We're all familiar with doing a spring clean in the home, but have you ever done an autumn clean? Experts say it can be an essential way to achieve a healthier winter.
With a drop in temperature and the heating on, fabrics in the home can be a haven for the germs, bacteria, mould and mites that thrive in our warm winter environments, and it takes just a few simple steps to help to increase chances of a healthy winter and keep seasonal bugs at bay.
When it comes to the bedroom, Sara Wadsworth from The Fine Bedding Company says: 'Keeping duvets and pillows clean is easier than most people think, especially with products that fit into a domestic washing machine and can be washed at 60°C.
'Of course, studies also show that good quality sleep is also a line of defence in the battle against winter viruses, keeping immune systems working at optimum levels. And if you do get ill, then bed rest is essential – but don't forget to clean bedding as well as covers and sheets when better!'
Follow these essential steps for an effective autumn clean.
1. Fresh Thinking
The main problem cited in winter homes when it comes to passing on germs is the lack of ventilation and warm moist air (because of indoor washing and drying). This is an ideal environment for bugs and germs to flourish. Household members are also more likely to be bringing germs into domestic spaces during the winter months on their hands or breathed in within enclosed unventilated spaces.
To combat this, try to open windows as much as possible. More ventilation can help to freshen stale air and lessen the likelihood of coming into contact with the tiny drops of mucus that are sneezed or coughed into the air when people are ill.
And, while it's tempting to make the most of the energy used for heating the house, drying clothes on a radiator can cause unwanted moisture in the air. Using a dehumidifier (The Pro Breeze 1500ml Dehumidifier is an Amazon best seller) can offset the moisture particles thought to increase the spread of germs in the air, but it's worth thinking about alternative ways to dry clothes.
Remember, central heating and closed windows also create dream conditions for dust mites, bacteria and mould. Dust mites love warm environments but can't stand the cold. However, we can keep mites at bay with a few simple measures.
2. Winter wipe down
To prevent winter bugs being passed via germ-ridden hands, ensure that all surfaces are properly cleaned with an anti-bacterial cleaning fluid (Dettol Anti-Bacterial Surface Cleanser, pack of three, is an Amazon best seller), going further than focusing on kitchen and bathroom surfaces. For example, if a door is being regularly used it's likely to pick up all sorts of germs that can easily pass through body contact. This is especially important if children are around.
3. Floors, furniture and fabrics
Carpets, sofas, pillows and duvets/mattresses are another hotbed for mites and bacteria, which should all be regularly cleaned. Think about the food crumbs, spillages, dead skin cells and sweat that accumulate in these materials during everyday life.
The onset of autumn is an ideal time for carpets to be professionally cleaned. Ensure vacuum cleaners (the VYTRONIX Lightweight 3 in 1 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is an Amazon best seller) are working effectively – older appliances may well be leaving lots of allergy-inducing particles behind.
4. Don't let the bed bugs bite
We all have different bedtime habits and body types – whether that's being partial to drinking a cup of tea in bed (with potential spillages) or excessive nighttime sweating. But on average, everyone expels 200ml in sweat and sheds hundreds of dead skins cells every night – and dust mites can live in their thousands in unwashed bedding.
Some of the best washable duvets can be washed in a domestic washing machine and dried as quickly and easily as bed linen, so it can be back on the bed the same day.
Are you an allergy sufferer? Buy from specialist Anti Allergy ranges. It is generally accepted that synthetic pillows and duvets are non-allergenic – meaning they're friendly for allergy sufferers. And always read the care instruction on duvets and pillows, as some products need to be professionally cleaned and handled in specific ways.
Like duvets and pillows, mattresses are another haven for the mighty mite! The recommended frequency to vacuum mattresses is weekly to reduce risk of mites, but even doing this during an autumn and spring clean is better than not at all. Use an upholstery brush attachment and wash mattress covers every month at 60°C . Also allow it to air between bedding changes.
5. Empty bins
For those who've caught the dreaded winter lurgy, another top tip is to ensure bins are emptied daily – especially if there are tissues in there.
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If you're still obsessed with velvet, don't worry, you're not the only one. Because the material is so sumptuous, velvet is a great way to introduce some colour into your space, and these luxurious cotton velvet cushions will do the trick.
You can choose from yellow, blue, silver, pink, dark grey, natural and duck egg.
We love this delicate blush throw. Inspired by the traditional French quilting technique, the throw features a stitching pattern that gives the appearance of a padded bedspread.
Bring some texture to your living space with this patterned cushion that will work equally well layered on your sofa as it will on your bed.
Olivia Heath is the Daily Editor at House Beautiful. Heading up all things digital, Olivia loves nothing more than uncovering tomorrow's biggest design trends and revealing the best tips and tricks to help you decorate your home like an interior designer. Week by week Olivia shares the most stylish high street buys to help you get the look for less (while compiling her very own, and rather lengthy, homeware lust list) and showcases the best makeovers (who doesn't love a before & after?), as well as the hottest and most unique properties on the market.
Prior to making the switch to interiors on House Beautiful, Olivia worked at Reveal magazine, where she reported on celebrity and entertainment news by day, and attended showbiz parties and red carpet events by night! Olivia has an MA in Journalism with an NCTJ qualification, as well as a BA in Journalism and Media & Cultural Studies.
