As much as your bedroom is a place for rest and relaxation, it's also, unfortunately, a place where dust seems to settle on everything. And, often, no amount of vacuuming, sweeping and wiping can keep bacteria at bay, either.
It certainly doesn't help, either, that there are more than likely things you're forgetting to clean altogether, which may be contributing to poor air quality, bad odors and allergens. Here, cleaning experts share their cleaning tips for tackling these oft-forgotten spots.
7 things you're forgetting to clean in your bedroom
1. Under the bed
You might know how to declutter and organize the area under your bed, but, according to Alicia Sokolowski, cleaning and laundry expert and co-CEO of AspenClean, it's likely that you're forgetting to clean it.
To do so, she advises, 'Remove any items stored under the bed, then use a vacuum with a crevice tool to reach dust and debris. If accessible, wipe the floor with a damp microfiber cloth and gentle floor cleaner,' such as the Method Squirt + Mop Wood Floor Cleaner available at Walmart.
Don't forget to clean your bed frame and headboard, either, says Karina Toner, cleaning expert and operations manager at Spekless, which is one of the things people with clean bedrooms always do.
'Dust collects on the headboard and frame, affecting air quality,' she explains. 'Wipe wood or metal frames with a damp cloth, such as the Great Value Multipurpose Microfiber Household Cleaning Cloth available at Walmart, vacuum upholstered headboards, and use a fabric freshener spray.'
You can also make your own non-toxic homemade room spray with essential oils and distilled water, which, with no harsh chemicals, is also suitable for spritzing over fabrics.
All prices correct at time of publication.
These fabric refresher sprays eliminate odors, rather than just masking them, and are safe to use on virtually all fabrics.
Use these microfiber cloths for dusting and cleaning under your bed, before simply popping them in your washing machine after use for convenient cleaning.
Tested by our expert home tech editor Dan Fauzi, this came out on top for the best handheld vacuum, who deemed it 'surprisingly powerful for such a small vacuum.'
2. Light switches
You likely reach for your light switches multiple times a day, but more often than not they become overlooked spots you are forgetting to dust.
'To clean these high-touch areas effectively, dampen a microfiber cloth with a natural all-purpose cleaner and gently wipe the surfaces,' recommends Alicia. For this, we recommend the AspenClean Natural All Purpose Cleaner available at AspenClean, which is EWG verified and eco-friendly, ideal for cleaning your home without harming the planet.
'When cleaning, ensure the cloth is only slightly damp to prevent moisture from seeping into electrical components,' adds Alicia, which is important if you want to avoid any bedroom lighting mistakes and costly repairs.
This spray harnesses plant-based cleaning power to cut through grease and grime, removing fingerprints and smudges from your light switches and leaving them shiny.
3. Baseboards
Similarly, while baseboards are one of the things you do not need to clean regularly, that doesn't mean you never need to clean them. And, while there are plenty of cleaning methods, like the TikTok vacuum hack to clean baseboards and the dryer sheet hack to speed clean baseboards, cleaning expert Alicia reminds us that you don't need to overcomplicate things.
'The best way to clean baseboards is to first dust them with a microfiber cloth or vacuum brush attachment,' she says. 'Then, wipe them with a damp cloth and a gentle cleaning solution to remove scuffs and grime.'
And, if you're wondering how often you should clean your baseboards, aim for at least monthly.
This genius Damp Duster uses only water to quickly and effectively remove dust, pollen, pet hair and more.
4. Lampshades
It might not feel important or urgent, but as cleaning expert Karina explains, 'Fabric shades trap dust, pollen, and pet hair, subtly but surely affecting air quality.'
So, to clean lamp shades, begin by using a lint roller, such as the Mainstays Extra Sticky 100-Sheet Giant Lint Roller available at Walmart, to remove dust and hair.
Then, use a dry microfiber cloth to remove any residual dust and lint, before following up with a damp microfiber cloth, in keeping with the dry/damp cleaning rule. For stains, Alicia advises, gently dab the area with a clean microfiber cloth dampened with water and a mild soap solution, being careful not to oversaturate the fabric.
'For plastic or glass shades, wipe with an all-purpose cleaner,' adds Karina.
These versatile lint rollers are perfect for everyday use, with a durable handle and smooth and quiet rolling action.
This all-natural dish soap is mild, unscented and free of any dyes, so won't damage your delicate lampshades.
Available in either eucalyptus, lemon, lavender or fragrance-free variants, this cleaning spray leaves your home fresh and clean.
5. Pillows
When was the last time you washed your pillows, and not just your pillowcases? They might be a comfortable place to rest your head at night, but they also are, unfortunately, a breeding ground for bacteria, which is why neglecting to clean them is a bedding laundry mistakes to avoid at all costs. In fact, when it comes to how often you should wash your pillows, experts recommend every three to six months.
To do so, cleaning and laundry expert Alicia recommends checking the laundry symbols before getting started, 'As most pillows can be machine-washed on a gentle cycle.
'Use a mild, fragrance-free detergent for a safe, effective clean,' she adds. 'Dry thoroughly to prevent mold and mildew, and if using a dryer, add dryer balls,' such as the Cleancult Dryer Balls available at Walmart, 'to help maintain the pillow's shape and fluffiness, and speed up drying.'
These wool dryer balls are made from 100% New Zealand premium wool, and can be used to replace chemically infused dryer sheets and speed up drying times, to help save energy when doing laundry.
This gentle, hypoallergenic laundry detergent works on 100% of common stains, for a deep clean that's safe to use on all washable fabrics.
These plastic dryer balls fluff up fabrics, and can be reused again and again when being sustainable at home.
6. Closet shelves and drawer interiors
Opened and closed daily, your closet and drawers are quick to collect dust, dirt, and bacteria from everyday use.
To clean bedroom drawers and closets, begin by emptying everything. This is a great time to employ some decluttering methods and closet decluttering tips, so grab a storage basket, such as the c e ll a Set of 4 Collapsible 15.75" Storage Baskets available at QVC, or something similar to set aside any items that you no longer want or need. You can decide whether to donate or sell the decluttered items at a later date.
Then, use a handheld vacuum to clean off dust and debris, before wiping down surfaces with a damp cloth and mild cleaning solution. 'Make sure to let them dry completely before returning items back to shelves and drawers,' says Alicia.
To make future cleaning easier, cleaning expert Karina suggests using drawer liners, such as the EasyLiner Original Grip Shelf Liner available at Walmart, which is machine washable and easy to cut.
Add a touch of luxury to your closet and drawers with these elegant scented liners, infused with a fresh linen scent.
7. The mattress
Cleaning a mattress is key when it comes to improving your sleep hygiene and making your mattress smell nice, but this task is often put off, or ignored completely. Luckily, as cleaning expert Alicia says, it needn't be too tiresome a chore, and it's easy enough to swerve any mattress cleaning mistakes to avoid by cleaning with baking soda. For this, we recommend the ARM & HAMMER Pure Baking Soda & All Purpose Cleaner for Baking & Deodorizing available at Walmart.
'Start by vacuuming the mattress surface to remove dust mites, and debris,' she advises. 'Then, sprinkle baking soda over the mattress, let it sit for 30 minutes, then vacuum again.'
You can also steam clean a mattress, which effectively kills bacteria without any hassle, stress, or mess. Do not use steam on memory foam mattresses however, as the heat can warp the material.
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FAQs
What is the 20 minute cleaning rule for cleaning?
The 20 minute cleaning rule is a great way to tick off forgotten cleaning tasks in your bedroom. Simply clean for 20 minutes before a non-negotiable 10 minute break, repeating as necessary.
It's not just the forgotten spots in your bedroom which need attention. Don't forget the things in your bathroom you need to clean, from behind the toilet, to plugholes and bath mats.
