Personal hygiene practices usually include things like taking showers, brushing our teeth, and washing our hair. One detail that is often forgotten is that personal care also includes our living spaces. It’s important to take special care of the things in our bedrooms because neglect could actually end up putting our health at risk.
We spend roughly one-third of our lives in the bedroom and it’s said that our living spaces often reflect how we feel. This means that it’s vital to tend to this space in order to better our physical and mental health, improve our sleeping habits, allergies, and maybe even our sex lives.
If we make some time each week to clean our bedrooms (and the things in it), it can have a positive impact on how we feel. Check out these 6 common bedroom hygiene mistakes and how to fix them.
1. Air Fresheners...Yes, Air Fresheners!
While air fresheners do a great job of making any space smell wonderful, they actually emit toxic chemicals. Chemicals like phthalates and formaldehyde are often used in scented products and can cause neurological damage, allergic reactions, and are known to be carcinogenic, according to Scientific American.
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The good news is that there are natural products that can be used to freshen up your bedroom. Try using an essential oil diffuser like this one or 100% Soy Candles.
2. Dust Bunny Pile-Up
Dust buildup is common in any household and sometimes it doesn’t seem like a big deal, but it’s important to regularly vacuum your space and dust the items in it. According to the American Lung Association, constant exposure to dust mites is known to cause allergic reactions and worsen asthma symptoms. Investing in a high-efficiency vacuum like the Hoover WindTunnel is a great place to start. You will also want to keep wipes and a duster nearby.
3. Toxic Cleaning Products...The Irony!
Now, you’ve cleaned your room and it’s spotless, so you should be very proud of yourself! However, some of the most common cleaning products that we use can actually put our health at risk. According to the Environmental Working Group, these products contain toxins that are known to be carcinogenic and can cause skin irritation as well.
Next time you clean your room, try natural options like vinegar, lemon, and baking soda. You can also try the line Greenerways, which is made of natural, free and clear ingredients.
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4. Unwashed Pillowcases & Sheets
Washing our pillowcases is important for a few reasons. First, if we wear makeup to sleep, chances are the makeup, along with any bacteria, will rub off on our pillowcases. We also tend to wear oils and products in our hair, so we also leave these behind.
We should also consider the rest of our bedding. Again, dust builds up. We don’t often realize that our sheets collect dust as well. We shed skin cells throughout the night. Where there a skin cells, there will be dust mites hoping to eat them.
According to today.com, it’s best to wash your sheets regularly, once a week. Pillowcases ought to be changed about the same, if not more often. If frequent changing isn’t an option, you can flip your pillowcases over or cover them with a clean t-shirt. A good, non-toxic detergent to try for your sheets is the Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent or GreenShield Organic Laundry Detergent, which is scented with essential oils.
5. Headboard Neglect
If you own an upholstered headboard you should be aware that although it may be beautiful, it’s a magnet for germs and bacteria. Upholstered headboards should be cleaned pretty frequently and we should aim for a goal of once a week if possible. Also, consider cleaning the wall behind the headboard for good measure. This keeps the air that you breathe at night clear so it’s less likely to trigger allergies or illness.
Try the evolve Multi-Surface Cleaner that’s free and clear, making it safe to use in the bedroom on any surface, including furniture.
6. Not Checking for Mold
During the colder months, it’s common for condensation to happen on our windows. This happens when the warmth of the inside of our homes meets the chill of the weather outside. Where there’s condensation there’s the chance for mold to grow. Don’t leave your windows untouched this winter. The exposure to mold can lead to a number of health problems, including eye irritation, skin irritation, nasal stuffiness, and even chronic lung disease, according to the CDC.
One way you can tackle this is by using the ECOS All Purpose Cleaner Spray, which is plant-based, or the Seventh Generation Lemongrass Citrus Disinfecting Multi-Surface Cleaner.
There are quite a few things to consider when taking care of our bedrooms, but it’s important to start somewhere. Taking these actions can help you sleep better at night and be your best self in the mornings. Give it a try!
Jasmine Danielle is the Associate Editor of BlackDoctor.org. She received her BFA in Dance Education & Performance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and has since done work as a certified fitness & wellness educator, blogger, dancer, and designer.
