Once spring is in the air, the weather is warmer, the days are longer and brighter, we feel more inclined to do a bit of thorough cleaning. Below are 5 tips ensure your bedroom gets a good spring clean.
Wash
Give all your bedding a good wash. This includes duvets, pillows, mattress toppers and mattress protectors as well as duvet covers, blankets, sheets and pillowcases. Check the washing instructions on your duvets, pillows and mattress toppers. Some may be dry clean only so not suitable for home washing. If you can machine wash them, check that your washing machine is big enough to take them. It is also an ideal time to change your duvet covers to more vibrant spring designs, colours and materials (for example 100% cotton bedding which has great breathability and absorbency properties). The Spring colours can really help set the tone in your bedroom and provide an uplifting feel of newness and freshness. You can also change your duvets from the higher winter togs to lower spring togs eg 10.5 tog, to keep you at optimum temperature overnight and prevent overheating which will ultimately lead to poor quality sleep.
Flip
Turn your mattress. Whilst you only need to replace your mattress every 7-10 years, it is a good idea to turn it regularly to ensure it gets even wear. If you need to buy a new mattress, see my blog on buying a new mattress here http://www.homespacedirect.com/blog/buying-a-mattress-then-read-this/
Clean
Give your bedroom a good clean. Dust off ceilings, corners and ceiling light fittings. (Whilst you are doing this, it is also a good time to check corners and walls for damp which may be caused by leaky roofs or overflowing gutter pipes). Clean all wardrobes, dressers, bedside cabinets with a damp cloth, and depending on the surface, you can give them a polish as well (check the instructions on your polish can to see which surfaces are and are not suitable).
Vacuum carpets or if you have a hard wood floors, steam clean them. Don’t forget to clean under beds and movable furniture.
Clean windows and window sills with a window cleaning detergent, so that they are nice and clean and can let that lovely summer sunshine in. Similarly, dust off and clean any table lamps (do not use a damp cloth as water may seep into the fitting).
Window dressings, (curtains, blinds, pelmets) all need a clean. Wash curtains if the care label allows. Dry clean them if you need to, or alternatively, you can dust off using a vacuum cleaner attachment on low suction. If you can, (time, space and finances allowing) change your curtains to more vibrant spring colours and lighter weight materials, to give your bedroom a nice spring change.
De-clutter
De-clutter your dresser. Any product on there that you don’t use anymore, the empty can of hairspray or the empty bottle of perfume – bin it.
This is also a great time to de-clutter and organise your wardrobe. Any item of clothing in your wardrobe that you haven’t worn for 2 years needs to go. If it is still in good condition, wash and donate it to charity – someone will be able to make good use of it, and will also give you a good feeling that you have done something help others that are less fortunate. Getting rid of these clothes makes way for new clothes which again, will enhance your mood. If you have warm, winter only clothes, move them to the back of your wardrobe and move your spring/summer collections to the front.
And breath …
Open a window and let the fresh air in. For me, there is nothing more elevating then a good dose of fresh air. Light a candle, diffuser or tea light that has a fresh yet soothing scent to really rejuvenate your bedroom. Relax in your new clean sleeping haven.
