You may not think you spend a great deal of time in your bedroom—or at least spend a great deal of time awake in your bedroom—but, it is the one room of your home where feeling comfortable is a top priority. We begin and end our days in this room and with a few simple steps, this room of slumber and relaxation can become a room that makes you and your family healthier.
Take these steps to detox your bedroom:
Sleep Well with Natural Linens
Oh, yes, we love the wrinkle-free sheets with high thread counts, but before you put those sheets on the bed, give them a quick ‘safe wash’ by using a combination of baking soda and white vinegar or purchasing a natural laundry detergent. Better yet, look for bedding made from sustainable materials such as organic cotton or bamboo. Also, choose a natural-fill pillow—this will make a world of difference to those who suffer from allergies or asthma.
Move Your Tech
Cut down on your overall electricity consumption by removing tech and electronic products from your bedroom. For those tech tools you need to keep (alarm clock, cell phone, etc.), use a power strip to plug them in and turn it off when not in use. Avoid putting tech products on the nightstand—they emit radio frequency electromagnetic fields (EMFs) that may be harmful to your body and interfere with your sleep.
Be Cool
Sleep experts agree that lower temperatures signal to your body that it’s time to sleep, so turn down the thermostat in the bedroom to not only save energy, but to give you a better night of sleep. During warmer months, get rid of heat through window fans and ceiling fans and consider hanging bamboo shades OUTSIDE of your windows. According to Care2.com, this small trick can stop 60 to 80 percent of the sun’s heat from getting inside.
Freshen the Air
Certain scents such as lavender or chamomile are known to enhance relaxation and improve sleep. However, using many of the air fresheners found in stores exposes you and your family to unwanted chemicals. In a spray bottle, mix one cup of distilled water with 8-10 drops of an essential oil. Use the mixture as you would regular air freshener—spraying near fans and the air conditioner to circulate the scent throughout your room. You can also add a few drops of the oil to an organic cotton ball and place under your pillow to improve your sleep.
Green Your Closet
Even if you cannot fill your closet with all clothing made from organic cotton and eco-yarn, you can still make great strides in greening this space. Use a natural deodorizer such as vinegar and baking soda to spray inside shoes or on the closet carpet, purchase natural cedar balls to reduce moisture and repel moths, and make your own de-wrinkle fabric spray such as this recipe from Yahoo! Voices that combines white vinegar, water and your favorite essential oil—not only will your clothes be smooth and smell great, but you will not be harmed by any unwanted chemicals.
Talk to us: What tips do you have for detoxing your bedroom space?