You can’t go play until you clean your room! Many of us have heard this mantra from a young age. While you certainly could ignore that advice now that you’re older, it turns out mom and dad knew what they were talking about. With May 10 marking official Clean Your Room Day, there’s no better time to get started with freshening up your bedroom, and keeping it that way.

 

The benefits of a clean bedroom

 

A clean bedroom offers ample positive changes. People with cleaner rooms tend to experience less stress and anxiety, and the act of cleaning itself releases endorphins that make us physically feel better.

 

You’ll also be able to sleep more soundly. A room with less clutter will help your mind unwind at night, letting you drift into dreamland more easily. Since there’s not as much dust or debris in the room, your air quality will improve, too. If you’ve ever tried to fall asleep while you were congested and sneezing, you know it’s a nightmare!

 

Did you know too much clutter may also hurt your social life? Researchers have found that when there’s an abundance of clutter in your view, it’s more difficult to recognize facial expressions and emotions. Your friend could be pouring their heart out to you, but with clutter in the way, you may coldly look right past them.

 

Luckily, your annual bedroom refresh doesn’t need to be a massive undertaking. Here are seven tips to get you going.

 

Make and wash your bed

 

Making your bed only takes a couple of minutes and helps set the tone for the rest of the day. Checking off something easy from your to-do list first thing in the morning has several mental and emotional benefits. You’ll find yourself more productive, accomplished, and calm—and you might even discover that long-lost item of clothing or piece of jewelry you thought was gone forever!

 

For a deep clean, wash everything on the bed once per week, including sheets, mattress topper, covers, and pillowcases. Your comforter can be washed a bit less regularly, but you’ll want to do it more often if you have frequent allergies or a pet. All that dander builds up.

 

Pick up and put away all clutter

 

Regularly clearing away clutter can introduce extra space into the bedroom and prevent painful encounters with rogue items on the floor. Start by picking up any loose belongings on the floor, including under the bed, and putting them away where they actually belong, not just on another shelf. Then, clear off any surfaces, such as your desk, dresser, drawers, or bedside tables. Bring a garbage bag into the room while you clean, too. As you’re picking things up, you may decide you don’t need them anymore. You can quickly toss them into the bag to donate or throw away.

 

Dust all surfaces

 

Once those surfaces are free from clutter, they’re a lot easier to dust. Remember to start with the highest surfaces first. That way, you’ll avoid dropping dust onto surfaces and items you’ve already cleaned. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe them down, making sure you get the inside, sides, and backs of each object. Dust can accumulate on nearly everything in your bedroom, so don’t forget about oft-forgotten spots, such as the blades of your ceiling fan, lightbulbs, door handles, and light switch fixtures. Finish by dusting any remaining items like chairs or bedframes. If you have blinds on your windows, use a cloth or a duster to give them a thorough clean as well.

 

Wipe down glass

 

Whether you have a standalone mirror or a small bedside one, it collects smudges and grime over time. Grab a streak-free cleaning agent and spray down those mirrors, then do the same thing for your windows. Follow the instructions on your cleaner; some might require you to leave it on the surface for a few minutes before wiping down. Once you’re finished, admire the clearer view both inside and out of your home.

 

Don’t forget the walls

 

It’s easy to overlook walls because we’re often not doing anything with them, other than maybe admiring their color. But they attract dust and allergens just like the rest of the bedroom. Use a cotton mop or a vacuum attachment to properly clean walls, paying special attention to the corners. Cobwebs can easily grow over time, so this is a quick way to get rid of them. Don’t forget the areas around windows and doorframes. They’re a frequent source of debris, from dander to pet slobber and scuffs.

 

Fold and store laundry

 

Clothes are among the most common sources of clutter in a bedroom. After you’ve washed your sheets, you may decide your clothes could use some TLC, too. Run the clothes through the washer and dryer, removing any lint that your dryer has collected. Once the dryer timer goes off, take a few minutes to fold your clothes and put them away immediately, with all sweaters, blouses, and shirts hanging the same direction. You’ll reduce clutter while making it easier to choose an outfit when you’re getting dressed the next morning. For a bonus tip, be sure to wash your washing machine occasionally to get rid of dirt build-up. Your clothes will smell and feel a lot better!

 

Vacuum and sweep the floor

Your last step will be to collect all the dust, dirt, and debris that has gathered on your floor, including any loose gunk from when you were dusting earlier. If you have hardwood floors, vacuum any rugs in the room, and sweep the hardwood floors to remove excess. Once every season, use a mop to give the floors a thorough deep clean.

 

If your bedroom is fully carpeted, vacuum every nook and cranny, including under the bed, around furniture, in the closet, and on the curtains in your room. Some areas may require a small handheld vacuum or a brush extension to better collect debris build-up. You can freshen up your carpets by sprinkling some baking soda on the floor and letting it sit for a few minutes. Then vacuum the rug once in each direction to create a deep clean.

 

To ensure you’re maximizing your cleaning efforts, use an anti-allergy vacuum with a HEPA filter. These vacuums are highly effective, trapping up to 99.97% of airborne particles. Even better, they prevent particles from escaping through the vacuum. There’s nothing more frustrating than thinking you’ve cleaned your room, only to have pollen, dander, and other debris flying right back up in the air.

 

Your final step is to re-make your bed with those fresh sheets. Once you’ve done that, you’re ready to plop down into it for a good night’s sleep. Enjoy those sweet dreams—you’ve earned them!