A clean bedroom is often seen as a haven for rest, but new research commissioned by Bensons for Beds highlights a stark connection between bedroom hygiene and sleep satisfaction. The study reveals that over half of Britons struggle to sleep when their bed is dirty, with significant differences in sleep quality tied to cleaning frequency.

According to the findings, individuals who clean their mattress only every 5.4 months average just three hours of sleep per night. In contrast, those who neglect washing their duvets for over three months lose an average of 14 hours of sleep per week. Conversely, weekly bedroom cleaners report markedly better sleep quality compared to those who clean their bedding every two to three months.

Despite 37% of Britons acknowledging the importance of regular bedroom cleaning as advised by sleep experts, over a third admit that spring cleaning their bedroom often falls to the bottom of their to-do list, with other household areas taking precedence. Alarmingly, one in four Britons are unaware of how to properly clean duvets and pillows, and the same proportion do not realise mattresses require regular maintenance as part of a bedroom cleaning routine.

Rachel Marshall, Head Buyer at Bensons for Beds, emphasises the critical role of cleanliness in sleep quality. “Investing in a good mattress, duvet, and pillow is vital for your sleep quality, but once you have them, maintaining cleanliness and keeping your bedroom tidy is equally as important,” she says. “We sleep on our mattresses for several hours every night, so they are bound to get a little dirty after a while. Hair, pet fur, dust, and dirt can build up over time which in turn can create an uncomfortable sleeping environment – creating a breeding ground for skin irritations, allergies, and respiratory issues.”

Marshall notes that the lack of visible dirt on beds leads many to prioritise other tasks. “People prioritise what they think is urgent and because your bed doesn’t look visibly dirty, it is washed less but it’s clear that us Brits need to have a serious bedroom spring clean,” she adds.

To maintain a fresh and healthy sleep environment, Marshall recommends incorporating mattress maintenance into weekly cleaning routines. “If you want to keep your bed in great condition then it’s crucial to allow your mattress to breathe,” she advises. “All mattresses benefit from airing and it’s something that should be worked into a regular mattress maintenance routine. Letting your mattress breathe improves airflow, helping moisture, bacteria, and dust to dissipate.”

Her method for airing a mattress is simple: “To air a mattress, all you need to do is remove the bedding, gently brush the surface of the mattress, then open up the windows and let the air circulate.” For weekly cleaning, Marshall suggests brushing the mattress surface with a soft handheld brush in small, circular motions to lift dust, dirt, dead skin, and hair. She cautions against using a vacuum cleaner, as it may disturb the mattress fillings.

For deeper cleaning, Marshall recommends: “Once the surface of your mattress is free from stains and completely dry, sprinkle some baking soda over it to help eliminate odours. If possible, leave for a couple of hours to get the freshest results before brushing it off.” For double-sided mattresses, she advises flipping and repeating the process, and suggests using a mattress protector to shield against sweat, dust, and debris. “We love clean sheets day!” she enthuses.

Tips for bedding maintenance

• Wash duvets every three months, checking care labels for machine or handwashing instructions. Synthetic duvets can typically be washed at 60°C with a third of the usual detergent, while natural or feather duvets require gentler cycles and specific detergents.
• Wash pillows every six months, with synthetic and feather pillows suitable for machine washing, and memory foam pillows needing spot cleaning. Use low-speed spins and thorough drying to prevent mould.
• Air mattresses weekly by removing bedding and opening windows to improve airflow and reduce bacteria.