Fix a squeaky bed

Here’s a look at the usual suspects that cause a squeaky bed.

Parts rub against each other due to weight and movement

“The bed consists of a system of cooperating parts. Soon, the weight and shifting of bodies will cause some parts to rub unexpectedly,” says Macek, who is also an Austin-based craftsman of custom wood furniture at Macek furniture.

Seasonal humidity can play a role

Macek also says environmental changes may play a role in increased noise resulting from a squealing noise bed frame.

“The wooden parts of a bed frame shrink and swell with changes in humidity, which can lead to unexpected rubbing and squeaking noises,” he says. “Tight connections can come loose. Steel parts can oxidize – all of which contributes to the likelihood of squeaking.”

You have loose or unanchored wooden slats

Macek says these slats are crucial to the bed’s structure, so if they aren’t adequately secured, you can expect noisy consequences.

His tip? Screw the slats to the side rails. “That is often the problem, that the slats are simply not anchored,” he says. And forget the nails: they don’t last long. No drill? Lubricate the ends of the slats with mineral oil, wax or dish soap to eliminate the most common source of squeaking noises.

Your box spring is getting old

Box springs tend to crack as they age because they oxidize internally. Macek notes, “It’s not the first source of squeaks, but it’s worth checking.”

Your bed frame rubs on your floors

If your bed is on a wooden floor, Macek says that squeak could be the result of friction between the feet of the frame and the floor. The rubbing causes noise when the bed shifts, potentially disrupting your nightly sleep.

5 ways to stop a bed from squeaking

Once you’ve identified the culprit behind the noise, it’s time to figure out how to stop a bed from squeaking. Fortunately, most squeaky bed problems are easily solved with a few adjustments and household tools.

So if you’re serious about enjoying a good night’s sleep, it’s time to learn how to fix a squeaky bed, because you deserve more than a symphony of creaks between the sheets.

1. Tighten loose connections

One of the most common causes of a squeaky bed is loose connections. If your bed creaks every time you move, take a screwdriver or wrench and tighten all the bolts, screws, and nuts on your bed frame. Regular maintenance can help prevent parts from loosening over time.

2. Lubricate metal parts

If metal hardware (like bolts or screws) is rubbing and making noise, applying a lubricant can help, Macek says. Using WD-40 or a similar lubricant reduces friction and stops squeaking.