By Rachael Thompson Bedding 18.03.2024

This Is How Often You Should Clean Everything in Your Bedroom

Enjoy a more restful sleep thanks to a spotless space.

Jumping into a bed with clean sheets and a tidy room is one of life's simple pleasures. Knowing your space is organised is not only good for your mental health but it can also impact the quality of your sleep.

If you lead a busy life your bedroom will likely become messier as the week goes by – we don't blame you! But how often should you actually be cleaning everything in your room to ensure it's not getting grimy?

The frequency with which you need to clean your bedroom will probably depend on things such as whether you have pets and what your lifestyle is like. But below is a general guide you can follow to keep your space in tip-top shape.

1. Windows: Once a Month

Having clean windows will help brighten your space and, obviously, give you a more clear view outside. Dust can build up very quickly on window sills as well. Giving them a clean once a month will help remove accumulated dust, dirt, and grime that can build up over time

If you live in a city where there's more pollution or are sensitive to allergens, you may need to clean them more frequently.

2. Bedding: Once a Week

According to The Sleep Foundation, sheets should be washed once a week to ensure you’re saying a final adios to all your little bacteria friends. They recommend washing your sheets every 3-4 days if you have pets living in your home, and if you’re someone with allergies or asthma experiment with washing your bedding even more regularly to see if this reduces symptoms.

3. Mattress: Every Six Months

An item many of us tend to neglect is our mattress. It’s recommended you give your mattress a proper clean every six months – or once every season – to eliminate dirt and dead skin cells and prevent the build-up of dust mites.

However, if you suffer from allergies or have a pet that sleeps on your bed, you might want to consider cleaning your mattress more frequently.

4. Floors: Every One to Three Weeks

The frequency of washing and vacuuming floors in your bedroom depends on several factors including foot traffic, pets, and personal preference. According to research by Philip Tierno Jr., a microbiologist and immunologist at New York University, a carpet can be four thousand times dirtier than your toilet seat – gross! Vacuum your carpet every week and consider doing a steam clean every six to twelve months. If your bedroom has hardwood floors, it's best to mop your floors approximately once every two to three weeks.

5. Bedside Table: Once a Week

Are you one of those people that has a consistently cluttered nightstand? The one with a pile of books, multiple glasses, and random trinkets. We don't blame you! A bedside table can quickly become a dumping ground. But when they're messy, it has a surprising impact on the aesthetic of your space.

You'll likely need to wipe your bedside table down once a week, particularly if you're someone who puts glasses or mugs on it each evening. Ensure to put away anything that's accumulated on it over the week and give your lamp a quick dusting during this time as well.

6. Wardrobe/Closet: Twice a Year OR Seasonally

A good ol' closet purge can help you minimise clutter and better organise your things. Take stock of what's in your wardrobe and give away or donate any items that you no longer want/need. Many people find it helpful to clean out their closets seasonally – a new season can be an easy and fresh reminder!

7. Mirrors: Once a Week

Wiping your mirrors down regularly helps to remove buildup, ultimately keeping them clean and clear. It's likely that you'll need to wipe down your mirror(s) once a week to remove any fingerprints, dust, and other smudges that may accumulate during the week. Keeping them nice and clean will also help light bounce around your room more effectively.

8. Bed Frame/Bedhead – Once a Week

Whether it’s timber or upholstered, dusting your bedhead/bed frame once a week is a best practice. Pay special attention to areas where dust tends to collect, such as behind and on the sides.

If you have an upholstered bedhead/bed frame and notice any spills, stains, or smudges, address them promptly.

You can give your whole bedframe a more thorough clean (remove mattress etc) once every few months.

9. Mattress Protector: Every One to Two Months

A mattress protector collects lots of bacteria and sweat over time – pretty gross, right? For this reason, it's a good idea to wash yours every one to two months. Regular washing will help extend the life of your mattress and keep your sleeping environment clean and allergen-free.

10. Plants: Once a Week

Yes, that's right, your plants need to be cleaned, too! Depending on how much dust accumulates in your home, your plants will need to be "cleaned" to restore their shine and colour. A layer of dust on the leaves of their leave will block sunlight and reduce the plant's ability to photosynthesise.

For plants that are too large to move, you can simply wipe the leaves off with a damp cloth. For smaller plants, you can hose them down or pop them into the shower to clean.