Spring cleaning your bedroom for a better night’s sleep

September is a magical month in South Africa. It’s that little bit warmer, and the sun wakes up before you do, letting the birds know it’s time to sing in the new day – all before you’ve had the chance to put the kettle on.

According to Dale Harley, Marketing Executive at Restonic, you should be waking up feeling energised, well-rested, and ready to tackle whatever comes your way that day. If you’re not, it could be because your bedroom is not the sleep-inducing, restful oasis of calm it should be.

Many people sleep better in hotel rooms because the beds are larger and well-maintained, and the décor is calming and clutter-free compared to home.
Dale Harley

1. Declutter

Label three good-size boxes with “Keep”, “Donate”, and “Sell” stickers. As you move through your bedroom, pick up the items that you see around and ask yourself if you really need it in your life.
If you do, place it in the keep box. If you don’t, and it’s not an item you think you want to sell, then place it in the donate box.
Invest in some stylish solutions to store what you are keeping so your room looks less cluttered.

2. Disinfect

Pull on those rubber gloves and use eco-friendly, naturally scented products to properly clean surfaces. Washing down your walls with sugar soap every spring will also leave your bedroom smelling clean and fresh

3. Do the Laundry

Most cotton, down, and synthetic pillows can be put in the washing machine, but always check the care instructions first.
If your pillows are particularly yellowed, soak them in a mixture of warm water and vinegar at a 1:1 ratio, then wash the pillows with a mild detergent in the machine on cold wash to remove any residual vinegar smell.
Gently squeeze the water out and lie them flat on a clean surface in the sunshine for the day (or until dry), as this will help to kill off any bacteria.

4. Swap Out Your Linen

Now is the perfect time to pack away your warm brushed cotton sheets and duvet covers and pull out cooler summer linen. Choosing a crisp bright white cotton, or another calming neutral, can also bring a sense of calm and renewal to your bedroom. This is also a good time to have your curtains cleaned and rehung or swap them out for a set that matches your summer linen.

5. Refresh Your Mattress

Vacuuming your mattress thoroughly once a month and using a mattress protector is always a good idea, as it prevents dust mites and allergens from settling into the mattress. During your deep clean, sprinkle some baking soda over it and leave it on for half an hour, then vacuum it off. It helps to soak up all oils and odours mattress absorb when we sleep.

6. Invest in Your Quality of Sleep

Spring cleaning your bedroom creates a peaceful, tranquil sleeping environment, but don’t forget the centerpiece:

Your Mattress.

“Most mattresses have an average lifespan of 7 to 10 years,” says Dale. “When you’re cleaning your mattress, take a good look and see if it is visibly worn, or sagging. If it is, then it’s the perfect opportunity to make an investment in your wellbeing by choosing a new mattress that perfectly suits your current stage of life. That is one of the best ways to ensure a restful night’s sleep.”