Hot summer nights are just around the corner! Spring cleaning might be a thing of the past, but if you skipped past your bedroom during the deep clean of your house, you might want to take a step back and give it another look. Before it's too hot to do anything but sit by the pool, check out these 5 spring and summer cleaning tips for your bedroom.
A deep clean might be necessary to rid your bed of microscopic invaders.
Dust mites can’t be seen with the naked eye, but that doesn't mean they aren't there. Dust mites are microscopic arthropods in the same family as fleas and ticks, but they don’t bite people. They munch on the dead skin cells you shed, which is why they love your pillow and your bed. If you have allergies, these unseen critters could be part of the cause. So, start with your pillows. If they’re not washable, either vacuum the pillow or place the pillow on air fluff in the dryer for about 20 minutes. If the pillow is washable, follow the instructions that were included. Dry with rubber or wool dryer balls to fluff the pillow back up.
Change your sheets and blankets.
Before summer temperatures reach their peak, replace your sheets and blankets with bedding that's breathable and stays super cool. Natural, breathable fabrics like bamboo twill are going to help wick away moisture and keep you cool. Synthetic fabrics tend to sleep hotter, so go with natural fibers. If you need a blanket, go with a lighter weight and, again, stick to a natural material like 100% cotton.
Consider shielding against the sun rising earlier in the morning.
Depending on your sleep schedule, you may be awakened too early by morning light or finding the fading – but still too strong – light keeping you awake when you know you need to be asleep. Be ready. Get blackout window coverings so you can be the one controlling the light and you can fall asleep and wake up on your schedule – not the schedule of the sun.
Take steps to control your bedroom's temperature.
We already know that people sleep better when the room is cooler – somewhere in between 60 and 70 degrees. That may be a stretch if you live in a very warm climate and don’t want to run the A/C constantly. So, set the thermostat as low as you think your utility bill can stand and then help the A/C out with a ceiling fan to keep air circulating, and keep window coverings closed by day to reduce the amount of heat in the room. You may want to add an electric fan well-placed to create a cooling breeze – it will not only circulate air; it will provide white noise that could help you sleep.
Embrace the summer season.
Bring a bit of summer into your bedroom. House plants and flowers are not only pretty – they’re relaxing by nature. So, celebrate the season by adding some of your favorites to your bedroom.
No matter what steps you take to clean and refresh your bedroom for the summer months, not much can fix a mattress that sleeps too hot. If you're one of the many people who wakes up clammy and sweaty, consider replacing your mattress with a bed that's designed to sleep cool and comfortable night after night.
