Cleaning under the bed is one of the things that’s easy to ignore, but if you skip it, it can affect your home’s cleanliness and, more importantly, your health. Dust, pet hair, allergens, and microscopic debris tend to accumulate in low-traffic, hard-to-reach areas like under beds, creating a breeding ground for dust mites and mold.
According to the American Lung Association, dust mites, which are common in household dust, are a major indoor trigger for people with allergies and asthma. The dust mites can cause breathing problems, so it’s important to vacuum and clean hidden areas like under the bed clean. However, most people skin cleaning under the bed as it’s hard-to-reach. In this guide, we’ll show you easy and effective ways to vacuum under your bed, whether it’s low to the ground or has storage.
Tools You’ll Need
Before you start cleaning, make sure to have the required tools to make your cleaning easier. You don’t need anything fancy, just the basic things to start.
- Vacuum Cleaner with Attachments: You need a vacuum with a hose or slim attachment. If you have an upright vacuum with a flat-lying feature, then it’s fine too. If you have a dyson cordless stick, then we recommend getting the Low Reach Adaptor.
- Long-Handled Duster or Broom: Great for cleaning dust in tight spaces.
- Flashlight or Phone Light: Use this to see under the bed clearly.
Step-by-Step Guide
Cleaning under the bed doesn’t have to be a hassle for you. Just follow these simple steps to get the job done quickly and thoroughly:
1. Move Items under the bed
The first step is to take out anything stored under your bed, like boxes or shoes. Sometimes you can miss small things like socks, so I recommend using a flashlight to make sure everything is removed.
2. Loosen Dust and Debris (If Needed)
Now use a long-handled duster or broom to loosen thick or accumulated dust. This will make vacuuming more effective and easier.
3. Use a Vacuum
If your vacuum has a flat-lying feature, then you can use it to reach under the bed easily. However, in other cases you need a hose attachment to reach hard-to-reach areas under the bed. You can also check out our list of best vacuum cleaners to find the one that fits your needs. Once you have your vacuum ready, move it slowly to pick up as much dust as possible. Start from one side and work your way across to avoid missing spots.
Tip: If your bed is very low, you can use a special under-appliance wand or even a handheld vacuum with a narrow nozzle. For dyson stick vacuums you can buy Low Reach Adaptor.
4. Inspect and Finish
Once you are done vacuuming, use a flashlight to see if there is any visible dust left. If not, great job. You’re all done! But if you still see some dust around the corners, use a microfiber cloth or duster to wipe it up by hand.
How to Prevent Dust Build-Up
Once you have cleaned the area under your bed, it makes sense to keep it that way for as long as possible. Here are some simple tips to help prevent dust from piling up again too quickly:
- Vacuum Regularly: Vacuum under the bed at least once every two weeks. And if you have pets or allergies, then it’s recommended to vacuum at least once a week.
- Limit Pet Access Under the Bed: If your pets love to nap under the bed, consider blocking it off.
- Use an Air Purifier: Using an air purifier can help with dust and allergies. Place one in your bedroom for cleaner air and less dust overall.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning under the bed seems like a small task, but it makes a big difference. Dust mites and other bactaria can grow if dust is piled up for a long time. These can cause alergies or can make it worse for those with asthma problems. Cleaning under your bed helps you with keeping your house free of these problems. You can do it using right tools and a few simple steps. Like using sealed storage bins, limiting pet access, and dusting your room more often can keep that area cleaner for longer.