The Germiest Thing in Your Bedroom is Likely the Thing You Least Expect



You likely know how important it is to wash your sheets every week, or what happens when you don’t clean your pillowcase. Germs and dust mites can accumulate, and the last thing you want is to sleep in a bed that’s full of them. Yet, despite all your efforts to keep your sheets clean and germ free, there’s an unassuming part of your bed that might be accumulating just as much bacteria, and it’s less likely to be cleaned as often, if at all. It’s your headboard — that’s right, it isn’t just collecting dust; it can also be a breeding ground for germs. A recent mattress study revealed that the typical headboard contains a diverse set of bacteria, including fungus, mold and bacterial colonies. It tends to be a breeding ground for germs because it’s the part of your bed you wouldn’t think needs cleaning. Headboards come in contact with skin and hair on a nightly basis, which leave behind sweat, oils, dead skin, makeup and hair-product residue. They also accumulate dust that circulates throughout the room. Environmental conditions such as moisture and heat from high temperatures, as well as unclean sheets and mattresses, also contribute to the spread of headboard germs. So, how do clean your headboard? 

  • Vacuum once a week. Be sure to vacuum it thoroughly, especially if you have an upholstered headboard — the fabric can be porous. 
  • Pre-treat stains. If you have spots to treat, stain removal will depend on the type of fabric your headboard is made of. Headboards with a “W” label should be treated with a water-based cleaning solvent, while those labeled with an “S” should use a dry-cleaning solvent. In some cases, baking soda and vinegar might help with stain removal. 
  • Clean the headboard. Once dust, debris and stains are cleared, choose a cleaning method approved for your fabric. Headboards made of leather can be wiped down easily, while ones made of fabrics such as cotton, linen or polyester will need a little more care. Using a microfiber cloth and your cleaning solution of choice, work your way from top to bottom, rubbing the upholstery fabric with minimal pressure. 
  • Let it dry. Whether you’re air-drying or bringing in a box fan to encourage the drying process, it’s important that all leftover moisture is removed.