Squeak: Bad Bed Springs

Why Does My Bed Squeak: Bad Bed Springs, old bed mattress springs

The first step on how to fix a squeaky bed is to determine its cause.

The most common reason you could be hearing those tiny squeaks at night is that the springs of your old mattress have worn out.

Like with anything else, an innerspring mattress loses its freshness over time. The foam gets old, so as the springs.

In most cases, a squeaky mattress means that the springs inside it are no longer compressing the way they used to.

While you are most probably bothered by the sound right now, worn-out bed springs are an indication of a more serious problem: poor support for your spine.

As you may know, good posture is essential whether you're standing, sitting, or sleeping.

At the most basic, a traditional innerspring mattress utilizes a network of interconnected coils for support.

They keep your mattress firm enough to support your weight, so your spine stays aligned while you sleep.

Therefore, the worn-out springs inside your mattress aren’t just bothering you by their annoying sound but also increasing your risk of chronic back pain.

The Best Fix

Now, you might ask, “How do I get my bed to stop squeaking if I’m using a spring mattress?"

Well, here’s the thing: the average lifespan of spring mattresses is from five to six years.

If your mattress has crossed the line already, there's nothing left for you to do but to say goodbye.

The thing is, once the springs have gone bad, you can't replace them anymore.

Maybe you can, but that would be more expensive than buying a new one.

Thus, the best solution is just to get rid of your obnoxiously squeaky spring mattress.

Now, do note that other types of mattresses also contain springs, including a hybrid mattress.

Even a box spring can be a culprit. It's a type of bed support consisting of a wooden or metal frame filled with coils and wrapped in fabric.

It's primarily used for an innerspring mattress and designed to sit on top of a bed frame.

Like spring mattresses, the coils inside a spring box also wear out over time, and you may need to replace it once it starts squeaking.

However, before you do, check if you really need one.

The reason is that newer versions of mattresses don't require a spring box anymore.

We suggest you consider foam mattresses because they will never squeak, and they generally have longer lifespans than a traditional spring mattress.

What Causes a Bed To Creak: Foundation Structures

If you’re not using a spring mattress or a spring box, then the culprit is none other than your bed frame.

Okay, this is a more complicated issue but can have several fixes rather than an expensive replacement.

What Causes a Bed To Creak: Foundation Structures, bed structure withour mattress

The Best Fix

Bed foundations are typically made of either wood or metal.

Wooden Frame

If you’re using a wooden bed frame, there could be several possible reasons why it creaks.

One has to do with the weather. Weather changes can impact your bed frame since heat causes wood to expand, while cold temperature makes it shrink.

If where you live is always humid, you’re likely to have issues with creaking beds.

Another reason your wooden bed creaks are loose joints.

Most bed frames and foundations are held together by joints, and they are usually the cause of annoying creaks.

That said, the swelling and shrinking of wood can cause the screws to loosen.

Lastly, the friction between the mattress components or box spring and the foundation can cause excessive noise.

For example, the wooden edges of a box spring may rub against your bed frame.

Metal Frame

How about metal bed frames? Do they squeak?

Generally, metal bed foundations are less likely to squeak since metal doesn't shrink or expand with weather changes.

That said, poorly made metal bed frames are prone to squeaking, and the most common cause is loose joints.

The welded points or joints are the weakest points of any metal structure.

Sometimes, these joints break without you noticing it and cause a squeaky sound.

Friction is also a common cause of squeaking in metal bed frames which can happen if your bed hasn’t been tightened properly during assembly.

How Do You Stop a Wooden Bed From Squeaking?

Below are the specific steps on how to stop bed from squeaking if it's made of wood.

Step #1: Locate the Source

Rock the bed frame to find the squeak. This step is best done with another person.

Basically, one rocks the bed, while the other one locates the noise.

Step #2: Tighten the Joints

Tigthen the joints of a squeaky wooden bed, srewdriver on screw in wood

Tighten the joints using a wrench or a screwdriver.

Additionally, you can replace the metal washers with plastic washers to further tighten the fit.

Step #3: Lubricate the Screws

Most of the time, simply tightening the bolts will stop the squeaking.

If your bed still creaks, consider removing the screws and spray them with a lubricant before putting them back.

You can also just replace the screws altogether.

Step #4: Check the Slats

If your bed foundation is slatted, inspect the wood slats for cracking or bending and replace delaminated pieces.

If necessary, remove the wood slats from the bed frame and wipe paraffin wax along your bed frame's edges where the slats sit to lubricate and lessen the squeaking.

How Do You Stop a Metal Bed Frame From Squeaking?

For your squeaky metal bed frames, here's what you need to do:

Step #1: Tighten the Bolts

Loosen all the bolts in your metal bed frame and then tighten them up one at a time.

If you still have the manual, try to tighten the bolts based on the order of instruction to ensure a secure fit throughout the bed frame components.

Step #2: Lubricate the Joints

Add a little oil between all the joints, which are normally between the headboard or footboard and the side rails.

Step #3: Check the Head-end Leg Extensions

If your bed frame has legs in the center, check if they aren't loose or moving around.

If they have come loose, take them out and reseat them.

Before attaching them back to your bed frame, put tape around the unpainted part.

Step #4: Replace Delaminated Slats

Delamination of slats in metal bed frames can also cause some noise.

Slightly and carefully move each slat with your hand to check if they squeak. If they do, replace them.

How To Fix a Squeaky Bed: The Conclusion

At this point, you have the answer to your question, “Why is my bed squeaky?”

Learning how to fix squeaking beds can save your life, seriously.

By busting those annoying squeaks and creaks, you can expect a deeper and restful slumber.

Again, if the source of the noise is worn-out springs in your mattress, the best fix is to replace it.

On the other hand, if the noise comes from your bed frame, know that you can almost have it fixed by yourself, whether you’re using a wood or metal bed foundation.

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