How to Fix a Squeaky Box Spring (Step-by-Step Guide)

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Your noisy box spring is so annoying and you just can’t get a peaceful night of sleep anymore. Now, you’ve finally decided to address the problem and fix your squeaky bed. To help you do that, we came up with an instructional guide on how to fix a squeaky box spring. Follow the steps below to get a quiet bed and experience better sleep immediately.

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How to fix your squeaky box spring

There are two types of box springs that are commonly used today. These are traditional box springs which contain coils, and modern box springs which feature a simplified, hollow design. The first two tips will only apply to those who use traditional box springs, whereas the last two tips are for people who have either type of box spring.

Fixing sagging coils

If you have an innerspring mattress, you have to consider the possibility of sagging coils inside your mattress. If that’s not the case, then it must be the coils inside your box spring. Here are some things that you can do to effectively, albeit temporarily, fix the problem.

Rotate the box spring

First, remove your mattress from the bed so you can move your box spring. Next, check your box spring for sagging spots. Sagging coils in your box spring are caused by uneven weight distribution. If you notice a sagging spot, then the squeak is probably coming from the coils in that particular area.

Now, you’re going to rotate your box spring 180 degrees. The side that used to face the headboard should now be at your feet. This should take some pressure off the sagging spots and prolong the lifespan of the box spring overall.

Add plywood

Another thing you can do is to add plywood or a bunkie board between your mattress and your box spring. This will reinforce your bed and prevent your mattress or box spring from squeaking.

Just make sure to measure and cut the plywood to match the dimensions of your box spring and mattress first before placing it in between the two. See our guide on how to make a DIY bunkie board for more infomation.

Fixing deteriorating coils inside the box spring

If you have a traditional box spring that’s been around for years, the coils inside it might be rubbing against each other and causing squeaky sounds. The solution to those squeaky springs is lubrication.

Follow these steps to lubricate your box spring’s internal coils:

1. If your box spring has a fabric cover, cut a small hole in it using a knife or a box cutter. This is necessary to expose the internal springs for lubrication.
2. Next, spray WD-40 or cooking oil on the springs to remove any grease, gunk, and rust. This will reduce squeaking sounds caused by metal tension.
3. Lastly, use a sewing kit or a fabric repair patch to close the hole you made in the cover.

Fixing friction between box spring and frame

If the squeaking is caused by the box spring rubbing against a metal bed frame, you need to reduce the friction by placing some padding between them. You’ll need some materials which should be readily available in your home.

Follow these simple steps to fix your squeaky bed frame:

1. Locate the exact spot of the bed frame that is rubbing against the box spring.
2. Pad this spot with old fabrics such as rugs or old T-shirts. This will serve as a buffer between the box spring and the bed frame to reduce friction and eliminate the squeaking sound.
3. You can also place a hardcover book between the mattress and the box spring. Put the book right over the squeaky springs to keep them compressed even when you’re not in bed.

Fixing a gap between a wooden bed frame and a box spring

So if you’ve tried everything I mentioned above and you can still hear squeaky sounds, there might be a gap between your wooden bed frame and your box spring. There are two things you can do to fix this. You can fill the gap with a cork roll, and you can lubricate the wooden frame with wax.

Use a cork roll

1. First, check for empty spaces where the box spring can move and rub against the wooden bed frame. These spots could be producing friction which could result in the noises that you’re hearing.
2. Next, cut a roll of cork into sheets and cover the empty spaces between the wooden slats of the bed frame. This should tighten any loose spots and reduce the tension on tight spots to put an end to the annoying bed squeak that’s been bugging you.
3. Rub candle wax on the inside edge of the bed frame where it comes in contact with the box spring. This is another effective way of reducing friction between the box spring and wooden bed frames.

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Why Your Box Spring is Noisy

There are a few things that can cause squeaky box springs. However, there are instances where the noise does not come from the box spring, but rather from a squeaky mattress or bed frame.

Problem with the box spring

The coils and wooden panel in traditional box springs are the most common source of squeaking. This is often due to uneven wear-and-tear of the internal coils inside the box spring. Another cause for a squeaky bed is friction between the box spring and a metal frame.

Problem with the mattress

Although all mattresses will sag eventually, only innerspring and hybrid mattresses can cause a squeaking noise. This is because the springs will wear out over time and rub on each other. Mattresses without springs will not cause any squeaking sounds even after long-term use.

Problem with the bed frame

A bed frame can have loose bolts and joints which can make squeaking sounds. This is usually caused by frequent movement and heavy load. The bed frame can also rub against the floor or the wall creating shrill noises. If your bed is still making noise after you’ve tried all the tips I mentioned, then you should start thinking about getting a new bed frame as well.

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When to replace a box spring

If the above-mentioned tips worked for you, then that’s great. But what if you’ve tried everything and your box spring is still squeaking? Then I’m afraid you’re going to have to replace it with a new box spring.

Aside from frequent squeaking, these are some other signs that your box springs needs to be replaced:

• Sagging
• Bent steel grid
• Aging coil springs
• Broken slats

If you’re not sure what box spring to purchase, check out our list of the best box springs on the market. If you’re not a fan of the extra height that a standard box spring offers, we also have a list of the best low-profile box springs that you can buy today.

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FAQs

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Conclusion

Although squeaky box springs can be really annoying and frustrating, there are ways to address the issue. We wrote this how to fix a squeaky box spring guide to help anyone who’s experiencing this problem. If, despite your best efforts, your box spring is still squeaking, then we recommend replacing your old box spring with a new one.

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Next step: Read our guide to the best bed frame for a heavy person. If your bed or box spring is squeaking, it may be because you didn’t buy a brand that can accommodate the amount of weight you’re putting on it. Each brand on this list is designed to meet the needs of heavyweight people.

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