Is there a better feeling than getting your bedroom clean, sliding in between the sheets and having the sleep of your life? No, we don't think so either!
If you've been putting this task on the back burner, don't fret, we'll get you back on track. We've put our heads together and come up with the nine spots in our bedrooms we often forget to clean and asked the cleaning pros about freshening them up.
Knowing how to clean your bedroom well begins with awareness of those easy-to-miss spots that can harbor dust, dirt and germs too.
Clean your bedroom's forgotten spots like a pro
Giving your bedroom a deep clean doesn't have to be complicated. Simply follow our guide to sort the places you're forgetting to clean in your bedroom.
Along the way you'll find step-by-step instructions, the best products to use, and top tips from our industry experts. Where our pros have recommended products, we've sourced high-quality matches with great reviews from trusted retailers.
Prices were correct at the time of publication.
1. Behind the headboard
When making the bed in the morning, do you ever think to take a peep behind your headboard? I don’t. But wow, the amount of dust bunnies that live there are hair-raising.
Shaun Veran, Chief Operating Officer of OURA, says, "Areas behind large furniture such as headboards can be dust and microbe traps. Indoor dust can act as a reservoir for microbial communities, some of which may be pathogenic or allergenic — obviously not what you want just inches from where you sleep."
To begin your bedroom clean, move the bed so you can access behind the headboard, getting assistance if needed as frames can be heavy and hard on your back.
Shaun says, "Use a vacuum with a long attachment to remove dust and debris. Then use a damp microfiber cloth sprayed with a disinfectant to eliminate any lingering microbes."
Shaun recommends the Clorox Original All-Purpose Cleaner from Target.
He adds, "Aim to clean behind your headboard every two or three months, or more frequently if you notice dust tends to accumulate quickly."
Shaun Veran is the Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of OURA, which harnesses cutting-edge scientific advancements to design products that enhance cleanliness and safety for tens of thousands of customers. With a decade of experience in biotechnology and research, Shaun is a leading expert in microbial growth and innovative strategies to inhibit them.
2. The bedding
There's nothing quite like the smell and feel of freshly-washed sheets. But a recent survey found that the average American doesn't get round to changing them for more than once every three weeks.
Shaun says, "Unwashed pillowcases can harbor up to three million bacteria after just one week, making them approximately 17,000 times dirtier than the average toilet seat!
"But while none of us want to rest our head on a bed of bacteria every night, our frequency and method of washing is in many cases just not adequate, leading to skin irritation from microbial buildup, including bacteria and dust mites."
Once a week, refresh your pillowcases and bedding in a hot water wash (at least 130°F) to effectively kill bacteria and dust mites. Learning how to wash your sheets will set you well on your way to counting sheep, instead of stains.
Shaun says, "To ensure thorough cleanliness, I recommend using a hypoallergenic detergent such as Amazon's all Liquid Laundry Detergent, which removes allergens without harsh chemicals. Adding a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle can further eliminate bacteria."
Alternatively, consider Lysol Laundry Sanitizer from Target, which is specifically designed to kill 99.9% of bacteria, even when washing in cold water.
Shaun adds, "To go longer between washings, switch to antimicrobial bedding like the OURA Pillowcase, which is infused with germ-killing copper to stay cleaner longer between laundry trips."
3. The mattress
Depending on how often you clean your sheets, you probably don’t get that much face time with the whole mattress — especially if it has a brilliant mattress protector on top. Regardless, you still sleep on it every night, and the sheets and protector don’t stop dirt from getting in it completely.
Will Cotter, owner of FreshSpace Cleaning, says, "We've all been there — waiting until our mattresses obviously need cleaning before taking action. But even if your bed looks fine on the surface, it’s likely hiding dust mites, sweat, and dead skin cells."
Using an upholstery cleaner (the TikTok-famous Bissell is a super cute and effective option), wipe over the whole mattress, and then flip it around and do the other side.
Will says, "I also find the Jimmy Mattress Vacuum Cleaner from Amazon easy to use — plus its UVC light feature kills 99.9% of mites on the spot. Use a light touch to prevent damage, and remember to go over the mattress in both horizontal and vertical directions."
If you prefer a steam cleaner, Will recommends the McCulloch MC1275 Steam Cleaner from Amazon. He says, "Go easy on the heat and opt for the low to medium heat settings. High temperatures could damage your mattress or leave it too damp, inviting mold issues.
"Once you've steamed away, let your mattress air dry thoroughly. Open some windows or turn on a fan to speed things up. Your mattress needs to be bone dry before you make your bed."
If you don’t have an upholstery cleaner, I recommend the TikTok couch cleaning hack as a fast and easy way to remove dirt.
Will Cotter is the owner of FreshSpace Cleaning — which serves homes in multiple locations across the south and beyond — as well as other cleaning companies in Indianapolis, Oklahoma, Milwaukee, and Louisville.
4. The ceiling fan
Though we often lay in bed staring up at it and enjoying it's waft of cool air, the ceiling fan is another of those easy-to-overlook spots, where dust quickly builds.
Karina Toner, operations manager at Spekless Cleaning, says, "Start by turning off the fan and placing a drop cloth or old sheet underneath to catch dust. The last thing you want is dust all over your bed.
"Use a long-handled duster or microfiber cloth to wipe each blade from the center outward to capture dust effectively. For stubborn dirt or buildup, dampen the cloth with water or a mild cleaning solution."
Karina recommends this PMNPU Extendable Feather Duster from Amazon.
She adds, "The extendable handle allows easy access to high places, while the microfiber material traps and holds onto dust particles."
Karina is an Operations Manager at Spekless Cleaning, a prominent cleaning company based in Arlington, VA. With over a decade of hands-on experience in the cleaning industry, she's honed her expertise in providing top-notch cleaning solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of clients effectively, and sustainably.
5. Top of wardrobes
Breathing in dust when you’re going to sleep absolutely can’t be good for you, and another big space in the bedroom where it lurks is on top of the wardrobe.
Unless you’re super tall, not only is it easy to forget about (as they say: "out of sight, out of mind") but it's a task you might avoid, given how hard it seems to get up there.
Thankfully, extendable duster kits such as ones available on Amazon are made for just this, so you can reach up top to give the area a good clean. The OXO Good Grips Duster from Wayfair comes with a long-reach system, and a pivot so you can get to those hard-to-reach spots easily.
Start by dusting with the main head, then spray the smaller attachment with cleaning solution for your next run at it. Finally, finish off by changing to the microfiber head one last time to dry it all off.
6. The nightstand
Despite using the nightstand day in and day out, it's yet another spot that likes to gather dust and dirt just centimeters from our slumber and often goes untouched for weeks, or even longer.
Pull it out and give it a full dust and wipe — yes, I’m talking front, back, and sides. Underneath, use a handheld vacuum cleaner (such as this Powools Puppy Pads Handheld Vacuum from Amazon) to get into tricky corners.
But don't stop there, for more lurks within. Yes, I'll admit it: I’m a bed snacker. I don’t go for anything with crumbs (I’m not a complete monster), but I do it. I store all of them in my bedside drawer, along with loads of miscellaneous pieces. Add all that together, and there’s a major mess that just never gets tackled.
If you’re like me and have a drawer that needs tidying, take everything out and sort it all into three piles: trash, useful items, and things that should be housed elsewhere. Once it’s empty, wipe out the inside of the drawer, before replacing those useful items. Separate into sections (e.g. medicine, stationery, snacks) or use a drawer divider for that extra-satisfying neatness as you organize your nightstand.
7. The carpet
When it comes to the list of places grime likes to settle in the bedroom, one of the most popular spots is hiding in plain sight, right beneath our eyes. So when it comes to cleaning your bedroom, don't forget the carpet.
Begin with an initial vacuum to remove loose dirt and debris. Then it's time for the stardust.
Karina says, "Sprinkle a few cups of baking soda (such as this Arm & Hammer Pure Baking Soda from Target) liberally over the whole area. Wait at least 15 minutes, then vacuum it up to remove lingering smells like pet odor or smoke."
Cleaning hard floors require a slightly different approach, which begins with the right vinegar to water ratio. Walmart's Great Value Distilled White Vinegar does the job nicely.
Karina adds, "For a safe but sparkling clean, dilute a quarter cup of white vinegar in a gallon of water. Dampen a microfiber mop with the solution and mop the floor, working in the direction of the wood grain."
Be careful to avoid soaking the floor as this can cause warping, discoloration or possibly cause mold in carpets to get rid of.
Karina adds, “Always dry the floor thoroughly after cleaning to prevent water damage and streaking.”
Price: $10.59
Size (inches): 27 x 5 x 3
With its 3 ft handle, specially-coated fibers and 360-degree design, this Swiffer Dusters dusting kit is great for ceiling fans, bookcases and hard-to-reach wardrobe tops.
Price: $14.22
Size (inches): 4 x 17 x 8
These Lysol wipes are great for cleaning, killing 99.9% of viruses and bacteria. They also come in pleasant scents including lemon and lime blossom, crisp linen, plus mango and hibiscus.
Price: $89.99
Size (inches): 20 x 6 x 6
This cordless handheld vacuum fuses two cyclonic air streams for powerful suction and long-lasting motor life. It includes a lithium-ion battery for lasting power.
8. Door handles
Door handles are touched countless times a day, making them prime high-traffic targets for germs and bacteria.
Karina says, "It's easy to forget, but cleaning your bedroom door knobs and handles regularly, especially during cold and flu season, is really important to staying healthy.
"Wipe with a disinfectant wipe or a cloth dampened with a disinfectant cleaner. Use an old toothbrush to really get into the nooks and crannies, like around the edge of the handle or lock."
The Clorox Bleach-Free Disinfecting Wipes from Target are a safe and easy way to blitz bacteria from bedroom door handles, cabinet pulls and shower grabs.
9. Windows
I tend to throw open the curtains, imagining I’m a Disney princess, but don’t ever stop and look at the windows themselves. On further inspection, I can confirm that they do get seriously gross.
Spritz on a glass cleaning spray (we love the Method glass cleaner from Amazon), then use a window cleaner tool to wipe downwards. Work your way across until the whole window has been cleaned. By using a window cleaner tool rather than a cloth, your window will be streak free and oh-so-shiny.
Will says, "If you have an old newspaper, put it to good use! Crumple it up, and buff the glass. The texture of the newspaper helps to absorb excess moisture and leaves behind a sparkling shine."
While Will recommends Target's Windex Original Blue Glass Cleaner Spray, it's also easy to clean windows with vinegar.
Choose a cloudy day, where possible, to prevent the cleaner from drying too quickly and leaving streaks behind.
So there you have it — nine places you're forgetting to clean in your bedroom. By following our experts' tips, you'll be sleeping peacefully in a squeaky clean space in no time.
Since you're in the cleaning mood, discover all the spots you're forgetting to clean in the bathroom.