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5 expert tips for a bedroom that smells like a dream
Breathe new life into your sleep sanctuary with these tips and products from the pros.
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 Pinalen, Cloralen and Ensueño 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."
There's a reason Febreze is so popular: It captures odor molecules rather than just masking them. Scoop up this trio of heavy-duty sprays in a fresh clean scent for less than $4 a pop (we also like this variety pack for channeling a different mood and ambiance).
A shaker container makes it easy to sprinkle baking soda over mattresses, rugs or any other spot that gets a little ... odiferous. Just let it settle in to absorb the smells and then vacuum it up.
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.
Zum's products are so gentle, you can also use them on your body — no wonder more than 1,000 shoppers gave this spray five stars! One yoga teacher said she mists it over students at the end of class, and "if I go awhile without using it, they ask me for it. They love the scent and the added touch that it brings to the relaxation pose after a good yoga class."
Lavender essential oils give this plant-based mist its calming scent. More than 5,000 shoppers gave it a perfect five-star rating. "I love this smell," wrote one reviewer. "It’s light, refreshing and calming. My husband who has a selective and sensitive nose doesn’t mind it one bit. I get lots of compliments from guests as well. Easy to spray, and worth every penny."
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!"
This essential oils kit includes all of Derrick's go-to fragrances, plus orange, lavender and refreshing peppermint. More than 126,000 shoppers gave it their seal of approval, with many commenting on how good the oils are for a humidifier or diffuser.
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."
For a more rugged vibe, consider this soy candle, which has notes of bergamot. The citrusy scent complements lavender beautifully— and It's made with natural essential oils so it won't leave an artificial scent behind.
How about combining two great scents in one? Made by beloved brand Yankee Candle, this pick features soothing lavender and vibrant lemon for channeling positive energy bedside. It promises up to 65 hours of burn time — a solid deal for just $10.
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."
Made with 0% dyes, synthetic fragrances or artificial brighteners, this refreshing, lavender-scented detergent is easy on the skin while still effective at tackling tough laundry. Fragranced with 100% essential oils, this gives a crisp, clean scent to sheets.
If you love the way freshly washed clothes smell and you haven't yet tried scent-boosting beads, what are you waiting for?! An astonishing 92,600 shoppers gave Downy Unstoppables a five-star rating, praising how easy they were to use and their fresh, not overpowering, fragrance.
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