It’s been a mild winter for many of us, but that doesn’t mean we’re not giddily anticipating spring. On the next warm day, try opening your bedroom windows and airing out your sleeping space. And here are some tips for keeping your bedding fresh, clean and sanitary so you can count sheep, healthy and worry-free.

1. Your mattress should be aired out twice a year. If you have the space, it’s a great idea to bring the mattress out into the sunshine for a few hours (UV rays kill mold and mildew)… then don’t forget to flip it over when you put it back on the bed. If you can’t bring it outside, another option is to prop your mattress up in a well-ventilated room and open all the windows for a few hours.
2. Then, vacuum your mattress to eliminate dust, mites and dead skin.
3. Wash your pillows in the bathtub (or on gentle cycle in the machine, if they’re down) with some mild liquid detergent, then put them in the dryer with a brand new, clean tennis ball to fluff them back up.
4. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to wash not just your sheets, but all your bedding — including quilts, blankets and mattress covers.
5. While your bed is dismantled, it’s a great idea to vacuum those hard-to-reach spots underneath!
6. A spritz of diluted essential oils makes a great air freshener. You can buy essential oils at Whole Foods and most natural markets and pharmacies.  Simply mix 20-30 drops in a glass spray bottle with water, and use to freshen up your sleeping quarters with the aroma of your choice. We particularly like: lavender (it has a calming effect — the better for sleeping), peppermint (it’s cooling and sweet), and eucalyptus (an invigorating, sinus-clearing scent!).

It’s a big job, but the benefits are worth it. You’ll sleep better (and who knows, maybe even snore a little less!) with clean, cared-for bedding.

The end of rainy season is a great time to purge your house of the scourge of mold. The wetness, closed windows and general ennui of winter let mold spores thrive, so it’s not surprising if your home is smelling a little bit musty by this time of year.

Mold is gross, it’s a potent allergen, and it can also be dangerous. We’ve all heard of black mold and how invasive and indestructible it can be.

The goods news? It is actually possible for you to treat a threatening mold infestation in your own home before it takes over and turns into a horror movie. And it can be done organically.

The recipe:

Equal parts borax and baking soda mixed in warm water.

Borax sounds toxic, but don’t be fooled by the name. It’s actually a naturally occurring mineral—a sort of salt—found in the beds of dried up lakes. In certain other cultures, it’s actually used as a food additive to create texture (We don’t recommend binging on it however—stick to chocolate cake).

Of course, it’s always a good idea to wear gloves when using any cleaning product in order to avoid irritating the skin.

Tip:

For really tough mold that just doesn’t want to let go, you can substitute Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds for the warm water. Sal Suds is a great degreaser and one of our favorite products at Greenforce. It’s made with a base of surfactants and fir tree oils. Like all the products we use, it’s non-toxic, environmentally friendly and safe for humans.

If mold has been left a long time it can actually grow into grout or into the walls. This might require a Mold Remediation company and some demolition. An ounce of prevention……