Spring has officially sprung! In this season of renewal, spring cleaning may be calling – and a spring cleaning checklist is in order. If you suddenly get the urge to deep clean and purge your entire home, it’s only natural for this time of year. However, it’s best to pace yourself by taking it one room at a time.
We recommend beginning with the bedroom. After all, sleep is sacred and foundational to our health. A fresh, clean and serene bedroom sets the stage for restorative nights and brighter days ahead.
Here’s how to clean your bedroom step-by-step this spring (and year-round!) – the organic way, of course.
First Things First: Non-toxic Cleaning Products
Spring cleaning not only improves your home’s aesthetic, but it also contributes to improved physical and mental health … that is, if the right products are used.
Unfortunately, the majority of mainstream cleaning products are full of toxic chemicals that are harmful to our health – including carcinogens. In our attempts to improve our indoor air quality, many of us only make it worse. That’s why using non-toxic cleaning products is a must.
Spring Cleaning Checklist: Products
You won’t need much to get the job done and may even have some of these already in your home. Here’s our cleaning checklist for before you get started:
- Microfiber towels and dust rags
- Non-toxic all-purpose surface spray (Try making your own using essential oils!)
- Non-toxic glass cleaner spray
- Reusable spray bottle to make own solutions
- HEPA vacuum cleaner
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Non-toxic laundry detergent (Read labels carefully)
- Long-handled microfiber duster
A Note on Greenwashing
When purchasing items like cleaning sprays or laundry detergent, it’s important to beware of greenwashing, a marketing ploy used to promote a false sense of sustainability or cleanliness about a product.
Reading ingredient labels closely is crucial. Look out for ingredients like:
- Ammonia
- Chlorine
- Triclosan
- Fragrance
- Bleach
- Formaldehyde
- Phthalates
And the list goes on! If you don’t recognize an ingredient, it’s usually a red flag.
How to Clean Your Bedroom Step-by-Step
Now for the fun part! Once you’ve got all your non-toxic cleaning supplies ready, it’s time to get started. Put on some music or a podcast and follow our step-by-step process below. (P.S. We recommend removing any trash, clutter or dirty clothes beforehand.)
1. Clean Ceiling and Walls
Begin by showing attention to two of the most overlooked areas: ceilings and walls.
Using a microfiber towel or long-handled duster, dust and clean ceiling corners, air vents, ceiling fans, door frames and walls. Remember to clean any wall artwork or photographs, too.
For your gentle cleaning solution, try mixing baking soda with water, spraying lightly and then wiping.
2. Dust and Vacuum
Carry on by continuing to dust the remainder of your bedroom. This includes:
- Surfaces
- Fixtures
- Décor
- Blinds
- Windowsills
- Curtains
You might find that a vacuum works best for cleaning your curtains or even machine washing and drying (refer to the care instructions for your specific curtains beforehand). After you’re done dusting, time to vacuum your floors!
3. Wash Bedding and Pillows
Strip your bed of all bedding, including:
- Sheets
- Pillowcases
- Comforters, quilts, duvets, etc.
- Blankets
- Toppers
- Protector pads
Use a non-toxic laundry detergent for your machine-washable bedding items. If your pillows aren’t machine washable, spot clean where needed, fluff them and air them out. Certain pillows may also have a removable, washable encasement, so check for that, too.
4. Clean Your Mattress
While your bedding is tumbling in the dryer, now’s the perfect time to deep clean your mattress. (And yes, that’s a thing!)
First, vacuum your mattress surface using your vacuum’s upholstery attachment to remove dust, dirt and allergens that may have accumulated. Then, sprinkle baking soda gently over your mattress and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. Now, take your vacuum cleaner and sweep it up again.
If you notice any stains or spots on your mattress surface, you can spot clean them. Just be sure to let it dry all the way through before re-making your bed!
5. Wash Windows and Mirrors
Using your non-toxic glass cleaner, it’s time to wipe down any windows or mirrors. You may also mix a solution of equal parts white vinegar with water to make one yourself.
Dust with a dry cloth first and be sure to use a microfiber cloth for a streak-free finish. Try opening your windows for fresh spring air and ventilation, too!
Inhale. Exhale. The fresh air is nice, right?
6. Finishing Touches
Now that you’ve tackled the major areas, it’s time for a few finishing touches. Put on your clean sheets, make your bed, organize and disinfect frequently touched areas, like doorknobs and light switches.
If you have plants in your bedroom, now’s a great time to water them. Consider incorporating an air purifier in your sleep space if you haven’t already. Finally, set the tone with a non-toxic candle, sage or palo santo.
Bonus points if you also check your smoke detectors!
Tips for Keeping Your Bedroom Clean
While a regular deep clean every few weeks is recommended for decreasing environmental toxins in the bedroom, following a few simple steps each day can be a much more manageable task for a lot of us. These tips can be a game changer:
- Always place your dirty clothes in the hamper and keep clean laundry put away
- Don’t let trash or clutter accumulate
- Make your bed each morning and change your sheets and pillowcases weekly
- Put things back in their designated places after use to maintain the order and serenity of your bedroom
By incorporating these simple habits into your daily routine, you can enjoy a clean and inviting bedroom environment that promotes relaxation and a sense of well-being.
Don’t let the dust settle this spring! Let the scent of freshly washed linens linger as you embrace the ritual of spring cleaning.
We hope our step-by-step checklist inspires you, and we’ll leave you with one final tip. A clean bedroom is only as clean as what you furnish it with … so don’t sleep on toxic chemicals! Detox your sleep this spring with a certified organic mattress and kick toxins out of your bedroom for good.