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Your bedroom should be a haven where you can unwind and rest – after all, so much planning goes into this area, from the furniture and decor to picking the perfect pillow. But what if this space is actually making you sick?
Believe it or not, we often overlook many things when cleaning our bedrooms, causing us to have allergies, asthma, and even skin breakouts. Discover what you might be forgetting to clean in your bedroom that may be making you sick, along with helpful tips for staying on top of these tasks.
Bedding, Sheets & Pillows
We spend about one-third of our lives in bed, so it’s no surprise that bedding, sheets, and pillows can become covered in dust, sweat, skin cells, and other allergens. These items can worsen conditions like asthma and allergies or cause skin breakouts when they remain unwashed.
Washing your sheets and pillowcases at least once a week in hot water is the best way to avoid these problems. Every two weeks, wash your blankets, quilts, and duvets. Launder your mattress protector and pillow covers about every two months, and use dust mite covers to reduce allergens further.
Not sure which detergent to use? Check the care labels on your bedding. Some items, like quilts and comforters, may need to be dry-cleaned. Stronger detergents may cause fading or damage to delicate fabrics, so follow care label instructions carefully. Some detergents may also cause skin irritation, so consider using a hypoallergenic or fragrance-free product.
Headboard, Bedframe & Nightstand
After cleaning your bedding, it’s easy to forget spots like your headboard, bedframe, and nightstand, which can collect just as much dust as the rest of the furniture in your home. Start by dusting each of these areas with a microfiber cloth. A vacuum with a soft brush attachment can also remove any stubborn dirt or debris.
Every few months, wipe down these surfaces with a damp cloth and mild soap to remove any grime or stains. Don’t forget to clean items like your alarm clock, lamp, and other bedroom decor items that may be sitting on your nightstand and collecting dust.
If your nightstand or bedframe contains drawers, empty them and use a vacuum attachment tool or duster to clean them. It’s also helpful to organize them every few months to remove anything you no longer use to free up space.
Blinds & Curtains
Dust can quickly accumulate on blinds and curtains, especially if they’re near a window or door. That’s why people must carefully choose their window treatments—not just in their bedrooms, but in the rest of their homes.
Use a feather duster or vacuum attachment to clean blinds or curtains weekly. If they’re looking particularly dirty, you may need to give them a more thorough cleaning with soapy water.
To prevent dust from building up quickly, open your blinds and curtains during the day to let natural light in and circulate the air, which can also help reduce mold growth.
Floors
Your bedroom floors can become just as dirty as any other floor in your home, especially if it contains carpet or rugs. Vacuum or sweep them at least once a week to remove dirt, dust, and debris. A carpet rake for pet hair can also keep carpets clean between vacuuming.
You may also need to shampoo your carpets to remove deep-seated dirt or stains. For best results, hire a professional carpet cleaner every few months.
If your floors are hardwood, laminate, tile, or vinyl, mop them with a mild soap and water solution. Sweep or vacuum first to remove any loose dirt that could scratch the surface of your floor.
Walls & Ceiling
When cleaning, people often overlook their bedrooms’ walls and ceilings, but they can collect a fair amount of dust. Use a microfiber cloth or duster to clean both weekly.
Are your walls painted? You may need to give them a more thorough cleaning every few months. Wipe them down with a damp cloth and mild soap to remove any dirt or fingerprints. Test the soap in an inconspicuous area first to ensure it won’t damage the paint.
Your bedroom ceiling is likely made of drywall, which can be quickly dusted with a microfiber cloth. If it’s been a while since you’ve cleaned it, you may need to use a vacuum attachment to remove any stubborn dirt.
Every few months, check for any cracks or holes that may need repairing. Quickly addressing these areas is essential, as they can lead to drafts or become an entrance for bugs or pests. Small cracks can usually be fixed with spackle or joint compound, while larger ones may require the assistance of a professional.
Ceiling fans are another often-forgotten spot in the bedroom. Dust or wipe them weekly to prevent dirt and debris from accumulating on the blades.
The light fixtures and switches need attention as well. Use a microfiber cloth to dust them weekly, and give them a more thorough cleaning every few months with a damp cloth and mild soap.
Window Sills & Ledges
Like your floors, window sills and ledges can become just as dirty, if not dirtier. Dust them with a microfiber cloth or duster weekly. If they’re particularly dirty, you may need to wipe them down with a damp cloth and mild soap.
Clean the windows themselves every six months as well. Depending on the type of windows, this may involve washing them with soapy water or using a glass cleaner.
Don’t forget to clean any items that may be sitting on your windowsills, such as plants, picture frames, or knick-knacks.
Additional Tips for Keeping Your Bedroom Clean
In addition to cleaning the main areas of your bedroom, there are a few other things you can do to help keep it clean:
- Keep clutter to a minimum. The more stuff you have in your bedroom, the harder it will be to keep it clean. Get rid of anything you don’t use or need and find creative ways to organize the rest.
- Put things back in their place. It may seem like more work upfront, but taking the time to put things away after you use them will save you a lot of time in the long run.
- Do a quick cleanup every day. Spending just a few minutes tidying up daily will make a big difference in how clean your bedroom looks and feels.
- Hire a professional house cleaner. If you don’t have the time or energy to keep your bedroom clean, hire a professional cleaner to do it for you. Doing so is a great way to ensure that your bedroom always looks its best.
- Use air purifiers or dehumidifiers. These devices can help remove dust, pollen, and other airborne particles from your bedroom. They can also help control humidity levels, which can prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
- Keep pets out. If you have pets, ensure they’re not allowed in your bedroom. Doing so will help reduce the amount of pet hair and dander in the room.
- Going out of town? Don’t forget to clean before you go. Coming home to a clean bedroom is always a pleasant surprise.
- Set up reminders on your smartphone, write these tasks on a whiteboard you see every day, or place post-it notes in strategic locations to help you remember to stay on top of these tasks.
Improve Your Bedroom’s Health Today
A clean bedroom is key to a good night’s sleep and overall health. While many people know to clean the floors and surfaces in their bedroom, a few often-overlooked spots can quickly become home to dust and other allergens. Cleaning your bedroom regularly can improve your sleep quality, protect yourself from allergens and illness, and create a relaxing oasis to come home to every day.
