Good morning, domestic darlings! Some days, getting out of bed and facing any kind of cleaning task can feel so overwhelming, am I right? Trust me, I’ve been there. That’s why I wanted to share one simple win you can achieve on mornings when cleaning feels overwhelming (or, honestly, impossible). It’s a tiny task with big benefits: airing your bed!
Why Air Your Bed?
Before we get into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.” Did you know that while we sleep, we sweat, shed skin, and create the perfect environment for bacteria and dust mites? (Yikes, I know!) If you roll out of bed and immediately make it up tight and neat, all that moisture and warmth gets trapped, turning your bedding into a hotspot for allergens and odor. Yuck.
Airing your bed lets all that trapped moisture evaporate, creating a fresher, healthier sleeping environment. Experts say this can even extend the life of your bedding. Bonus? Sunlight has natural antibacterial properties, so if your bedroom gets some rays, opening your window to air the bed is a double win.
Plus, fun fact! Back in the 1950s, housewives made airing the bed the first step in their daily routines. It was just part of starting the day fresh, keeping the home spotless, and making everything feel like it was under control. If it worked for them, it can boost our mornings, too!
How to Air Your Bed
Okay, now that you know why it’s worth doing, here’s how you can master this simple, feel-good task:
- Crack Open the Window
Even if it’s just for 15–30 minutes, opening your window helps get fresh air circulating. If you’re someone with allergies or live in a high-pollution area, you can skip this step and just focus on pulling back your bedding. - Pull Back the Blankets
Fold your blankets down to the end of the bed to expose the sheets and mattress to fresh air. Lay your pillows by the window or prop them up so they can get some airflow, too. - Shake It Out
If you live in a dusty area like I do, you might notice little bits of dirt in your bedding (not your fault, it happens!). Use a pillow to gently “beat” the blankets as you pull them back to shake those bits out. - Wait 15–30 Minutes
You don’t have to leave the bed aired out all day. Just a short amount of time can work wonders! - Optional Finishing Touch
Before I put my blankets back, I like to spritz them with a DIY fabric spray for that extra little dopamine boost. (Plus, it makes crawling into bed at night a dream!)
Still not in the mood to make the bed after airing it? That’s okay! You can simply fold your blankets neatly at the end of the bed and call it good. There’s no pressure for perfection here. Also, here’s that fabric spray recipe for you to try…
The Payoff
When you see your bed cleaned, aired, and refreshed, it feels like a little mental reset. You’ve started your day with a win, and those small wins can build into bigger ones which is what creates momentum and motivation. Whether you leave the rest of the cleaning for later in the day (or the week… no judgment) is perfectly fine. That aired-out bed? It’s enough.
A 1950s Housewife Hack
Back in the day, 1950s housewives took airing the bed seriously. They’d sweep back the covers as part of a morning ritual designed to bring freshness and order to their households. It wasn’t about being perfect; it was about creating a peaceful and beautiful space for their families and themselves. Isn’t that something we can all appreciate?
Just a little thought, friend…
Feeling overwhelmed or paralyzed by cleaning doesn’t mean you’re “lazy.” You’re human, my friend. And one small, simple task like airing the bed can help you flip the script. Next time you’re feeling stuck, start here. Open the window, pull back those covers, and take a deep breath. You’ve already accomplished something!
Did you try airing your bed today? I’d love to hear how it went! Drop a comment below to share your wins—I’m cheering for you every step of the way. 💕
And if you’re looking for a little more support for your cleaning routines, don’t forget to check out my cozy evening reset routine (inspired by vintage radio vibes!). It’s a total game-changer.
Until next time, remember that you’re doing enough. You ARE enough. Keep going, darling. xx