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How To Fix Squeaky Bed Frame Metal? 11 Best Methods

No one wants a squeaky bed frame because it hinders your sleep experience and makes you feel extremely uncomfortable, not to mention the annoying sounds generated from a wobbly bed.  So how to fix squeaky bed frame metal? This post will provide you with simple and easy instructions to address the problem and fix the squeaky bed.

How To Fix Squeaky Bed Frame Metal?

It is best to test each bed component separately to figure out the right way to fix the issue. Generally, squeaky box springs and mattresses are hard or impossible to repair, and the easiest option is to replace them. After identifying the problem, follow these instructions carefully to fix your squeaky bed. You may need some tools, such as a screwdriver, oil, and wax.

Ensure that you understand the structure and material of your bed thoroughly. One minor wrong move can break down the whole object. Be careful with the sharp rusty metal bed frames. A small cut can cause fatal inflammation. If the bed is too old, or you think it will break when fixed, I recommend you remove it and replace it with new furniture.

Tighten the joints

The bed frames contain multiple metal bolts or screws, which may become loose after a long time. When the bolts get weaker, they will rub against each other and cause annoying sounds. At one time, the joints may get broken, especially on old rusty beds that have been used for 10-15 years, exceeding a common lifespan of a bed. One screw breaking will lead to the whole furniture collapsing.

So it is very important to check and stabilize the joints on your sleeping bed. First, check if there are any rusty parts on the frame. Then use the screwdriver to tighten the joints on the metal frame.

If some screws are too rusty and about to break, you should replace them immediately. However, finding a screw that fits your old squeaky metal bed frame is not easy. You should move on to the other methods if there is still noise and the squeaking effect after fixing.

Put a sock in

Find some old socks in your closet that no longer fit such as a small T-Shirt or towel works too. The key is to find the thing that matches the space under your squeaky metal bed frame.

Next, remove the mattress, lift the metal slats, and place the socks under the slats that cause the screeching sound. The socks will help reduce the friction between the metal bed frame and the slats when you lie on them.

If the sounds get smaller but haven’t disappeared completely, add another sock or fold the T-shirt or towel one to two times to increase the thickness. Moreover, if the floor under the four-bed legs is uneven, you can put a small sock or towel. Try inserting the socks between the bed and the surrounding walls as well. It will help you reduce the squeaking effects and excessive noises.

Wax on

First, identify the areas that have friction between the components in your bed frame. The easiest way is to move slowly around your bed frame and shake it gently with your hand to locate the noisy spot.

You can apply candle wax or beeswax to that area to reduce friction and eliminate the noise. If the noise hasn’t disappeared, there may be more than one spot that has friction. Ensure that you add many coats of candle wax to the areas.

Oil up

For the loose or squeaky metal bolts that create noise when rubbing against each other, you can soothe them down with the oil. Both machine and commercial oil are applicable as long as they can make the surface smoother and reduce the friction of metal frames.

Oil is a perfect substitute if you don’t have wax. Apply the oil to the noisy spot the same way you use the wax, but only a few drops are sufficient. I recommend using the WD-40 oil or special lubricants to achieve better results.

Cushion with cork

Have any leftover cork from the wine bottles? You can use it to hold the mattress and reduce friction. The cork is a perfect cushion layer if the noise is generated between the mattress and the metal foundation. This also can apply to wooden bed frames.

Wedge the cork between the mattress and mental foundation in the same way as you place the socks, T-shirts, or towels. However, the corks are harder to fit, especially in tight spaces, but they work great to reduce creakiness.

Fix the footing

Try sitting on four corners of the bed to see if the footing below each leg is uneven. Although it’s a rare possibility, the floor underneath can get damaged and become uneven, especially with the metal legs. The best solution is to wedge underneath the leg a folded sheet of paper or small sock. If it doesn’t work, you can try changing the bed location and moving it to a more even floor.

Spring ahead

Flip your box spring and cut a small hole on the bottom of the spring in the cover fabric layer. A box spring usually contains hundreds of metal colts, which may be the cause of the creaking sounds. Next, you locate the noisy areas and spray on oil or wax to reduce friction and soothe the metal coils. Then reseal the hole and put all the components back in their original place.

Replace your box spring

If the previous method doesn’t work, your box spring may be too old and beyond repairable. Purchase a high-quality box spring that matches the size of your bed. This component is very affordable and easy to find from local mattress stores.

New metal washers

If you have tried all the methods above and still get the annoying creaking noise, the problem may lie in the metal washer. Try taking it off to check if the sound disappears. If it does, simply replace the metal washer with a new one because fixing it is very difficult and time-consuming.

Rotate the mattress

What if you don’t have the available tools or are too lazy to check the joints? Try the simplest method: rotating the mattress. The possibility of fixing the squeaky frame metal is very low, but it is worth the try. Also, try adding a mattress topper to increase the weight of the mattress, which may help reduce friction. The topper also gives you more comfort due to its soft surface.

Replace the foam

The old mattresses are not only noisy but also cause allergies and squeaking. Replace it with a new foam mattress that doesn’t use metal coils or box springs to fix the problem.

If you want more detailed instructions, consider watching the video below.

Why Is Your Bed Squeaky?

A metal bed frame may get squeaky for many reasons. To choose the most suitable fixing method, you have to first identify the problem’s source.

The main components of a bed are the mattress, the bed frame, and your box spring, which may not be functioning well. If you use a hybrid or innerspring mattress with a metal box spring, it may be the source of the annoying sound. Also, all-foam mattresses rarely generate any noise when you twist and turn on them. To be sure, remove the mattress and try lying on the metal bed frame.

If you still hear the sound, there’s nothing wrong with the mattress. In this case, check your box spring and bed foundation. Metal bed frames are less susceptible to cracking and vibration, but it doesn’t mean that they can’t squeak.

Over a long usage time, the joints that connect the metal bed frames can create annoying screeching sounds when they rub. Another problem is rusting, which is common on poor-quality metal and steel frame materials.

Inspect your bed frame carefully to see if there are any rusting parts and loose joints. Try shaking the bed gently with your hand to identify where the sound comes from. A small loose joint or screw can be the source of the problem. Your box springs also use various metal colts, which cause excessive noise when they get weaker.

Another possible reason is the friction between your bed and the wall and floor. If the wall or floor is uneven, your bed will get wobbly.

When To Buy A New Bed Frame And Mattress?

As I have mentioned above, the lifespan of a regular bed is between 7 to 10 years.  It also depends on the material used and builds quality, the weight of the people sleeping on it, and how you use it. This number is not always accurate as some beds can last up to 15 years. However, if your old bed starts to squeak or you hear cracking sounds one or two times while sleeping, it’s time to consider buying a new bed.

A new bed will bring much more comfort and increase the quality of your sleep, which is essential to a healthy life. Furthermore, it possesses a larger size, softer mattress, and more endurable frame, giving you peace of mind when sleeping.

Another reason to consider is the aesthetic look of your bedroom. The old beds may get out of date and no longer match the other furniture in your bedroom, so you should replace them with a nicer one. Similarly, the mattresses also have expiration days, and they run down over time. Foam and latex mattresses are more durable and have a longer lifespan than innerspring and hybrid ones.

If you cannot sleep well and regularly wake up in the middle of the night, there’s something wrong with the mattress. Old mattresses can even cause allergies and asthma symptoms, headaches, and pains after one night’s sleep.

Conclusion

I hope that you are satisfied with the instructions provided in this post. Besides a quiet and restful environment, we need a comfortable and supportive bed frame for a good night’s sleep. Have you fixed the squeaky bed metal frame successfully? Feel free to share with us at Banner Mattress your thoughts about the effectiveness of these methods.

David Elkie

David Elkie

David Elkie is the CEO at Banner Mattress. He has been in the writing and editing business for the mattress, bedding accessories and décor industries for over 20 years.