Summer Cleaning Must Dos!

 
Q: What are some of your favorite summertime freshening & cleaning tips?

A: First of all, can you believe it's that time?! I like to start in the bedroom so let's focus there. And literally throwing open the windows and letting that fresh air in will be enough to inspire you:

• Strip your bed down completely - throughly launder everything, including the mattress pad and blankets. And while those are in the wash - take the opportunity to flip your mattress. (Something you should be doing "quarterly" for even wear and the best sleep.)
  
• Give your bed pillows an honest assessment - and replace them if they are at all limp or lumpy. You'll sleep so fine, and be so happy that you did. Be sure you always place bed pillows in cotton protectors to extend the life of the pillow.
  
• Shake out any throw rugs; vacuum drapes and lamp shades; take a dust cloth to those spots you've overlooked all winter.
  
• Swap out winter weight blankets for lighter varieties - both in fiber content and color. Replace worn, tired sheets with new sets in some of the seasons hottest shades to compliment your bedrooms decor - it's a fun and easy way to add a little extra spark to your space.
• Consider a new bedding ensemble - one that will serve as a warm weather option. Having seasonal bedding to swap out both extends the life of the bedding, and gives you the pleasure of something fresh to look forward to. If you can't afford or aren't interested in an entire new set - consider a fresh new throw pillow or two to add a dash of something different.

Follow these tips and you'll find you'll not only sleep better but truly be in the springtime spirit.