Keeping your sleep space sanitary and fresh isnt just about comfort; its about your health, too.
9 bedroom items to clean or replace
1.
Mattress
Tell the truth: When was the last time you cleaned your mattress?
Probably, like, never.
No judgment here (were guilty of it, too).
But mattresses can be home to a lot of icky things, Reynolds says.
director of the Environment, Exposure Science, and Risk Assessment Center at the University of Arizona
Mites are also not the only bugs in your bed.
Your mattress might also harbor bad bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus (aka, staph), Reynolds says.
Sometimes, though, it can make people sick if they have a weakened immune system.
Replace it every seven to 10 years (depending on wear and any noticeable sagging).
How often to clean or replace:Wash pillowcases weekly in hot water andwash pillowsevery four to six months.
If theyre not washable, use protective covers and replace them every one to two years.
Sheets
Ifchanging your sheetsis low on your to-do list, its time to move it up.
Sheets accumulate sweat, body oils, dead skin cells, saliva, and dust mites, Reynolds says.
Plus, soiled sheets make the perfect breeding ground for bacteria.
director of the Environment, Exposure Science, and Risk Assessment Center at the University of Arizona
Some research has found that dirty sheets could harbor more bacteria than a toilet seat, she says.
And if you sleep with your furry friend?
Your sheets are probably grubbier.
Pets add more hair, dander, bacteria, and fungi to the mix, Reynolds says.
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Replace them every two to three years depending on wear and tear.
Comforters and duvets
Washing a comforteror duvet is a hassle.
No one loves to add more to-dos to their laundry day.
Plus, comforters and duvets dont get as much skin-to skin contact as sheets.
So do you really need to wash them that often?
Comforters and duvets can absorb sweat and dirt over time, Reynolds says.
Again, not great news for people with asthma, allergies, or sensitive skin.
How often to clean or replace: Wash duvet covers weekly with your sheets.
The comforter or duvet itself should be cleaned every three to six months.
Replace every five to 10 years, or sooner if it becomes lumpy or damaged.
These machines are breeding grounds for mold and bacteria, which can end up in the air you breathe.
But only if youre keeping them clean.
If left uncleaned, they can be a source of allergens and become breeding grounds for bacteria and mold.
Throw or area rugs
Lets be honest: Most of us would rather do anything but vacuum.
And when we finally do it, we just zip over the rug, hoping to be done ASAP.
But take this as a friendly PSA to not skimp on cleaning your carpets.
Rugs trap dirt, dust, hair, and allergens, Reynolds says.
Bacteria, mold, and mites can also thrive on unclean carpets, she says.
Your rugs will only hide more critters if you have pets.
Lampshades collect dust, dirt, and airborne particles, Reynolds says.
Fabric lampshades, in particular, can harbor allergens and dirt that are not visible to the naked eye.
How often to clean or replace: Dust lampshades weekly and spot clean stains as needed.
Fans
When was the last time you gave your house fans a good scrub?
Yeah, us either.
Problem is, fans accumulate dust, pollen, and airborne debris on their blades, Reynolds says.
How often to clean or replace:Dust ceiling or standing fan blades every one to two months.
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