How Stop the Squeaking Noise from Your Box Spring

Often a squeaking noise coming from your boxspring is not caused by the internal workings of the boxspring itself. The noise is usually created by the boxspring interacting with the bed frame.  In some instances, the bed frame is now shifting due to the new boxspring and causing the squeak. To fix the annoying noise, you merely need to provide padding or grease to the place which is rubbing awkwardly.

Step 1 – Locating the Noise

Have the assistant, child, or dog get up onto the bed to create the squeak. Listen carefully while the individual moves about on the bed creating the noise repeatedly. Once you get a good feel for where the noise is coming from, get down and look under the bed or along the side where the boxspring connects with the bed frame. You are attempting to find the place where either metal on metal or the wooden bed frame is shifting awkwardly. Many boxsprings will have metal tipped corners or edges to try and increase their durability. When these areas interact with the metal bed frame, they create a squeak.

Step 2 – Padding

Using the towels, attempt to pad the area both between the boxspring and the frame, as well as around the area between bed frame joints. Some people with wooden framed beds have had success propping pillows between the bed frame and the wall so the frame cannot shift back and forth laterally. The towels and pillows can be from extremely economical discount stores or even old T-shirts.

Step 3 – Greasing

If it appears that the joints of the metal bed frame are causing the squeak, loosen the bolts and liberally apply WD-40. When screwing the bolts back together apply firm force, but be careful not to strip the bolt. Often, actions such as children jumping on the bed or frequent moving can cause the bolts to loosen enough the frame begins to wiggle. The wiggling frame then grates metal on metal as you shift in your sleep and squeaks. This will only be a temporary solution and you might need to reapply the oil every 3-4 months.

Step 4 – Plywood Underlayment

If the boxspring has been padded and the bed frame greased, but the noise is still bothering you, provide a buffer between the mattress and the boxspring. At the local home improvement store, purchase a sheet of plywood (or two sheets of smaller width) to fit the size of the bed frame. Most large home improvement stores will cut boards for no extra charge if you provide them the dimensions. Place the plywood board or boards between the mattress and the boxspring. This will make your bed only a tiny bit firmer, but will buffer any movement which you make during the night. Since the major role of the boxspring is to support the mattress within the bed frame, the plywood won’t hinder its job, but it will make your sleep much quieter.