There’s nothing more annoying than a bed that squeaks when you’re changing sleeping positions to try to get comfortable. The good news is that the causes of a noisy bed are often easy to fix. From loose joints to a worn-out mattress, here’s everything you need to know to stop a squeaky bed — and why it squeaks in the first place.
However, if your mattress or box spring is old or beyond repair, you may want to upgrade your sleep setup altogether. Our guide to the best mattresses of 2024 has our top recommendations for every sleeper and budget. It’s also a good time to shop, as this year’s Labor Day mattress sale offers great discounts on many highly-rated models.
For now, here's what you need to know about the common causes of a squeaky bed and how to stop your bed from squeaking so you can sleep soundly.
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How to Stop a Bed Squeak
1. Rotate your mattress
The first thing to do is to check that the squeaking is not coming from your mattress. This is also the easiest first step. Rotate your mattress 180 degrees so that the filling is evenly distributed.
You should rotate your mattress at least every three months, even if it doesn't squeak, to preserve its lifespan and ensure that it doesn't start to sink and sag.
2. Tighten loose screws and bolts
Typically, the solution to a squeaky bed problem is to check that all the nuts and bolts are tight. As we sleep on our beds, the screws and bolts can loosen over time, this has nothing to do with the quality of your bed, it's just the way it works.
Remove your mattress from the frame and start locating all the screws, nuts and bolts on the bed frame. Using a screwdriver or Allen key, check that none of them are loose and tighten them as you go. Don't overtighten them as this can cause damage, just tighten them enough so that they are snug.
If you have a metal bed frame, sometimes the parts can rub against each other and cause friction, which of course results in a squeaky noise. Using WD-40 or any other type of lubricant, apply it to the joints and moving parts.
Always wipe off excess with a cloth to prevent dust and dirt from sticking to it. If you have a wooden bed frame, you can use beeswax as an alternative.
4. Check that your bed frame is even
An uneven bed frame can cause squeaks, so always check that your bed frame is laid evenly on the floor. If you need to balance the bed, you can add pieces of wood or cardboard under the legs for added stability.
If your bed is on casters, you can either grease the wheels with WD-40 or use felt glides to keep them from moving.
5. Cushion the slats
Sometimes when the slats rub against the frame (or each other if they are close together) it can cause the bed to squeak. To stop any noise coming from the slats, use old socks or towels to act as a buffer between them and create a noise-canceling cushion.
You can also try using a thin piece of plywood under your mattress. This will add firmness to the base and minimize squeaking.
6. Repair the box spring
If you have a box spring, remove the mattress and inspect the area for loose or broken springs and replace them. If the noise is coming from the wood, use beeswax or even a bar of soap on the area where the wood connects.
You may even want to consider placing felt pads or rubber washers between any squeaky joints you discover.
7. Try a mattress topper
Try using a mattress topper to absorb some of the noise from squeaky springs or slats. The best mattress toppers add an extra layer to your bed, creating a buffer zone. This should help absorb some of the pressure caused by your body weight before it reaches your bed frame.
When to Replace a Squeaky Bed
If you've tried everything from tightening screws to adding padding to stabilizing the frame, but the squeaking persists, it may be time to replace your bed. A squeaky bed will constantly disrupt your sleep. And beds aren't built to last forever.
If your bed is worn out, old or structurally damaged, it may be beyond repair anyway and replacing it would be a wiser option that will result in better sleep and support. The best bed frames and foundations are essential not only for a comfortable sleep for you but also to increase the durability of your mattress.
Of course, your mattress may be the source of all that noise. Mattresses last about 7 to 10 years before they start to lose their original comfort and support qualities. Some signs that you need to replace your mattress include lumps or sagging, a feeling of the springs being poked, and yellow spots appearing on the surface.