Wondering how to clean a bedroom to ensure it remains the sanctuary it should be and the place where you go to relax and recharge at the end of a busy day?
An efficient routine is the best way to ensure that it is hygienic, has a relaxing atmosphere and looks elegant, without the task taking up more time than it should.
We’ve rounded up cleaning tips that include just five steps that will get the job done quickly and thoroughly, and also asked the experts for their thoughts.
How to clean a bedroom
“A messy bedroom can add stress, cause anxiety and even affect your sleep quality,” says Chris Wootton, general manager of home cleaning company, Poppies. “Having a clean, clutter-free bedroom will help you feel refreshed and rejuvenated, improving your chances of a good night’s sleep.”
The answer to how to clean a bedroom doesn’t require any specialist tools, but it’s worth gathering everything you need before you start, to avoid repeated trips downstairs. Bring the vacuum cleaner, including nozzle and brush attachments, and at least one damp cloth and two microfiber dusting cloths.
As for cleaning products, all you need to do is use your usual multi-purpose cleaning spray and glass cleaner. Alternatively, you can make your own cleaning spray using one part white vinegar to nine parts water, plus a squirt of dish soap.
1. Tidy up
Before you can start cleaning a bedroom, you will need to have your bedroom properly tidy and decluttered. Start by collecting all the items that don’t belong and putting them back in their place. We’re talking water glasses by the bed, old newspapers and magazines you’ve finished reading, and any coats or shoes that should be in the mudroom or hallway. Empty the trash.
Then, put away any clean clothes that have been forgotten. Clothes that have been worn once or twice and are still clean can also be returned to the closet. It’s worth allocating an area – maybe a few hangers on the right or a drawer – for these items so you can track usage. Put all dirty items in the laundry basket.
2. Do the dusting
Always start dusting from the ceiling down when cleaning a room. Use the nozzle of your vacuum cleaner or a long-handled duster to get into cobweb-strewn corners. You can also use the vacuum at its lowest power with the brush attachment to tackle light pleated blinds, curtains and valance.
“Use a damp microfiber cloth for hard surfaces like metal blinds, venetian blinds, frames and baseboards,” says Sarah Dempsey, cleaning expert at MyJobQuote. “Finally, wipe down and polish mirrors and windows using a vinegar-based spray and a dry microfiber cloth.” Don’t forget to wipe down light switches and outlets; these frequently used touch points can harbor important germs and bacteria.
(Image credit: Caroline Paterson Interiors)
3. Strip the bed
It’s wise to strip the bed after you’ve finished dusting when cleaning a bedroom, so the particles don’t settle on your exposed mattress. Vacuum the mattress, on the lowest setting so as not to damage the fillings, bearing in mind that it will be necessary to thoroughly clean a mattress periodically, as well as wash a mattress cover. ‘This is a great opportunity to flip or flip your mattress, if needed. It’s also a good idea to let the mattress air out without sheets for at least half an hour,” says Kate Henderson, Duty Manager at Daffodil Hotel.
Wash the sheets and wash a silk pillowcase if you’ve invested in this luxurious option. Remember that from time to time you also need to wash a weighted blanket. Asking can you wash an electric blanket? The answer is you may be able to check the label.
While the bedding is removed, take the opportunity to vacuum or wipe down the headboard, including any space between the headboard and the mattress. Consider whether it’s time to wash the pillows and also wash a down comforter. “Research shows that if your duvet isn’t washed the recommended number of times – every two to three months – it can harbor around 20,000 dust mites and their droppings, making you more susceptible to allergens and irritants,” says sleep expert Martin Seeley. and CEO of MattressNextDay. “Check the label on your comforter before washing it, but ideally you want to wash it at 60 degrees to kill all germs and bacteria.”
4. Vacuum
Now turn on your vacuum at full power and attack the floor, going as far as possible under the bed and any furniture on legs. “Forget the advice to start in the furthest corner of the room and vacuum your way out and instead vacuum when you enter the room and vacuum when you leave, that way you hit two times high traffic areas,” says Kate Henderson of Daffodil Hotel.
If you have a hard floor, you may also need to mop the floor afterwards. And if they’re not too heavy, take all the rugs outside to dust them, which will remove more dirt than just vacuuming and allow you to vacuum the floor underneath.
5. Make the bed
Once you’ve finished cleaning a room, collect some freshly laundered bedding and make the bed. It’s worth having a backup set for those days when you’re deep cleaning the room. “Often your regular set of sheets isn’t out of the dryer by the time you’re ready to remake the bed, so a backup set will get the job done faster,” adds Chris Wootton.
Finally, add some pillow spray to help you drift off to sleep in your clean, clutter-free space. A fresh vase of fragrant flowers is another nice touch that will help you start each day with a smile.
(Image credit: Jo Cowan Architects)
How often should I clean my room?
You can get away with light dusting and vacuuming the rooms once a week. Plan for a thorough cleaning that includes putting the duvet and pillows through the washing machine and even shampooing the carpets about every three months or so. “When cleaning machine washable pillows, do two at a time on a gentle cycle with a small amount of detergent,” adds Lisa Williams, executive housekeeper at Greater, York. “Then tumble dry on low with a few tennis balls to restore their cloud-like volume.”
What’s the fastest way to clean a room?
It is possible to clean a double room in about 15 minutes; the key is to do it regularly. The longer you leave it on, the longer the job will take. It also helps with tidying up your bedroom at the end of each day, putting away clothes you’ve hastily tried on and thrown away, and bringing empty cups back to the kitchen. For quick cleaning, simply wipe down major surfaces with a damp cloth and vacuum.
How to clean a makeup bag?
When you’re putting away your dressing table in anticipation of bedroom cleaning, it’s easy to find yourself putting all your beauty products back in your makeup bag or drawer, regardless of the state of its interior. “Researchers found that up to 90% of makeup bags had become contaminated with superbugs such as E. coli due to people not cleaning their makeup bags or products properly. You should therefore clean your makeup and its storage bag every month,” says Martin Seeley. “This includes removing all products and wiping them down, as well as the inside and outside of the bag. However, be sure to let it dry properly before closing it, as the humidity creates an ideal breeding ground for more germs and bacteria.
