A sturdy bed is a place of comfort that most people retreat to when they want to relax, unwind, have some fun, or even lie down to rest. However, even the strongest beds start making a squeaking noise after several years. Learning about how to fix a squeaky bed can help users enhance their lives while also saving a decent amount. This guide offers comprehensive details about the various reasons behind bed squeaking and the best ways to fix them.
Why Does A Bed Squeak?
There are several reasons responsible for the bed making squeaking noises. These include loose joints, the surfaces of bed frames rubbing with one another, and even the presence of a damaged mattress. However, nothing is as frustrating and embarrassing for people listening to their bed squeak every time they roll over or want to make love to their partners. The three most common sources of squeaking beds include the following.
Squeaky Mattress
Squeaking mattresses are pretty uncommon but are still a source. A squeaky mattress often indicates that it is damaged and should be replaced. However, if the mattress is not too old, a minor repair and maintenance may solve the problem.
Squeaky Bed Frame
A squeaky bed frame is often the result of a loose bolt or joint, making the bed frame slightly unstable. A change in humidity levels also causes the wooden beds to squeak due to the slight deformation of the wood in the bed frame. The bed's surfaces rubbing against one another are also a source of noise in many cases.
Squeaky Box Spring
Squeaky box springs are the most common source of noise made by beds. The noise is generally produced due to the deterioration of the coil and the wood panel over time. In addition, the gaps between the box spring and the frame can also cause a squeaky noise in the bed.
How to Fix a Squeaky Bed
A squeaky bed can irritate and make the users feel frustrated and stressed. Thankfully the solution to how to fix a creaky bed is not too difficult in most cases. Understanding the reasons that cause the squeaking noises, such as faulty mattress springs or loose bed connections, is the first step toward answering the question, “how to stop bed from squeaking?”. Some common remedies for fixing a squeaky bed are explained as follows.
1. Keep The Bolts Secure:
Users should frequently check all the bolts on their bed frame for tightness. If any bolts are loose, use a wrench to tighten them. If they find it difficult to tighten a bolt, adding a washer between the frame and the bolt can help. It will keep the bolt secure and eliminate any noise.
2. Wax On:
Identify the accurate area where the squeak originates and then calm it with a bit of wax. Move slowly across the bed and try to listen closely for the squeaky spots. Once the problematic spot is located, rub a little wax over the area and any contact points nearby. A few coats of wax will help obtain bed frames that don’t squeak.
3. Oil The Joints:
Rusting of the joints in the bed frame is also a significant cause of squeaky beds. Oiling the joints with any vegetable oil can help to keep the joints smooth and get rid of any noises. However, it is advisable to cover the floor with an old towel or before oiling to prevent staining. Also, avoid placing the mattress back until the oil has dried.
4. Create An Even Footing:
A lesser-known reason behind squeaky beds is the uneven footing of the bed frame. If the floor is not evenly smooth, it makes the bed emit disturbing noises every time there is a movement on it. To overcome the problem and have a quiet bed frame, users should either relocate the bed or add floor padding to its legs.
5. Add Cushioning:
Adding cushioning between the bed frame parts that have grown apart can also help reduce the speaking sound. This is especially true in the case of older beds that have been in use for years. Any movement on the bed causes the air to pass through the empty spaces, creating an unpleasant sound. Filling up these gaps with a piece of cloth or even a cork can eliminate such noises for good. A more expensive option would be replacing bed slats or the specific parts.
How To Fix A Squeaky Metal Bed Frame
Ideally, an adequately assembled metal bed should not squeak. However, if you seek an answer to the question “how to fix a squeaky metal bed frame?” the following tips can be helpful.
Tighten Up The Bolts:
Loose bolts are the main reason that makes metal beds squeak. Rather than checking each bolt individually to find the culprit, users can tighten every bold to get rid of the noise.
Oil The Joints:
Rusty joints may often make a bed squeak. Oiling the joints of the bed frame can help overcome the problem.
Check The Center Support:
Users should check the center support to make sure that it is not loose and hence the noise source. Securing it can help eliminate the noise.
How To Fix A Squeaky Wooden Bed Frame
Wooden bed frames experience greater wear and tear compared to metal ones. Given below are some tips that provide a solution for how to fix a squeaky wooden bed frame?
Use Wax Or Soap:
The joints of wooden bed frames are often the primary noise source. Applying a thick layer of wax or soap can help resolve the same.
Secure The Splits:
Placing wood slats for bed or cork between the parts that no longer fit snugly together can also help eliminate the squeaking.
Sprinkle Baby Powder:
Sprinkling baby powder helps to reduce the excess friction between the parts of the bed frame and thus eliminates the squeaking noises.
How to Fix a Squeaky Mattress
Despite being reasonably uncommon, squeaky mattresses are no less annoying. The good news is that it is possible to fix the problem and address the issue of how to stop the bed from moving by using the following methods.
Rotate The Mattress:
Rotating the mattress helps redistribute the weight, especially in the case of innerspring mattresses. In addition, it helps in reducing the squeak by maintaining the even distribution of filling. Most manufacturers recommend rotating the mattress periodically, irrespective of whether or not it is squeaking.
Place A Plyboard Underneath For Cushioning:
Placing a thin piece of plywood or replacing bed slats under a problematic mattress area can help reduce the noise. The plyboard creates a cushioning effect to absorb the pressure and stop the noise.
Ensure Proper Weight Distribution:
Uneven weight distribution is one of the key reasons that make the mattress squeak. To ensure that this is not the cause, users should check whether or not the mattress is precisely centered on the frame or the box spring. If it is not in place properly, rectifying the mistake can help stop the noise.
Consider Buying A New Mattress:
If the squeaking problem persists even after trying all the above methods, users should consider investing in a new mattress.
Conclusion
A noise-free and robust bed is the most critical component of any bedroom. Sadly, most people are left seeking an answer to “why does my bed squeak?” Following the above tips can help solve this problem and also ensure that they are not disturbed in whatever they are doing by any unwanted noises made by the bed.
