Spring cleaning isn’t just limited to a few months out of the year. No matter the season, you should keep your bedroom in tip-top shape for optimal sleep hygiene.
Be sure to give your bedroom a thorough cleaning. We spend roughly one-third of our lives sleeping, so this space deserves some extra love. After all, who doesn’t love curling up in clean sheets at the end of a long day?
Not sure where to start? Here’s a list of spring cleaning tips — from mattress care to laundry advice for linens and general bedroom maintenance — to help make your bedroom the cleanest space in your home.
Mattress Cleaning Tips
Vacuum the Top of Your Mattress
First, remove your mattress protector if you have one. Using a brush attachment, vacuum the top of your mattress, making sure to reach into the grooves of the quilting. You’ll be surprised by how much dust, hair, and crumbs can accumulate there!
Remove Surface Stains
There are multiple methods for removing stains, both naturally and chemically:
- Create a solution of hydrogen peroxide, liquid dish soap, and baking soda in a reusable spray bottle, then spray stains and blot dry with a clean rag.
- Combine lemon juice and salt to make a paste, apply to stained areas, let sit for up to an hour, and then wipe off with a clean rag.
- Use a non-toxic fabric cleaner to chemically break down stains and odors.
Tip: Protect your mattress investment with a mattress protector.
Eliminate Mattress Odor
Oils from skin and hair can seep into your mattress over time and create lasting odors. To combat this, sprinkle baking soda over the mattress surface and let it sit for a few hours to absorb sweat, oils, and residual moisture. Vacuum thoroughly afterward, making sure to remove powder from all crevices.
Read more: Taking Care of Your New Mattress
Flip or Rotate Your Mattress
If you usually sleep on the same side, your mattress may wear unevenly, causing discomfort. Flip or rotate your mattress to prolong its life and improve sleep quality. For one-sided mattresses (like pillow-tops), rotate 180 degrees. For two-sided mattresses, flip entirely and refresh with baking soda as mentioned above.
Cover and Protect Your Mattress
Mattress protectors prolong mattress life by preventing dirt, oils, and other debris. They also help protect against bed bugs, especially in urban areas.
Pillow Cleaning Tips
Check to See if Your Pillows Need Replacement
Many keep the same pillows for years without realizing they need replacing. Fold your pillow in half — if it doesn’t spring back immediately, it’s time to replace it. Down pillows should feel light and evenly filled, not clumpy.
Tip: Recycle old pillows by using the stuffing for pet beds or throw pillows.
Wash Your Pillows Gently
Remove pillow protectors before washing. Wash according to the care label, using liquid detergent and an extra rinse cycle to avoid residue. Always wash pillows in pairs to maintain balance in your washing machine.
Tip: Roll pillows lengthwise and secure with rubber bands to reduce clumping during washing. Learn more.
Dry Pillows Thoroughly
Check care labels before drying. If machine drying is allowed, toss in a few clean tennis balls to speed up the process and prevent clumping. For non-machine-dryable pillows, lay flat to dry. Learn more: Shower before bed to keep pillows and bedding cleaner.
Bedding Cleaning Tips
Wash Sheets, Pillowcases, and Comforters Frequently
Sheets and pillowcases get the most contact with your body and should be washed regularly. According to Carolyn Forte of the Good Housekeeping Institute, "The longest you should wait before changing sheets is two weeks; weekly is even better."
Wash comforters and duvet covers weekly or biweekly. Duvet covers protect inserts, so the insert only needs washing a few times a year unless spills occur. Never overstuff your washer; large bedding may require a laundromat.
Occasionally Wash Blankets and Throw Pillows
Wash according to frequency of use. Decorative blankets and pillows need washing only a few times a year but should be aired out regularly.
Avoid Common Washing Mistakes
Be mindful of these common mistakes:
- Never overload the washer; bedding must move freely for even cleaning.
- Use appropriate cycle settings; heavy-duty is usually unnecessary.
- Avoid high heat or over-drying; tumble dry on low for shortest possible time.
Read more: Keeping Your Sheets Clean
Bedroom Cleaning Tips
Occasionally Wash Your Bed Skirt
Wash every three weeks to remove dust and debris. Dry-clean only bed skirts can be tumble-dried on low with a dryer sheet.
Wipe Down Headboard, Footboard, and Bed Frame
Wipe surfaces periodically to prevent the transfer of oils and bacteria from pillowcases. Fabric headboards may require vacuuming and a light fabric cleaner. Learn more.
Clean Walls Around the Bed
If your bed touches walls, wipe surrounding walls every few weeks to remove dust, dead skin cells, and bacteria. Use mild soap and water or diluted vinegar solution.
Vacuum or Sweep Under the Bed
Dust under the bed regularly to reduce allergens. Vacuum weekly if carpeted; hardwood floors are preferable for allergy sufferers. Consider a Learn more for cleaner air.
Dust Off Surfaces Near Your Bed
Wipe furniture (nightstands, dressers) weekly with microfiber cloths to reduce allergens.
Wipe Down Light Switches, Fixtures, and Ceiling Fans
Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures regularly to prevent spreading allergens. Learn more.
Vacuum Drapes, Wash Curtains, and Clean Blinds
Vacuum drapes monthly and follow care label instructions for machine-washable curtains. Vacuum blinds weekly or biweekly to remove dust, moving left to right to avoid damage. Learn more.
Eliminate Clutter Around Your Sleeping Space
Reduce dust accumulation by decluttering nightstands, dressers, and bookshelves.
Maintain Air Quality in Your Bedroom
Use air conditioners with HEPA filters and dehumidifiers in damp climates to reduce allergens, mold, and pollen.
Step into Spring with a New Mattress
If your mattress has reached the end of its life, visit your local Mattress Warehouse to be fitted for a new mattress. Our bedMatch technology scientifically determines the perfect mattress for your sleep needs.
