🧹 How To Care & Maintain Your Bunk & Loft Beds

How do I clean and maintain my wooden bed?

Regular Cleaning:

• Weekly: Dust with a soft, dry cloth or microfiber duster
• Monthly: Wipe with a slightly damp cloth (never wet)
• As Needed: Spot clean with mild dish soap and water mixture, dry immediately

Polishing & Protection:

• Polish every 2-3 months with natural oils (lemon oil or olive oil)
• Apply along the wood grain with a soft cloth
• Avoid silicone-based polishes (they create buildup that attracts dust)
• Use wood-safe furniture polish according to manufacturer recommendations

Protection Tips:

• Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent fading
• Maintain room humidity at 40-60% to prevent cracking or warping
• Use window treatments to reduce UV exposure
• Wipe up spills immediately

How do I clean and maintain my metal bed?

Regular Cleaning:

• Weekly: Wipe down with a soft, damp cloth
• Monthly: Use mild soap solution for thorough cleaning
• Avoid: Abrasive cleaners, steel wool, or harsh chemicals that damage the finish

Rust Prevention:

• Ensure metal is completely dry after cleaning
• Use a dehumidifier in humid climates
• Inspect regularly for rust spots
• If rust appears: sand gently with fine-grit sandpaper, apply rust-resistant primer or paint.
• Lubricate metal joints every 3-6 months to prevent rust and squeaking

How often should I check and tighten hardware?

Recommended Schedule:

• First Month: Check weekly (screws settle during initial use)
• Ongoing: Check and tighten every 3 months
• After Moving: Always re-tighten after disassembly and reassembly
• If Wobbling Occurs: Inspect and tighten immediately

What to check: All screws, bolts, guardrail connections, ladder attachments, and slat supports.

How do I fix minor scratches or dents?

Wooden Beds:

• Superficial scratches: Use a matching wood marker or crayon, then buff with soft cloth
• Deeper scratches: Apply wood filler, let dry, sand smooth, then touch up with matching stain or paint
• Dents: Use wood filler, sand when dry, and refinish to match

Metal Beds:

• Scratches: Use touch-up paint matching the bed's finish
• Dents: Small dents can be covered with touch-up paint after cleaning the area
• Chips in paint: Sand lightly, clean, apply primer if needed, then touch-up paint

Tip: Address scratches and chips promptly to prevent rust (metal) or moisture damage (wood).

Should I rotate the mattress?

Yes. Rotate mattresses every 3-6 months to ensure even wear. This is especially important for bunk beds where mattresses are harder to access.

• Rotation: Turn 180 degrees (head becomes foot)
• Flipping: Only if mattress is double-sided (check manufacturer guidelines)
• Frequency: Every 3 months for children's beds, every 6 months for adult beds

How do I keep the bed from squeaking?

Common Causes & Solutions:

• Loose screws: Tighten all connections (most common cause)
• Metal-on-metal friction: Apply lubricant to joints (WD-40, petroleum jelly, or furniture wax)
• Wood-on-wood friction: Apply beeswax, paraffin wax, or bar soap to contact points
• Mattress movement: Add a non-slip mat between mattress and slats
• Slat movement: Ensure slats are properly seated and secured

What regular maintenance should I perform?

Maintenance Checklist: