Fix your squeaky bed for a better night’s sleep
No one likes to sleep on a squeaky bed. It can ruin a good night’s sleep and lead to long-term health problems associated with poor sleep quality, such as weight gain and high blood pressure. Plus, it can keep the people around you awake.
Luckily, it’s easy to fix a squeaky bed with these tried-and-true methods.
How to stop a bed from squeaking
Nearly any bed with springs or coils in it will start to squeak with time, including box springs and hybrid mattresses. Here are the best ways to eliminate the noise.
Remove and test mattress
Oftentimes, the source of the squeaking is the mattress itself. An all-foam mattress (memory foam, latex, etc.) won’t squeak, but hybrid and innerspring mattresses can become noisy over time. If you have one of these, it could be the source.
If the mattress has coils or springs, lay it out on the floor. Apply pressure to various parts of it to try to determine the source of the noise. If that doesn’t work, try laying on it and rolling or moving around. It may be time for a replacement if something inside the mattress is squeaking.
Rotate mattress
Mattresses should be rotated about once every 6 months. If you haven’t rotated your mattress in a while, do so now. It may rebalance the weight of the mattress and eliminate the noise.
Check box spring
Using the same method as above, test out the box spring for any squeaking. If the box spring is causing the noise, it most likely needs to be replaced or removed. Before getting a new box spring, decide if your bed needs one in the first place. A lot of modern mattresses don’t need to be paired with a box spring.
If you have a staple gun and some scissors handy, flip the box spring over and cut along the fabric near where it’s been stapled on one side. Then, lubricate any metal components or springs with WD-40. Once that’s done, staple the fabric back in place and return the box spring to its original location. Lay on the bed once more to see if the squeaking has stopped.
Check headboard or bed frame
Although the cause is often the mattress, the headboard or bed frame could be the reason behind the noise. Check if the mattress is flush with the headboard. If it isn’t, adjust it so that it is. Another option is to add some padding in the form of a thin blanket or cushion in between the top of the mattress and the headboard. It could also be that the headboard is rubbing up against the wall. The solution to that is to move the entire bed an inch or two away from the wall.
If the problem persists, remove the mattress and check along the sides, base and legs of the bed frame for any rickety areas, or give the frame a shake to test it for noisiness.
Adjust and lubricate bolts and screws
With time and regular use, the bolts and screws of the frame could loosen and cause the squeaking to occur. Using a screwdriver or wrench, tighten every bolt along the frame. Be sure to measure the bolts first to make sure the wrench is the right size.
As an added measure, lubricate the joints. On a metal frame, apply WD-40 spray. For a wooden frame, use paraffin wax on any loose joints or areas with noticeable gaps. If needed, repeat this process once every 2-3 months.
Another option is to install plastic washers to the existing bolts. This will make the connection snugger and reduce, if not eliminate, the noise.
Get a new bed frame
When the foundation of the bed is the problem and nothing else seems to be working, getting a new bed frame could do the trick. A solid wood platform or heavy-duty metal frame designed to support a box spring should provide a quiet night’s sleep. If you don’t mind sleeping lower to the ground and the mattress doesn’t need the extra support, remove the frame entirely.
Install caster cups
Some bed frames are on wheels, which can become noisy even with subtle movements. If your frame is on wheels, put a caster cup on each one to silence the squeaking. Alternatively, remove the wheels altogether.
Check floorboards
Use a level to check the floorboards for any unevenness. As you move at night, the legs of the bed frame could shift slightly, which could cause the bed to squeak. In that case, slip a rug under the legs to even out the frame. If there’s enough space, move the bed to a new, more level location and see if the squeaking continues.
Angela Watson is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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