Sweet Dreams - bedroom cleaning tips

Studies show that a clean bedroom can help you sleep better and maintain a healthy lifestyle. After all, wespend a third of our life in bed. We asked Pam Helms, co-founder of the plant-derived household cleaner brand Mrs. Meyer’s, to give us the lowdown on how to clean our bedroom essentials for a sweeter night’s sleep.

BLANKETS

Machine wash cotton blankets in warm water. Wash wool with laundry detergent on the gentle cycle in cold water. Spin blankets in the washer until all excess moisture is extracted. Gently stretch blankets back to their original size (measure first if you’re not sure what that is) before air drying.

SHEETS AND PILLOW CASES

Since these are in close contact with your skin, wash them once a week – or more frequently if someone has been sick. Wash cotton, cotton blends, flannel, synthetics or bamboo in hot water to kill bacteria; dry them on low. Remember to fold sheets right away so wrinkles won’t set in.

COMFORTERS

Place them in the dryer for just a few minutes to fluff up, and then hang heavy comforters, quilts and wool blankets on several clotheslines to balance out the weight so they won’t stretch. Clean your clotheslines with a damp rag before each use.

QUILTS

Put these in the washer on the gentle cycle, but make sure to use cold water and laundry detergent. If you have a homemade quilt, you don’t want to wash it too often, or it’ll show its wear. If your quilt is an heirloom, have it professionally cleaned.

MATTRESS PADS

Wash these once a month (unless they’re soiled, in which case wash them right away!) in hot water and air dry. Doctors may advise allergy and asthma sufferers to wash them more frequently.

RUGS

Wash small cotton or synthetic rugs and bath mats (even those with rubber or latex backings) in cold water on the gentle cycle. Air dry.

CURTAINS

Cotton curtains can be washed in cold water. Air dry, then iron them when they’re slightly damp to get out those wrinkles before they set in.

Tufted headboard, $200. Drum mirror, $80.
Carved wood dresser, $500. homesense.ca