Follow These 10 Steps For a Cleaner Bedroom This Weekend

I know I’m a cleaning editor, but I am not the paragon of cleanliness. I try my best to keep a tidy home, like anyone else. But without the time or energy to clean every single inch, every single day (or even every week or month, let’s be honest), my everyday housekeeping routine is based on competing priorities.

I’m constantly weighing my options and directing my efforts to the spaces that get the dirtiest or have the biggest impact on how I live at home. That means the kitchen surfaces and coffee table are usually spic and span around my house, but you’re likely to find a coating of dust on the bedroom dresser, no matter when you drop in. I’m ok with it.

But I still try to clean those low-priority spaces every once in a while. In fact, I think the fact that I’m not always on top of the dust makes it all the more satisfying when I get to get ready or go to sleep inside a truly spotless bedroom.

If the bedroom is a low-priority space for you to clean, too. Today is the day to give it some love…

First, treat yourself to flowers. Then, give your bedroom a thorough cleaning.

But because I know some people thrive on a checklist, here’s what I try and do in my space:

1. Pick up and put away all your clothes, books and belongings
2. Declutter any surfaces (remove things like change and jewelry from the top of the dresser, for instance, and put it all in the proper places)
3. Strip the bed
4. Launder all your bedding
5. Flip and/or rotate the mattress
6. Vacuum the curtains and clean the blinds
7. Clean your windows and mirrors
8. Dust any surfaces and wipe down light switches, fixtures, and the ceiling fan
9. Push aside the bed, side tables, and dressers and vacuum and clean under them
10. Remake the bed

Then enjoy a sound sleep (and maybe a good book) in your clean room!

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