Our leather recliner was fairly new when we started noticing a squeaking noise coming from it. We thought it would go away on its own, but after a few weeks, the squeaking became more pronounced and we knew we had to take action.
I did some research and found that there are a few different reasons why leather recliners can start to squeak. Below is a list of the most common reasons leather recliners squeak.
- The Leather Recliner Is New
- Loose screws
- The Frame Is Loose
- The Springs Are Worn Out
- The Padding Is Compressed
- There’s Something Caught In The Mechanism
- The Recliner Is Overloaded
- The Legs Are Uneven
- The Recliner Is Placed On An Uneven Surface
If you’re experiencing any of these problems, don’t despair! In the rest of this article, I will explain more details about what causes the squeaking sounds and how to fix them.
1. Loose Screws
One of the first things I learned that causes leather recliners to squeak is loose screws. This is in fact one of the most common reasons a new leather recliner will squeak is that the screws are loose.
Over time, as the recliner is used, the screws can become loose and this will cause a squeaking noise. The squeaking sound resulting from loose screws is usually heard around the base or edges of the recliner where the joints are.
- To fix this problem, simply tighten the screws using a screwdriver.
- If you’re not sure which screws are loose, simply tighten all the accessible screws on the recliner.
- Once you’ve tightened the screws, test out the recliner to see if the squeaking noise has stopped. If it hasn’t, move on to the next step.
2. The Frame Is Loose
Another common reason for a leather recliner to start squeaking is that the frame is loose. The frame of the recliner is what gives it its shape and support. The frame of a leather recliner is often made from wood or metal.
Over time, the wood or metal can start to loosen and become less stable. This can cause the recliner to start squeaking when you sit in it or recline it.
The quality of the recliner frame will usually depend on the price of the recliner. A more expensive recliner will often have a better quality frame that is less likely to loosen over time.
If your leather recliner has a loose frame, you may have to call a professional upholsterer to have it fixed.
3. The Springs Are Worn Out
When our leather recliner started making a squeaking noise, I initially thought it was because the springs were worn out. The springs in a recliner are what allow you to recline back and forth.
Over time, the springs can become weaker and this will cause the recliner to start squeaking when you use it. The springs may also become broken which can cause the recliner to become uncomfortable to sit in.
If your leather recliner has worn-out springs, you may need to replace them. This is a job that is best left to a professional upholsterer.
Although replacing the springs in a recliner is not a difficult task, it is one that should be done by someone with experience.
4. The Padding Is Compressed
After combing through a lot of forums another thing that stood out to me is that a common reason for leather recliners to squeak is because the padding is compressed.
The padding in a recliner is what makes it soft and comfortable to sit in. Over time, the padding can become compressed and this can allow a lot of direct contact between the frame and the person sitting in the recliner.
This direct contact can cause a squeaking noise. The padding in a recliner is also what provides support and this is why a recliner with compressed padding can also become uncomfortable to sit in over time.
5. There’s Something Caught In The Mechanism
If your leather recliner has a mechanism that allows you to recline, there is also a chance that something can become caught in it.
This can cause the recliner to start squeaking when you use it. The mechanism on a recliner is often made from metal and over time it can become corroded.
This corrosion can cause small pieces of metal to break off and become caught in the mechanism. When this happens, it will usually cause a squeaking noise.
6. The Glider Is Worn Out
Another common reason for a leather recliner to start making a squeaking noise is because the glider is worn out. The glider is the part of the recliner that allows you to move back and forth.
Over time, the glider can start to wear down, which will cause it to make a squeaking noise. If you think this might be the problem, you can try lubricating the glider with WD-40 or another lubricant.
You can do this only if you can access the glider. If you can’t, then you’ll need to take the recliner to a professional to have it repaired.
7. The Recliner Is Overloaded
Another common problem that can cause a leather recliner to start squeaking is that it’s overloaded. This means that there’s too much weight on the recliner for it to support.
This can often happen if people use the recliner as a bed or if they put excessive amounts of weight on it when they sit down. The best way around this is to check how much weight your leather recliner can support and make sure not to exceed that weight.
8. The Legs Are Uneven
If your leather recliner has legs, there’s a chance that they might be uneven. This can cause the recliner to rock back and forth when you sit in it and this rocking can often lead to squeaking noise.
This is often common in cheaper recliners that have legs made from plastic. The best way to fix this is to check and see if you can replace the legs with ones that are more sturdy and even.
9. The Recliner Is Placed On An Uneven Surface
Last but not least, another common problem that can cause a leather recliner to squeak is if it’s placed on an uneven surface.
This can often happen if the floor isn’t level or if there’s something blocking one of the legs. The best way around this is to make sure that your recliner is always placed on a level surface.
How To Prevent Your Leather Recliner From Squeaking
Now that we’ve gone over some of the common reasons why leather recliners squeak, let’s talk about how you can prevent it.
- Regular Maintenance
The best way to prevent your leather recliner from squeaking is to regularly maintain it. This means that you should clean it and lubricate it on a regular basis.
You should consult the care and maintenance section in the manual that comes with your leather recliner. This will give you specific instructions on how to care for your recliner.
As a general rule of thumb, you should aim to clean and lubricate your leather recliner at least once a month.
- Use The Right Products
When you’re cleaning and lubricating your leather recliner, it’s important that you use the right products.
You should avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on your leather recliner as this can damage it.
Instead, you should look for cleaning products that are specifically designed for leather furniture and upholstery. These will be gentle enough to clean your recliner without damaging it.
When it comes to lubrication, you should also use a product that’s specifically designed for leather recliners. This will ensure that the lubricant doesn’t damage the recliner.
- Don’t Misuse The Recliner
Another important tip to prevent your leather recliner from squeaking is to make sure that you don’t misuse it. This means that you should avoid putting excessive weight on the recliner or using it for purposes other than what it’s designed for.
My son sometimes used our recliners as a trampoline and I can tell you from experience that this will damage the recliner and cause it to start squeaking.
- Don’t Store Anything On Your Recliner
You should avoid storing anything on your leather recliner. This includes things like blankets, pillows, and books.
While it might be tempting to use your recliner as a storage space, this can damage the leather and cause the recliner to start squeaking. If you need to store something on your recliner, make sure to use a storage ottoman instead.
- Be Mindful About How You Store Your Recliner
When you’re not using your leather recliner, it’s important that you store it properly. This means that you should avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight.
You should also make sure that the recliner is stored in a dry area to prevent the leather from drying out and cracking.
Final Words
Do you have a leather recliner that squeaks every time you lean back in it? You’re not alone! Many people experience this issue with their chairs. In this article, I discussed the possible causes of this problem and how to fix it.
I hope this article has been helpful and that you can get your leather recliner to stop squeaking!