Spring into cleaning with a fuss-free bedroom refresh

When’s the best time to spring clean your bedroom?

Spring is traditionally associated with birth and renewal, so it makes sense that throughout history humans have marked spring by washing, cleaning, purifying and generally airing away the winter. While nothing is stopping you from deep-cleaning your bedroom at any time of the year, most kiwis dive in as the weather improves between September and November. There’s no time like the present!If you’re feeling overwhelmed at the idea of a year’s worth of cleaning, nothing says you have to do it all in one day. So chuck on a spring cleaning playlist, and tackle one task at a time.

Tidy and declutter

Clearing clutter is (almost) nobody’s favourite job, but clutter’s negative impact on mental health is undeniable. You’ll simply sleep easier once it’s all done.

Begin by throwing any washing into the hamper and clearing off your bedside tables, drawers and dressers. Put anything that doesn’t belong in a box so you can return it to its proper place. Sort through your drawers, and fill another box or bag with anything you want to donate. Start a third bag for anything that needs throwing out. Don’t forget to check behind and under the bed, nightstand, and dresser for any hidden rubbish. If you don’t already have one, consider installing a small bin in your room to make this easier next time!

If possible, move the furniture so you can vacuum under and behind it. If it’s not possible, use the crevice attachment to get into tight spots, then vacuum everywhere else. Take rugs outside, give them a therapeutic beating and let them air. Spot-clean any stains or particularly grubby bits, mop hard floors, and consider steam cleaning carpets or area rugs if they need some tough love. Open doors and windows to encourage airflow and help everything dry faster.

Clean curtains, blinds and bedding

Pick a clear, sunny, breezy day to wash bulky items. Remove all bedding and wash or air. If your curtains can be washed, wash them according to care instructions and hang them on the line to dry. If they can’t be washed, and a lot of thermal-backed curtains fall into this category, then vacuum them with a brush attachment and wipe them down with a damp cloth before hanging them out to air. Wipe down the blinds and open all the windows.

Wipe down every surface

Take everything off the walls and put carefully to one side.

Throw a sheet or drop-cloth over the mattress before cleaning your room from ceiling to floor, left to right. The strategy here is to ensure you’ve cleaned every surface without going over anything twice – life’s too short! Use a long-handled duster for cobwebs and the tops of tall furniture, and damp microfibre cloths on the bits you can reach. Wipe down ceilings, doors, door frames, walls, window frames and sills, skirting and scotia. Clean picture frames and furniture (give them a cheeky polish if you feel inspired). Thoroughly wipe down everything that needs to go back on the bedside tables and drawers. Finally, don’t forget to clean door handles and light switches.

Clean lamps and lights

Make sure lights are off and bulbs are cool before you begin. Remove light shades and wipe down lamp stands and bases. Use a damp cloth to clean dust off the light bulbs and fittings. Use a lint roller to remove dust from smooth shades or a vacuum with a brush attachment on more textured surfaces. If the shades need more thorough cleaning, use a damp cloth and gentle dish soap rather than spray cleaner. Reattach the shades when you’re done.

Wash and polish the glass

For a streak-free shine on mirrors, windows, and picture frames, use glass cleaner or a vinegar and water solution, and clean microfibre cloths (or newspaper). Hang your frames back on the wall, and throw the drop-cloth in a hot wash to take care of dust mites. Now it’s time for the main event…

Clean the bed and mattress

Wash and dry your mattress protector. If it’s too heavy for your machine and doesn’t have a zip-off cover, you may need to make a trip to the laundromat.

Wipe down the bed frame with a damp microfiber cloth. Vacuum the mattress with the upholstery or brush attachment, making sure to get all the seams and crevices. If it needs more freshening up, sprinkle it with baking soda and wait a few hours before vacuuming. If you have an upholstered or fabric headboard, thoroughly vacuum that as well.

Take this opportunity to rotate or flip the mattress, checking for wear or tear. You can sew or patch any minor damage, but if you find any insides on the outside, it’s time to start looking for a new mattress!

If there are any stains or marks, use a damp cloth with a fabric cleaner (check care instructions and spot-test – natural fibres can have special requirements), and let it dry fully. For more mattress cleaning tips, check out our expert mattress cleaning guide.

Vacuum and mop the floor

Add the final touches

Hang the curtains and make the bed. This is the ideal time to swap out your warm winter sheets for cooler cotton ones and pack away the heavy duvet and blankets. Remember to deal with the bags and boxes you set aside: take the donations to your local op shop, bin the rubbish, and return stray items to their rightful rooms. Give everything a last quick wipe, relax and enjoy!

Get that spring-fresh feeling year-round

To maintain a clean, calm bedroom oasis throughout the year:

– Open windows and curtains during the day to let air and light in.

– Wash bedding and wipe surfaces down every week; vacuum or mop at least once a week.

– Consider adopting a couple of bedroom plants to help clean and purify the air.

– Run a dehumidifier regularly if you live in a particularly rainy or humid region.

– Choose (and use) storage organisers that make sense for you. Consider wardrobe shelving, under-bed storage and drawer organisers to help you keep everything in its proper place.

– Keep clutter from creeping back by spending ten minutes at the end of each day putting things back where they belong.

– Finally, wash and carefully store any winter bedding, ready for next year.And if it is time for a new mattress, head over to our Sleep Selector to get our expert recommendation for your perfect next bed.