Spring is well and truly in the air - and as we throw open the windows and pack away our winter woollies, it’s the perfect time to refresh your space. To ensure that your home is the clean, low tox sanctuary you deserve, we’ve got a handy checklist to help you spring clean your bed, bath and beyond, with a focus on keeping things happy, healthy, and comfortable.
1. Start at the edges
And by that, we mean give your mattress and the whole area around it a really good clean. Your mattress and bed frame can accumulate dust, dead skin cells, and allergens over time - not the stuff you want to be sleeping on if you can help it!
By giving the mattress, bed and bed frame a good vacuum, you're reducing irritants that can disrupt your sleep. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies, especially around the bed frame and skirting boards, as well as beneath the bed itself, where dust bunnies love to hide. A vacuum with a HEPA filter is especially effective at trapping those microscopic particles so you can enjoy pure sleep this summer.
2. Here comes the sun
Sunny days call for carting your bedding and soft furnishings outdoors! Sunlight is a natural disinfectant, so by hanging your doonas, mattress protectors, pillows, and rugs outside in the sun, the UV light helps kill bacteria, dust mites, and any lingering odours.
Just be careful with latex items like organic latex pillows or latex mattresses, as they can degrade in direct sunlight. We suggest opening windows and turning on fans to breathe some fresh air into your latex bedding, and even sprinkling baking soda across the mattress to neutralise odour and germs, before vacuuming up after a few hours. Hot tip with this trick - be sure to thoroughly vacuum up the baking soda to avoid attracting any moisture.
If you’re planning on storing any bedding items for the season, make sure they are clean and completely dry before putting them away to avoid any musty smells.
3. Make your clean air cleaner
Air quality is crucial, especially as the warmer months bring more allergens into the home. Take some time to clean your exhaust vents and ceiling fans, which can collect a surprising amount of dust and dirt. Hot tip for ceiling fans - place an old pillowcase over the blade to wipe all the dust into the pillowcase, ready to discard and wash.
Don’t forget your air conditioner filters either. Clean filters mean your system can work efficiently and keep the air in your home fresh and cool.
4. Go above and beyond
It’s easy to forget about the hidden spots in our homes - like under large furniture or the out-of-reach places - but spring cleaning is the perfect time to tackle those neglected areas.
Move things like lounges, stoves, fridges and beds to clean underneath and behind them. Dust, dirt, and food crumbs can accumulate here, but a little extra effort ensures that your bedroom and living spaces stay clean, fresh, and free from the allergens that make low tox living a little harder!
5. Out with the mould
Mould can be a sneaky invader in your home, particularly around windows and frames, where moisture often gathers. Carefully inspect your windows, blinds, and curtains for any traces of mould or mildew.
Regularly wiping down these spots can prevent mould from getting a foothold in your home. But if a spring clean is your way of getting on top of these toxic house guests, a simple diluted vinegar solution works wonders for cleaning these areas, as vinegar kills most mould and mildew spores naturally.
6. Clean from the rooftops
Clogged gutters are not just an outdoor problem. When they get backed up with leaves and dirt, they can trap moisture and eventually cause mould and dampness in your walls and roof. Ensuring that your gutters are clear of debris can prevent future headaches and help maintain a healthy, dry living environment.
As Aussies, it’s also essential to keep your gutters debris-free in case of bushfires. Doing a seasonal rooftop audit will help you stay on top of the spring leaf litter and keep your home and family safe from fire risks.
7. Get ahead of humidity
With summer on the horizon, adding a dehumidifier to your home - especially your bedroom - is a great way to keep moisture levels under control. High humidity can encourage the growth of mould and dust mites, both of which can negatively impact your health and sleep quality.
A dehumidifier helps maintain a comfortable atmosphere and healthy living conditions, so your low tox bedding can do what it does best!
8. Flip your mattress
Flipping your mattress is an often-overlooked task, but essential for extending its lifespan and ensuring even wear. If your mattress is designed to be flipped, spring is the time to do it to prevent sagging and maintain a comfortable sleep surface. If it’s a one-sided mattress, rotating it 180 degrees will also help.
Want a visual aid for expert mattress flipping? Or a rundown of the when, how, and why of giving your mattress the flip? We’ve got you covered right here.
9. Lighten your wardrobe load
Spring cleaning isn’t just about dusting and scrubbing – it’s a great time to reevaluate your wardrobe too. Go through your clothes and pack away heavy winter gear, donating or recycling items you no longer wear. As you unfold your summer clothes, take note of anything you forgot about or weren’t excited to see again - and add them to your donate pile as well.
10. Marie Kondo the rest of your home
Tackle any other clutter in your bedroom or home that has accumulated over the past few seasons. Whether it’s stacks of books, old batteries you’re collecting to recycle, unused electronics, or furniture you’re no longer in need of, decluttering helps reduce dust and creates a calming, organised space.
As an added bonus, clearing the excess items in your home also makes cleaning easier year-round.
Get your home spring ready
A thorough spring clean of your home and natural bedding might feel like a big job, but is utterly worth it when it’s done! The seasonal clean ditches the clutter, clears the dust, and brings your home a fresh, new energy that’s perfectly aligned with the warmer months.
So, grab that vacuum, open the windows, and start fresh this spring!
