Things to Reduce Squeaky Bed Noises

Metal Frame Noises

• If your bed sits on a metal frame, there is a good chance the noise is coming from the frame and not from the mattress or box springs. The metal in bed frames is under a lot of pressure as the weight of the people sleeping moves from place to place. Everywhere one piece of metal meets another, the movement can cause friction and squeaking. You can help silence this squeaking by using sealant tape. Sealant tape is a compressed foam tape you can apply to the threads of screws in your bed frame. Remove your mattress and foundation, and take the screws out of your frame and wrap them with the tape. You may also wish to add a plastic washer between the frame and the existing washer before reassembling. This will reduce the contact between metal surfaces and reduce squeaking.

Wood Frame Noises

• If a wooden frame is squeaking, the problem obviously isn’t rubbing metal. But wood can squeak as well. Wherever wood screws are holding pieces of the frame together, there is a possibility of squeaking. You can use dry bar soap to lubricate the threads of the wood screws to silence this squeaking. If this doesn’t stop the problem, use small pieces of fabric to place between any components of the bed frame that are rubbing together to cause the noise.

Squeaky Mattress

• When the squeaky noise in your bed is coming from the mattress itself, it can be more of a problem. You can't tear open the mattress and oil the squeaky parts. This usually is a sign that the springs are wearing out, and eventually you’ll need a new mattress. But you might be able to delay that purchase and avoid the squeaking by rotating or flipping the mattress. Since the problem can occur in an area where you commonly apply weight, changing the location where weight is applied might do the trick.

Box Spring Squeak

• Between your mattress and the bed frame is the foundation of your bed known as the box spring. This support mechanism is made of steel and wood in most cases, and it can develop squeaky noises over time. The bottom side of the box spring is a simple dust cover that can be removed and then re-stapled. Take the dust cover off and lubricate all the springs and joints from which the noise may be coming. You can use a spray lubricant such as WD-40, or you can smear petroleum jelly around places where wood comes together or where metal meets wood.