yesOur bedrooms may feel like a cozy, clean sanctuary, but there can be a surprising amount of dirt, bacteria, and allergens lurking in pillows, sheets, and other comfort items. If you’ve been putting off cleaning or replacing certain items (like your comforter or even your mattress), it’s time to rethink your daily routine. Keeping your sleeping space hygienic and fresh is not only about comfort; It’s also about your health.
However, it’s not always clear which items in your boudoir need extra attention. To take the guesswork out of it, we asked the experts which bedroom essentials you need to clean or replace more often (including when and why).
Experts in this article
- Dr. Kelly Reynolds, Director, Center for Environmental, Exposure Science and Risk Assessment, University of Arizona
9 Bedroom Items That Need Cleaning or Replacement
1. Mattress
Let’s be honest: When was the last time you cleaned your mattress? Probably, like, never. No judgment here (we are guilty too).
“People rarely clean their mattresses,” said Dr. Kelly Reynolds, director of the Center for Environmental, Exposure Science and Risk Assessment at the University of Arizona. But Reynolds said mattresses can be home to “a lot of nasty things.” That’s because, over time, they accumulate things like sweat, dead skin cells, and creepy crawlies like dust mites.
Dust mites are invisible to the naked eye (they’re about a quarter to a third of a millimeter long, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America), but you can bet they’re in your bed, shedding them every day. A feast for dead skin flakes. In fact, “an Ohio State University study showed that mattresses may contain 10,000 to 10 million dust mites,” says Reynolds. They’re not just disgusting, she says: Dust mites can also cause health problems, especially for people with asthma.
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Mites aren’t the only bugs in your bed, either. Your mattress may also contain harmful bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus (also known as “staph”), says Reynolds. If you’re healthy, staph won’t usually bother you (except it can make you panic when you think about it). But sometimes, if the immune system is weak, it can make people sick.
Frequency of cleaning or replacement: Vacuum your mattress every three to six months and remove stains immediately. Replace every seven to 10 years (depending on wear and any obvious sagging).
2. Pillow
Not to scare you, but every time you put your head on the pillow, you’re potentially exposing yourself to something pretty nasty.
“Pillows can easily collect sweat, facial and hair oils, dead skin and dust mites,” says Reynolds. Over time, she says, they become a petri dish full of bacteria, viruses, fungi and other allergens.
Frequency of cleaning or replacement: Wash your pillowcases in hot water every week and your pillows every four to six months. If they are not washable, use protective covers and replace them every one to two years.
3. Bedsheets
If changing your sheets is low on your to-do list, it’s time to move it to the front.
“Sheets collect sweat, body oils, dead skin cells, saliva and dust mites,” says Reynolds. Plus, dirty sheets are a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Some studies have found that “dirty sheets may contain more bacteria than a toilet seat,” she said. Overall.
What if you sleep with your furry friend? Your sheets may be dirtier. Reynolds says pets can add more hair, dander, bacteria and fungus.
While these tiny bedfellows are unlikely to make you very sick, they can still cause health problems such as allergies, breathing problems (if you have asthma), rashes, and eczema, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Frequency of cleaning or replacement: Wash your sheets weekly with hot water and/or bleach to kill microorganisms and dust mites. Replace every two to three years, depending on wear and tear.
4. Quilts and duvets
Cleaning a comforter or duvet can be a hassle. We feel you. No one likes adding more to-dos on laundry day. Plus, quilts and duvets don’t have as much skin contact as sheets. So do you really need to clean them that often?
“Over time, quilts and duvets absorb sweat and dirt,” says Reynolds. “They can [also] Contains dust mites and allergens, especially if not covered with a washable duvet cover. Again, this isn’t good news for people who suffer from asthma, allergies, or sensitive skin.
How often to clean or replace: Wash duvet covers and sheets weekly. The comforter or duvet itself should be cleaned every three to six months. Replace every five to ten years, or sooner if it becomes caked or damaged.
5. Humidifiers and dehumidifiers
If you use a humidifier or dehumidifier, you may be trying to make the air more comfortable, but if you don’t clean the machine, you may make the situation worse. These machines are a breeding ground for mold and bacteria, which can end up in the air you breathe.
Reynolds says a dirty humidifier can even spread harmful bacteria like Legionella or mold spores, putting your lungs at risk. If you don’t keep them clean, she says, you may find yourself suffering from a flu-like illness called “humidifier fever,” especially if you already have a respiratory illness.
Frequency of cleaning or replacement: Change or empty the water in your humidifier or dehumidifier daily, and use distilled water to avoid scale buildup. Clean your humidifier or dehumidifier once a week and change the filter regularly (according to the manufacturer’s recommendations).
6. Air purifier
Air purifiers can do an amazing job at improving indoor air quality (and also work wonders for things like allergies). But only if you keep them clean. “Air purifiers are designed to capture dust, pollen and allergens, but the filters can become clogged with debris,” Reynolds said. “If not cleaned, they can be a source of allergens and a breeding ground for bacteria and mold.”
How often to clean or replace: Clean or replace the filter every three to six months, depending on how often you use the device and the manufacturer’s instructions.
7. Carpet or area rug
Let’s be honest: Most of us would rather do anything but vacuum. When we finally finished we just pulled up the rug and wanted to get it done as quickly as possible. But consider this a friendly PSA and don’t skimp on cleaning your carpets. “Carpet collects dirt, dust, hair and allergens,” says Reynolds.
Bacteria, mold and mites can also thrive in unclean carpets, she said. If you have pets, your carpet will just hide more critters. (By the way, this also applies to bathroom rugs and other mold-prone bathroom items.)
Frequency of cleaning or replacement: Vacuum once a week and deep clean or steam clean every six to 12 months.
8. Lampshade
If you’re like most people, cleaning your lampshade probably isn’t your top priority until it’s covered in dust. “Lampshades collect dust, dirt and airborne particles,” says Reynolds. “Fabric lampshades, in particular, may contain allergens and dirt that are invisible to the naked eye.”
How often to clean or replace: Dust lampshades weekly and remove stains as needed.
9. Fans
When was the last time you gave your fans a good scrub? Don’t remember? Yes, so do we. The problem is, “dust, pollen and airborne debris can accumulate on the fan blades,” Reynolds said. When you turn on a ceiling fan or an upright fan with blades, it kicks these particles back into the air, worsening air quality and triggering allergies or asthma, she said.
Frequency of cleaning or replacement: Dust ceiling or upright fan blades every one to two months.
