{"id":26787,"date":"2022-11-30T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-11-30T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/how-to-make-bedroom-smell-fresh\/"},"modified":"2023-08-28T22:25:50","modified_gmt":"2023-08-28T22:25:50","slug":"how-to-make-bedroom-smell-fresh","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/how-to-make-bedroom-smell-fresh\/","title":{"rendered":"4 Ways to Make Your Bedroom Smell Better"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

You may not realize it, but smell and sleep are greatly connected. In fact, the right scent can help you fall asleep faster and, in some cases, influence healthier dreams, says Alaina Ross, RN, sleep coach with SleepFamily.org<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your nose contains olfactory neurons that connect to your brain, explains Ross. Those neurons transmit chemical signals from your environment to your brain. Therefore, if you smell a relaxing scent like lavender<\/a>, that will send signals of relaxation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The tricky thing about smell, though, is that you may not recognize if your room stinks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis is because your olfactory neurons and brain become accustomed to how your room smells,\u201d says Ross. \u201cThe cells in your nose primarily help you detect new and strange scents, not ones that are commonplace daily. Over time, even if the cells in your nose detect a smell, it will signal to your brain that the information is ordinary and useless.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While you may not notice bad odors, some common culprits contribute to a smelly room, such as pets, dirty clothes, and damp towels, according to Sara San Angelo, founder of Confessions of a Cleaning Lady<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Luckily, getting your room to smell good is an easy fix. Below are some ways to eliminate bad odors and turn your room into a calming oasis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to make your bedroom smell fresh<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Get rid of dirty clothes and towels<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It may seem harmless to keep your dirty clothes and towels piled up in the corner of your room, but San Angelo warns against it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhen you wear clothes, they pick up sweat, bodily fluids, and skin cells from your body,\u201d she explains. After they sit in a hamper or laundry basket, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are microorganisms, start to break down these substances and release an acrid odor.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her advice? Put your clothes in a hamper in a separate room, like a closet or, better yet, the laundry room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wash your linens regularly<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You may not realize how quickly dirt, sweat, and dust can build up on your sheets. As a rule of thumb, San Angelo recommends washing bed sheets<\/a> once a week, while comforters and blankets can be cleaned once a month. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not only is changing your sheets regularly the hygienic choice\u2014but there\u2019s truly nothing like laying in a bed with freshly washed bed sheets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Deodorize your rug<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Rugs can also pick up a lot of odors, says San Angelo, especially if you have pets. The good news is that cleaning your rug doesn\u2019t have to feel like such a daunting task, thanks to San Angelo\u2019s baking soda trick. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once a month, sprinkle baking soda on the rug to deodorize it. Let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour, then vacuum the baking soda off your carpets. It\u2019s that<\/em> easy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Add a relaxing scent<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAn essential oil<\/a> diffuser is a great way to keep your bedroom smelling fresh,\u201d says San Angelo. Light your favorite candle (we have some of the best candles for your bedroom<\/a> right here). Or use a diffuser (we like Pura Fragrance Diffuser<\/a> for those who need something pet-friendly) to not only add some fragrance but to cozy up your space as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just note that not all scents are created equal. You\u2019ll want to avoid citrus-based fragrances because those tend to promote energy and mental sharpness, says Ross.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instead, go for a scent known for its relaxing properties and sleep. \u201cThe best essential oils to use for sleep are ones that are associated with relaxation, tranquility, and positive memories,\u201d says Ross. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below are some of our favorites:<\/p>\n\n\n\n