How To Fix A Squeaky Bed On Your Own?
Why is my bed squeaking in the first place?
Sometimes it can be tricky to find out why your bed is squeaking in the first place. This is often consequence of wear and tear, but it is not uncommon for a new mattress to squeak too. So whether you have a new or old bed, you should first check the bed frame and mattress.
Also, it can happen that friction of bed against the floor causes an unpleasant sound. It is up to you to determine. In some cases you will very quickly determine where the squeaky sound is coming from. However, there is a possibility that you will have to test all parts of the bed.
Mattress
If you have an all-foam or latex mattress, then it is very unlikely that the mattress is one to blame. But in all other cases, you should start with the mattress. Check each part, not just the middle of the mattress. Although you may think you are not using the entire sleeping surface, it is possible that you put the weight on the corners during the night, for example. If the mattress squeaks, you will probably have to buy a new one. That's because there is no point in changing squeaky spring.
Box spring
If you checked the mattress and found it to be quiet, the next thing you need to check is the box spring. Box spring, whether made of metal or wood often squeaks, even when it is relatively new. Unlike springs in a mattress that you will not change, but have to buy a new mattress, box spring is very easy to repair even if you only have basic tools and knowledge. Or you can just buy new box spring if you won't to be sure squeaky box spring won't wake you up any more.
Bed frame
If you find it difficult to determine whether mattress or bed frame is the cause of the noise, then it is probably bed frame, because it often happens that the bolt loosens. It's the easiest thing to fix, because all you have to do is tighten the bolt and to solve problem with squeaky bed frame. Some bed frames have only a few bolts so you can easily locate loose bolts, and for some bed frames, such as ottoman, which has a lot of bolts you will need a little more time.
Friction of bed against the floor
Friction of bed against the floor is not the cause that comes to your mind first, but it is actually very common. If your floor is slippery and bed legs do not have anti-slip protection, then the whole bed will move every time you move causing unpleasant sound. Uneven floor may be the reason too, so you have to take care of that to reduce noise.
Fixing a squeaky bed
To fix a squeaky bed you usually do not need the help of a carpenter or many different types of tools. You can solve most problems in just a few minutes, after locating where the frustrating sound comes from. Also, be aware that the mattress or bed frame may be damaged beyond repair and you will need to purchase a new one.
Inspect where the sound comes from
As we mentioned before, in order to solve the problem, you have to inspect the whole bed. Sometimes it will take a minute, and sometimes you will need more time. But keep in mind that the cause must exist since you hear a squeak because when the bed is in good condition then it is silent. So keep looking until you find it.
Try rotating your mattress
You should rotate your mattress every 4 to 6 months, whether it is squeaky or not. This will significantly extend its service life. If the mattress is two-sided, then not only you should rotate it but also flip it. Rotating of your mattress can be the simplest solution if the mattress becomes noisy. That way you may avoid putting pressure on squeaking part of it.
Replace cushion with plywood under the mattress
Many bed frames have a layer of plywood over basic construction. Plywood under the mattress makes you even more comfortable, but plywood is not always the most durable material. So check the condition of the plywood and if you notice signs of wear and tear, replace the plywood. It is a very cheap and effective way not only to prevent squeaking bed frame but also to regain comfort.
Check all the joints thoroughly
When we talked about the bed frame as the cause of the problem, we mentioned that what we hear is probably a loose bolt or more of them. There is a high probability that the loose bolt is in the joint. The bolt rarely loosens in stable parts, but this often happens in joints that are moving parts of bed frame. You should tighten loose bolt and also apply WD-40, which is a product that lubricate and prevent rust. This way you will avoid the same problem happening anytime soon.
Use a rag/shirt as a cushion for squeaky slats
The new, premium bed frames have sliders on the slats that allow you to adjust the tension and also prevent slats from rubbing against one another. But if you do not have such a bed frame, you can solve the problem by using a towel, old socks, old t shirt or even some thin fabric materials to prevent the slats from rubbing against the frame. This should neutralize the sound you hear.
Use a cork
Piece of cork can act as the above-mentioned slider on slat, at least to prevent slats from rubbing against one another. Also, you can put a cork between any squeaky parts on bed frame. This is not always a long-term solution because it happens that the cork falls out during the night when you toss and turn, but you should try.
Get a floor padding
This is a solution for friction of bed against the floor. You can put anything under the bed that you think will make the surface on which the bed stands stable and even. These can be rubber feet that you will stick to the legs and prevent bed from sliding, as well as floor damage, and you can use carpet or towel.
Buy a new mattress if needed
If you have exhausted all other options, buy a new mattress. If the mattress is worn out, more precisely springs, then there is no other choice but to buy a new one. The same goes for the bed frame although an experienced carpenter can fix almost any bed frame, the only question is whether it is more cost-effective than a new one.
Do wood or metal bed frames squeak more?
Maybe wooden bed frame squeaks a bit more often, but the quality of the material and the craftsmanship are much more important than just the difference between metal and wood. Bed frame made of solid wood is very durable and strong, so it is very likely that you will not hear it. Also, craftsmanship and quality of bolts are very important factors.
The same goes for the metal bed frame. Bed frame made of high quality steel will be stable for decades. On the other hand, if the bed frame is made of low quality metal that is not protected from rust, you can expect to hear the grinding of two metal bars against each other within a year.
Should all new beds squeak?
No, there is no good reason for a new bed frame or mattress to squeak. You need to make sure all the bolts are tightened. Some may have been deliberately loosen due to transportation. Or if you assembled the bed frame yourself, you may fail to tighten all the bolts properly. In case you can't find a reason, contact the seller from whom you bought the mattress or bed and ask for a new one.
How often is it recommended to replace the mattress?
It is much easier to say how often you should change the pillow than the mattress. The pillow should be changed approximately every 2 years, except for top quality pillows that can last longer, 3 to 4 years.
Mattresses on the other hand, can last 3 years, but some of them can last 15 or more years. Latex mattresses have the longest service life, followed by high density all foam mattresses. Innerspring and hybrid mattresses have a slightly shorter service life, usually up to 10 years.
But longevity largely depends on other factors too. Most mattresses manufactured by well-known sleep companies come with a 10-year warranty, which means you can expect them to last longer than that. Also, your body weight as well as whether you rotate and flip mattress regularly will affect service life.
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