How to Clean Bedrooms

Bedrooms are personal sanctuaries, so they are well worth cleaning. If you haven’t worked on yours in a while, it may be a little disorganized. After clearing out some of the clutter, take care of the ceiling, walls, floor, and furniture to disinfect your room. Organize clothing and other items afterward to give your room a sense of order. By keeping a bedroom clean, you turn it into hygienic spaces that is comfortable to rest in.

Part 1
Part 1 of 5:

Decluttering the Bedroom

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    Open windows and blinds to air out your room. Let a breeze blow through your room if the weather conditions in your area allow it. Bring some small fans into your room, if possible, to get the air flowing. Circulating fresh air in your room helps eliminate unpleasant odors, whether they are from the things in your room or the cleaning supplies you use.[1]
    • The fans in your room might be covered in dust. Try to find a portable fan from another room. Clean it off first. If you don’t have any other options, you can turn on the fans in your room, but turn them off again while you dust.
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    Get garbage bags to store disposable items. Carry at least 1 garbage bag so you don’t have to walk far to throw things out. Collect anything you need to get rid of, including wrappers, containers, and other junk. Garbage bags are also useful for disposing of dust and paper towels while cleaning.
    • You can use garbage bags as storage containers for clothing or items you wish to donate. If you do this, set the bags aside so you don’t mistake them for garbage.
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    Set a laundry basket in the bedroom to hold clothing. A laundry basket or bin is a must for dirty clothing. If you have a small basket, you can carry it with you while you work. Otherwise, leave it by the door and toss dirty clothes into it.[2]
    • Laundry baskets are very useful for keeping clothing off the floor and furniture. Try to keep a basket in your room at all times to limit the amount of clutter.
    • Bring in extra baskets to help you sort more clutter. For example, use a second basket to hold clean clothes or items that don’t belong in your room.
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    Remove trash cluttering the room. Trash like old wrappers, bags, and bottles are the easiest problem to spot and remove. You know you will get rid of these items, so you can drop them into a trash bag to make your room look cleaner almost immediately. Carry a trash bag with you to make this quicker.[3]
    • If you have plates or glasses in your room, take those out as well. Clean them off and return them to the kitchen.
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    Collect clothing scattered around the room. Start off with clothes on the floor to give yourself more room to maneuver. If you’re unsure how to begin, work your way around the room. Once you have the floor done, take care of clothes draped over the furniture.[4]
    • You don’t have to sort through the clothes right away, but try to separate them into clean and wash piles. Doing this now saves you a little bit of hassle later.
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    Put out of place items back where they belong. Finish picking up items scattered across the floor and furniture, then begin sorting through them. Return books to shelves, for instance. Store clean clothes, move personal items into drawers and so on until your room looks neat.[5]
    • Keep items from other rooms in a separate storage container, then return them to their proper place once you’re done with the bedroom.
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    Organize clothing and furniture to make the room look tidy. Once everything is in its proper place, take one last look around the room. Look for any spots that look cluttered or prone to messes. Fold and hang clothing to make closets and wardrobes look orderly. Also, rearrange items on top of furniture to eliminate clutter.[6]
    • For example, bring in plastic storage bins to hold clothes that are out of season. Remove anything you no longer wear.
    • Try rearranging furniture to give a dull bedroom a fresh look!
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Part 2
Part 2 of 5:

Washing the Walls and Ceiling

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    Use a duster or rag to clean debris off the ceiling. A feather duster on an extended handle helps a lot for these high areas. If you don’t have one, drape a microfiber cloth over a broom handle. Most of the dust will be in the crevasses where the walls and ceiling meet. Drag the duster along the ceiling to eliminate the dust.[7]
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    Brush dust off the fans and lights hanging in the room. Don’t overlook anything hanging from the ceiling! Even if you can’t see the dust from below, it will be there. Set up a stepladder or use an extended duster to reach room fixtures. Shake out the dust outdoors or inside a trash bag. If you are able to reach lights and fans, wipe them down with a moist cloth or paper towel and an all-purpose cleaner to remove the remaining debris.[11]
    • The top surfaces of fans accumulate plenty of dust. When you use a fan, its blades throw all that dust around your room, leaving you with more of a mess to tackle.
    • Follow the same process for any plug-in fans in your room. Unplug them first to protect your fingers.
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    Wipe down and wash curtains and blinds. Curtains and blinds collect plenty of grime while they’re hanging over your windows. Brush blinds off with a dry cloth followed by cloth dampened in warm water. Use a vacuum with a hose attachment to clear tough to reach areas. A brush attachment works well for curtains.[12]
    • Most curtains can be machine washed. Take the curtains down and put them through a low-spin cycle with cold water. Consider taking delicate curtains to a dry cleaning service to avoid damaging them.
    • Curtains and blinds get pretty dusty if you aren’t used to cleaning them regularly. Wear a dust mask to help you get through the work.
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    Dust and wash the baseboards near the floor. Clear out the bottom part of the wall the same way you did with the top. Go along the baseboards with a microfiber cloth or duster, paying particular attention to your room’s corners. Once the baseboards look dust-free, scrub out remaining stains with a cloth dampened in warm water.[13]
    • Wash off the baseboards after you finish the ceiling. That way, you don’t have to clean the floor a second time to eliminate fallen dust.
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    Scrub windows and other glass surfaces with a glass cleaner. Clear away dust with a rag or duster first before washing glass. Dampen the glass with a few sprays of the cleaner. Scrub away smudges and streaks with a lint-free cloth or paper towel. Finish drying the glass with a dry cloth or paper towel to make it shine.[14]
    • Don’t forget to wash off picture frames and TV screens. Many glass surfaces are small and easy to overlook, but cleaning them makes your room look so much better.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 5:

Cleaning the Bed

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    Strip all of the sheets off of the bed. Along with the bedsheets, take off the duvet cover and pillowcases. Put the sheets in a laundry basket to take for a cleaning. Set aside comforters, quilts, and other covers you don’t plan on washing at the moment.[15]
    • Put the sheets through a washing machine cycle. Let them wash while you clean the rest of the room.
    • Wash linens with the hottest water setting listed on their care tags. Use cold water and a gentle cycle for delicate covers like quilts.
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    Take pillows and other items off of the bed. Remove mattress protectors, covers you don’t plan on washing, and anything else left over. This gives the mattress a chance to breathe, eliminating unpleasant smells from dust and germs. If you miss that fresh smell your mattress had when it was new, leave it uncovered for at least 3 hours.
    • To help air out your mattress, open your blinds and windows. Move the mattress so it receives as much sunlight and fresh air as possible.
    • If you’re in once-a-year spring cleaning mode, consider getting a helper to carry the mattress outdoor for some sunshine. Lay down a large tarp or groundsheet in full sunlight and set the mattress on top of it.
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    Dust headboards and footboards with a cloth and cleaner. Match the cleaner to the type of furniture you have. For most beds, wipe off dust with a dry cloth, followed by one lightly dampened in warm water. Switch to a cleaner, such as a commercial wood or fabric cleaner, to remove stubborn debris.[16]
    • If you have a fabric headboard or footboard, vacuum it to remove hair and other debris. Lint rollers and brushes also help.
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    Move storage bins to vacuum underneath the bed. If you have space underneath your bed, pull out anything stored there. Inspect boxes for dust and other debris. Then, reach underneath the bed with a broom or vacuum. Wipe off the bedposts and other spots that may accumulate debris.[17]
    • When you’re finished, put the storage bins back in place. Alternatively, find new storage spots for them or get rid of ones you no longer need.
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    Make the bed with a clean set of sheets. Retrieve the old sheets when you’re done washing them or get a fresh set of linens. Tuck a fitted sheet over your mattress, cover it with a top sheet, then return comforters and blankets to the bed. Finish by putting the pillows back into place.[18]
    • Fluff up the pillows after stuffing them into pillowcases. Arrange them so your bed looks nice and neat.
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Part 4
Part 4 of 5:

Dusting and Polishing Furniture

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    Pull items off of bookshelves and nightstands for dusting. Take everything off of your furniture. That includes lamps, books, and all the collectibles lining your bureaus. Wipe off your furniture with a dry or slightly dampened rag to eliminate any gathered dust.[19]
    • Rearrange your items when you’re done to make your room look neat. Consider decluttering by moving or getting rid of things you no longer need.
    • If you have a computer in your room, wipe off the screen with a microfiber cloth and glass cleaner. Blow debris out with compressed air to keep your computer running optimally.
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    Pull lampshades off of your lights to clean them. Most lamp shades are fabric cylinders that slide off when you pull up on them. Go over them with a lint roller or brush to remove dust and hair. While you have the lampshades off, wipe down the lamps and bulbs with a dry cloth or duster.[20]
    • You don’t need to unplug the lamps while cleaning them, but make sure they are turned off. Hot bulbs aren’t fun to touch. Make sure the bulbs are dry before turning them back on.
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    Scrub off mildew and dust bunnies inside the furniture. Look inside drawers and along walls and shelves for signs of mildew and debris. If you notice unpleasant green or black spots spreading, get a commercial mold and mildew remover to eliminate all that nasty growth trying to invade your personal space. Scrubbing the spots with vinegar or bleach diluted in water also helps. Wash off any remaining dust as well.[21]
    • Moisture leads to mildew, so don’t use water or liquid cleaners in enclosed spaces if you can help it. If you don’t have mildew, clear out drawers and other areas with a dry cloth or a vacuum cleaner.
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    Reach under furniture to clear out the space underneath it. Kneel down and take a peek to find out what has fallen behind your furniture. Slide a broom underneath dressers and into other spaces to retrieve items. Make use of a vacuum or hose attachment to clear out dust and debris.[22]
    • Move smaller pieces away from walls so you are better able to reach behind them. You will probably find lots of nice dust bunnies there to escort out of your space!
    • Remove storage boxes underneath furniture. Look through them to determine if you still need them in your room. Clean them off as needed before putting them back in place.
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    Brighten furniture with a clean cloth and polish. Wipe down desks, dressers, nightstands, and other areas. Get rid of as much dust as possible, especially along flat surfaces. Go back over these surfaces with a damp cloth to remove the remaining debris. Then, scrub wood furniture with a wood polish to make your furniture shine.[23]
    • Note any signs of damages, including loose handles and broken hinges. These require a little extra work to fix. Repair them as soon as possible.
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Part 5
Part 5 of 5:

Cleaning the Floor

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    Take rugs outside to beat them free of dust. Vacuum them like you’re cleaning regular carpeting to take care of most of the dust and debris. Then, let rugs air out outside of your bedroom. Shake the rugs to loosen remaining debris and leave it behind where it belongs.[24]
    • Return your rugs indoors when you’re done. Don’t let rugs get wet. Also, leaving a rug exposed to sunlight for too long may damage it.
    • Some smaller rugs can be cleaned in a washing machine. Check the manufacturer’s tag to make sure it’s safe. If it isn’t, treat spots with a commercial rug cleaner or visit a dry cleaner.
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    Vacuum the floor if your bedroom has carpeting. Run a vacuum over carpeting to remove debris lodged in it. Use a steam vacuum to tackle soiled areas prone to foot traffic, such as near the doorway. Then, spot treat remaining stains as needed to get the carpeting back into a good condition.[25]
    • To spot treat carpeting, try vinegar or a commercial carpet cleaner. Old stains are hard to remove, so always treat stains as they form to prevent them from setting in.
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    Dust and mop hard flooring to clean it. For wood and tile floors, dry mopping is usually enough. Go back over the floor with a wet mop to remove remaining debris. If you need to give the floor a deeper cleaning, get a liquid cleaner matching the type of floor you have.[26]
    • It's best to vacuum your hard floors with a soft brush attachment before you mop. The vacuum cleaner will quickly and easily remove any dirt or debris, instead of pushing it around like a mop can.
    • For example, mix a few drops of liquid dish soap in a bucket of warm water. Use the soapy water to scrub tile or polyurethane wood floors.
    • For wood floors sealed with shellac or varnish, get a wood floor cleaner or polish. Use a wax mop to scrub the floor in the direction of the wood’s grain.
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    Place something fragrant in your room to eliminate floor odors. The worst odors often come from the floor, especially carpeting. Perhaps you’re lucky enough to have a nice vase of roses to set out on your desk. If you don’t, spray a spritz of room spray or plug in an air freshener. Sweet-smelling herbs, incense, or candles also help put the finishing touches on your beautiful bedroom.[27]
    • Remember that items like air fresheners cover up old smells rather than eliminate them. Musty smells from water and mildew, for example, need to be treated separately with thorough cleaning.
    • Be careful when lighting candles or other fragrances. Don’t leave anything burning unattended, and make sure the scent is acceptable to anyone else you live with.
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Expert Q&A

  • Question
    How can you remove sticky tack stains from the wall?
    Eduardo Peralta
    Eduardo Peralta
    House Cleaning Specialist
    Eduardo Peralta is a House Cleaning Specialist and the Manager of Best Maid House Cleaning based in San Jose, California. With over five years of experience, Eduardo and the Best Maid House Cleaning team specialize in home deep-cleaning, post-construction cleaning, and green and eco-friendly cleaning services. Best Maid House Cleaning is fully licensed and insured.
    Eduardo Peralta
    Eduardo Peralta
    House Cleaning Specialist
    Expert Answer
    You can use a citrus-based cleaner to remove sticky tack stains from the wall. Lightly damp microfiber towel with the cleaner and clean in circular motions until it comes off. You can even use a magic eraser to remove the stains.
  • Question
    How do you apply polish to wooden furniture?
    Eduardo Peralta
    Eduardo Peralta
    House Cleaning Specialist
    Eduardo Peralta is a House Cleaning Specialist and the Manager of Best Maid House Cleaning based in San Jose, California. With over five years of experience, Eduardo and the Best Maid House Cleaning team specialize in home deep-cleaning, post-construction cleaning, and green and eco-friendly cleaning services. Best Maid House Cleaning is fully licensed and insured.
    Eduardo Peralta
    Eduardo Peralta
    House Cleaning Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Dust and clean the area to be polished. You can use a damp microfiber towel to clean sticky areas. Let the surface dry before applying wood polish. Then take a clean microfiber towel and apply wood polish with it.
  • Question
    What do I do if I have an ant problem?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Try putting down ant traps, or call pest control. Make sure there's no food lying around.
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Warnings

  • If you’re sensitive to dust, clearing out a bedroom can be tough. Wear a dust mask and even eye goggles to shield yourself.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
  • Some chemical cleaners are irritants, so put on rubber gloves to protect your hands.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
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Things You'll Need

  • Vacuum cleaner, broom, or mop
  • Microfiber cleaning cloths
  • Laundry bags or baskets
  • Trash bags
  • Rubber gloves
  • Glass cleaner
  • Wood or alternative furniture cleaners
  • Fabric and carpeting cleaners
  • Air freshener or alternative item

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References

  1. ↑ https://www.womansday.com/home/organizing-cleaning/tips/a4965/ways-to-tackle-household-odors-108598/
  2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2oWE2Sx1gw&feature=youtu.be&t=111
  3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2JempkYUjo&feature=youtu.be&t=221
  4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_B1PLQKH1xk&feature=youtu.be&t=189
  5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2JempkYUjo&feature=youtu.be&t=223
  6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaqKDEz0YK0&feature=youtu.be&t=301
  7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9evtY6qVq4&feature=youtu.be&t=1
  8. ↑ Eduardo Peralta. House Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 29 October 2021.
  9. ↑ Eduardo Peralta. House Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 29 October 2021.
  1. ↑ Eduardo Peralta. House Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 29 October 2021.
  2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ei0xLb0t47A&feature=youtu.be&t=39
  3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZT4PG81QMq0&feature=youtu.be&t=21
  4. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-baseboards/
  5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3V8Zi0Mw8y4&feature=youtu.be&t=17
  6. ↑ https://www.iflscience.com/health-and-medicine/how-often-you-should-wash-your-bed-sheets-according-to-a-microbiologist-and-what-happens-when-you-dont-1/
  7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FH6_3j09Am8&feature=youtu.be&t=47
  8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjUPaZzGEfM&feature=youtu.be&t=10
  9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8jIxuO2APE&feature=youtu.be&t=10
  10. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/house-cleaning/tips/how-to-clean-a-bedroom/
  11. ↑ https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/how-to-clean-your-lampshades
  12. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-cleanup-your-home
  13. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/house-cleaning/tips/how-to-clean-a-bedroom/
  14. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/house-cleaning/tips/how-to-clean-a-bedroom/
  15. ↑ https://youtu.be/r2u42VwbP3s?t=74
  16. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lYxMbrmdOc&feature=youtu.be&t=33
  17. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/house-cleaning/tips/how-to-clean-a-bedroom/
  18. ↑ https://www.onecrazyhouse.com/freshen-up-every-room-in-your-house/
  19. ↑ Ashley Moon, MA. Professional Organizer. Expert Interview. 30 August 2019.
  20. ↑ Ashley Moon, MA. Professional Organizer. Expert Interview. 30 August 2019.

About This Article

Eduardo Peralta
Co-authored by:
Eduardo Peralta
House Cleaning Specialist
This article was co-authored by Eduardo Peralta. Eduardo Peralta is a House Cleaning Specialist and the Manager of Best Maid House Cleaning based in San Jose, California. With over five years of experience, Eduardo and the Best Maid House Cleaning team specialize in home deep-cleaning, post-construction cleaning, and green and eco-friendly cleaning services. Best Maid House Cleaning is fully licensed and insured. This article has been viewed 46,970 times.
5 votes - 92%
Co-authors: 19
Updated: March 11, 2022
Views: 46,970
Categories: Bedroom Cleaning
Article SummaryX

To clean your bedroom, pick up everything that’s on the floor and put it where it belongs. For example, throw dirty clothes in your hamper, put books back on your table or shelves, and return anything that doesn't belong to you. Next, strip your bed, wash your sheets, and remake your bed with clean sheets. Then, tidy up your bedside table, clean your windows and blinds, and vacuum or sweep the floor. Finally, take out any garbage that's in your room. For tips on deodorizing your bedroom, read on!

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