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The beginning of a new season is a great opportunity for a deep clean, plus a declutter and seasonal swap out of soft furnishings to make your bedroom a healthier, cosier space this winter. Here’s how to do it.
Pack away any summer-specific items, cleaning as you go. Dust fan blades before storing away portable models for the winter (switch ceiling fans to reverse or ‘winter’ mode); wash and store mosquito nets; wash or air lightweight duvets, make sure they’re thoroughly dry, then store in vacuum bags. Give flyscreens a dust with the vacuum brush attachment.
A clean bedroom starts with a clean mattress, according to cleaning and organising expert Chantel Mila Ibbotson (@mama_mila_au). “Vacuuming regularly is a simple way to get rid of dust, skin cells and dust mites that may be living inside your mattress,” she says. Spot-clean stains with a gentle detergent and rotate or flip the mattress if possible. Combat odours by sprinkling with bicarb soda, letting it sit for 30 minutes, then vacuuming. Clean and wash pillows and duvets, as these can accumulate sweat and dust – hence the dreaded ‘yellow pillow’. “Many can be put directly in the washing machine,” advises Chantel.
Seek out spaces where dust gathers. “Upholstered bedheads, armchairs and lampshades can be breeding grounds for dust,” says Chantel. Use a vacuum upholstery attachment on these surfaces. “A little trick is to use a lint roller to capture dust from hard-to-reach nooks like inside fabric lampshades,” she adds. Get under and behind furniture to suck up dust, wipe down walls – a microfibre flat mop works well – and don’t forget the curtains!
The bedroom can be a catch-all space for clutter. Beth McGee, author of Get Your House Clean Now: The Home Cleaning Method Anyone Can Master (getyourhousecleannow.com), suggests putting aside one hour to tidy and declutter. “Decide to let go of 10 ‘good’ things by the end of 60 minutes,” Beth says. “Move through your room and remove any rubbish – old mail, wrappers, broken items, etc. Put items that belong in another room into a pile by the door to remove at the 55-minute mark.” Look for clothing you haven’t worn in the past year or more to donate – Beth suggests aiming for 10 donatable items.
Consider whether your windows are adequately insulated for winter. Upgrade from sheer summer curtains to drapes in a heavy thermal fabric and check for gaps where cold draughts can sneak in. Adding window seals, remounting curtain rails above window architraves or switching to snug-fitting shutters can all make a difference.
Turn your bed into a warming winter nest with a change of bedding. Change crisp linen sheets for cuddly flannelette and swap the lightweight duvet for a warmer one, or add a quilt for extra weight. Switching up your bed styling can also make it look cosier and more comforting. Add cushions in moody hues or rich jewel tones to create a cocooning feel, and soften hard surfaces with textiles – place rugs on floors and give an armchair a seasonal update with a chunky throw.
Find more winter warming tips with this guide to a cosier home.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
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