When was the last time you really cleaned — as in deep cleaned — your bedroom? It may be tempting to swap out your bedding here and there and call it a day, but experts caution these spaces can become hot spots for odors and other nasties that can proliferate if not kept at bay. Conversely, a good-smelling bedroom has the power to transform the mind, body and soul (in a very good way).
“Bacteria is typically behind bad odors in the bedroom,” explains Katie Derrick, scent expert and founder of home-fragrance company Fern and Petal. “These smells can also be caused by a variety of things, including shedding of skin particles, bad breath and even what you ate or drank the night before.”
Whether it’s been a while since you gave your bedroom some TLC, or you just want to add a fresh, fragrant air, we’ve got you covered with expert tips and practical product picks. Keep reading for everything from top-rated deodorizers and laundry products to essential oils and candles, and find more tips for sprucing up your home here:
First, deodorize.
Before adding in fragrance, you should first do everything you can to eliminate smells. Derrick relies on deodorizing room sprays to freshen things up at a deeper level. “For example, our Horizon Room Spray works well to cut through the bad odors and kills bacteria with its blend of lemongrass, ginger and peppermint. A spray bottle also adds versatility for deodorizing on the go.”
“Be sure to check that the formula you’re using specifically mentions deodorizing on the packaging,” adds Tanu Grewal, chief cleaning officer at in Pinal, Cloralen and Dream Laundry. If you want to go the extra mile and deodorize your mattress, she recommends using baking soda: “Sprinkle a thin layer and let it sit for at least four to six hours.”
Mist your bedding.
A fresh linen or sea salt scent is equal parts energizing and soothing. If you’re looking to relax before bed, try something scented with lavender, which will lend your bedroom a spa-like zen.
Layer in essential oils.
“Tea tree, lemongrass and eucalyptus — either combined with water and used as a spray or in a diffuser — are among oils that are antibacterial and can help deodorize bad smells in the air,” explains Derrick. “You can also put cedarwood essential oil on cotton balls and place them around your room to give it a rich woodsy smell, while repelling months from your clothes!”
Add ambiance with a candle.
“If your sanctuary is minimalist and modern, go with a fragrance that has amber, light florals and perhaps a tangy citrus,” advises Jim Reding, CEO of Aroma Retail, which creates scents for hotels across the United States.
For a soothing scent that comes across as high-end, Reding suggests opting for a complex fragrance with at least a couple of therapeutic notes “like lavender, eucalyptus, any kind of mint, cedar or pine.”
Choose natural fiber sheets — and wash them often!
Grewal suggests bedding made from cotton or linen, which are lighter and more breathable (allowing for more airflow). “Bamboo is another material gaining popularity for its odor-resistant qualities, with many brands offering sheets and pillowcases made from the sustainable and stink-free fabric,” she says. You can also prioritize these fabrics for pajamas “to keep your body cooler and minimize sweat and odor buildup while sleeping.”
She advises washing linens biweekly on the hottest temperature setting allowed for the given fabric (check the care tag for guidance), noting that bleach is optimal for brightening whites and eliminating germs. “If you’re nervous about the strong smell of bleach, scoop up a scented option or a hard-working detergent with a fresh fragrance. You can also add a fabric softener and scent-boosting beads to the mix to amplify the fragrance and keep your laundry smelling fresher for longer.”
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