Most of us like to think we’re fairly good at keeping on top of the cleaning. There’s the weekly reset, the monthly deep clean and the quick nightly tidy that stops everything from descending into chaos. But even the most organised routine can overlook some of the less obvious jobs, particularly in the bedroom.
Changing your sheets is important, of course, but it isn’t enough to keep the whole room clean. Pillows, duvets, mattresses, curtains and even lampshades can all collect dust, skin flakes and allergens, yet many of us aren’t cleaning them as often as we should. Over time, this can leave your bedroom feeling grimier than you realise, potentially aggravating allergies and affecting the quality of your sleep.
So, I’ve rounded up the forgotten bedroom cleaning jobs you may not be doing frequently enough, along with how often you should really be tackling them. Because a clean set of sheets is only the beginning.
Pillows
And no, I’m not talking about pillowcases, which should be washed at least once a week, by the way. I mean your actual pillows. Yes, the thing you rest your head on every night could be harbouring a whole manner of sweat, bacteria, saliva, dead skin cells and more.
Pillowcases can absorb some of this build-up, but they don’t stop it from reaching the pillow underneath. Over time, this can leave your pillows feeling less than fresh and may contribute to allergy symptoms, particularly if they’re collecting dust and other allergens.
Most washable pillows should be cleaned every three to six months, although you should always check the care label first. Synthetic pillows can often go in the washing machine, while feather and down pillows may need more careful treatment. Make sure they are completely dry before putting them back on the bed, as any lingering dampness can encourage mould and mildew.
If your pillows have lost their shape, smell musty or remain lumpy after washing, it may be time to replace them rather than trying to revive them. A pillow protector can help keep them fresher between washes, but it still needs to be cleaned regularly too.
Duvets
The same goes for your duvet. Washing the cover regularly is important, but it doesn’t magically clean the duvet inside it. That can still absorb sweat, body oils, dead skin cells and moisture every night, particularly if you tend to sleep hot.
Your duvet cover should be washed at least every one to two weeks, but the duvet itself needs attention too. Aim to wash it every two to three months, or more often if you have allergies, share your bed with pets or regularly sweat throughout the night. Always check the care label first, as some feather and down duvets may need professional cleaning at a dry cleaners.
When washing it at home, make sure your machine is large enough for the duvet to move around properly, if it’s too small it won't get an even cleaning and detergent can even become trapped in the material, so if it doesn’t fit, heading to a local laundromat could be a better option.
And make sure to dry it completely before putting it back on the bed. A duvet that feels dry on the outside can still be damp in the middle, which is an excellent way to invite mould and mildew into your bedding. If the care label allows, dry on a low-heat setting in the tumble dryer, and try adding dryer balls or a couple of clean tennis balls to help break up clumps, and pause the cycle every so often to shake and redistribute the filling. If you’re air-drying it, hang it outside on a dry, breezy day, turning and shaking it regularly so the filling dries evenly.
Mattress protectors
The mattress protector is another layer of bedding that is very easy to forget about. It may be there to protect your mattress from sweat, spills and general nightly grime, but that means it’s now the one absorbing all of those things instead.
Aim to wash your mattress protector roughly once a month, or more often if you sweat heavily, have allergies, sleep with pets or have recently been ill. Always check the care label, as some can be washed at a higher temperature than others, and make sure it is completely dry before putting it back on the bed.
It is also worth checking the protector for thinning, stains, broken elastic or damaged waterproof backing. Once it is no longer providing a reliable barrier, washing it will only get you so far and it may be time to replace it.
Curtains and blinds
This one is especially relevant for hay fever sufferers, as the furnishings around our windows are often one of the biggest pollen traps in our homes. And yet, they're so easy to simply look past, or rather through - literally. They sit there quietly collecting dust, pet hair, pollen and other airborne grime.
Blinds should be dusted or vacuumed at least once a month, while curtains should be gently vacuumed and or given good beating regularly as part of your weekly clean, and washed or professionally cleaned every three to six months, depending on the fabric and care label.
The same goes for blackout blinds, which can collect dust along their folds and edges. Use a soft brush attachment or a slightly damp microfibre cloth, rather than soaking them. This is one of those jobs that takes minutes when done regularly, but becomes much more unpleasant when you leave it until the blinds have changed colour.
Wardrobes and drawers
I’m willing to bet that most people clean the inside of their wardrobes about as often as they clean the top of them: essentially never. But wardrobes need attention too, especially if you want to keep clothes fresh and avoid unwanted wardrobe pests.
Dust, hair, fabric fibres and crumbs can collect on shelves, in corners and along the floor, creating a more inviting environment for clothes moths and other pests. A neglected wardrobe can also become stuffy, particularly when it is tightly packed or poorly ventilated, which can leave clothes smelling musty.
Aim to empty and clean your wardrobe every few three to four months. Vacuum the corners, runners and floor, then wipe shelves and rails with a lightly damp microfibre cloth before allowing everything to dry fully. This is also the perfect opportunity to check for moths, larvae, holes or damp patches.
Try not to cram clothes back in immediately. Leave the doors open for a little while to air the wardrobe, and avoid putting away clothes that are even slightly damp. A clean, dry and less crowded wardrobe is far less appealing to pests and much more likely to keep your clothes smelling fresh.
Radiators
Radiators are another dust trap that most of us only remember when we turn them on come autumn and are met with a slightly suspicious burnt-dust smell filling the room. Dust can collect between the panels and behind the radiator, then circulate around the bedroom when the heating is switched on, which may aggravate allergies.
Aim to clean your radiators once a month during the heating season, or every few months when they’re not in use. Switch them off and let them cool completely before using a radiator brush (this one from Amazon handily also includes a bleeding key) or vacuum attachment to reach between the panels and underneath. Finish with a slightly damp microfibre cloth, but avoid spraying cleaning products directly on to the radiator.
Make sure it is completely dry before switching it back on. A quick monthly clean will help prevent dust from building up and should stop the room from smelling like a toasted attic whenever the heating comes on.
Mattresses
Washing your bedding (or even your mattress protector) regularly doesn’t mean the mattress underneath is clean. It can still collect sweat, skin flakes, dust and allergens, all of which are gradually absorbed into the place where you spend around a third of your life.
Vacuum your mattress every three months, using the upholstery attachment and paying particular attention to the seams, edges and any dips where dust can settle. You should also rotate it according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually every few months, to help it wear evenly. Not every mattress can or should be flipped, so check before turning it over though.
If there’s a spill, deal with it promptly using as little moisture as possible, then allow the mattress to dry completely before remaking the bed. Avoid soaking it or covering it with lots of bicarbonate of soda, as this can be difficult to remove and may leave residue behind. A good mattress protector, washed monthly, will help prevent future build-up, but it doesn’t replace vacuuming the mattress itself.
