Day 18. Clean Under Beds and Furniture

Day 18 of “A 30 Day Guide to Spring Cleaning“.

---

How many items do you think might have built up under the furniture you don’t move often? Why is it important to clean out from under your beds and under your furniture?

There are so many reasons it is important to clean out from under these items every once in a while. Items, especially with kids, can build up under furniture quite quickly. They loose toys, balls, food wrappers, anything that is movable could honestly end up under your furniture. Not to mention my 5 year old that loves to sneak snack wrappers under his bed so we don’t know how many he’s had…

It’s important to clean out these areas because you can’t see them well, and you don’t know what might be under there. Crumbs from food, or food wrappers can cause bugs and mice to enter and remain in your house. Clutter or piles of items in darker spaces gives bugs like spiders the perfect place to make their home. On top of that, these areas love to collect dust and pet hair, all of those little particles that can make your allergies flare up or make you just stuffy in general.

---

What to clean:

• Organize items under beds
• Clean floors under beds and furniture
• Wipe down current items under beds and furniture

---

Supplies needed:

• Under bed storage/organization tools
• Vacuum
• Recommended:
  • Dusting Mitt, Envirocloth, Under Bed Wheeled Storage ‘paid link’
• Alternative:
  • Duster, wet cloth, under bed storage/organization tools
  • Under Bed Storage Options (there are some great options here!)
• Optional:
  • Furniture Sliders or Furniture Dolly’s

---

Cleaning and Organizing Under Beds

My first rule of organizing things like under the bed is… if you haven’t touched it in a year, GET RID OF IT!! Unless you are keeping something that has a specific purpose, or high sentimental value. Trust me, getting rid of clutter is one of the number one DE stressors for A LOT of people.

Secondly, make sure you are prepared to organize. Find storage that will fit your space, and will provide the organization levels you require. I really like the wheeled storage totes listed above because they don’t collapse under weight, and the wheels make them easy to maneuver in and out from under the bed.

1. Remove any loose items and sort through them.
   • Make a keep pile and a toss pile (this is helpful for decluttering and making the process easier)
2. If you currently have storage, sort through the items in storage
   • Add these items to your keep pile and toss pile as decided
3. Remove any current storage containers you have, and wipe them down with the dusting mitt to remove dust. Then wipe them down with the envirocloth, wet, to fully clean the tops.
4. Move your bed to the side (if possible) and vacuum underneath. If you have hard floors, use this opportunity to mop as well.
5. Replace the “keep pile” of items into your selected under bed storage.
   • I highly suggest using storage containers to keep your items free of dust, and to lessen the chance of providing critters or bugs places to hide.
6. Discard the “toss pile” items right away, before you decide you still need them (YOU DON’T).

Under bed organization ideas:

• Under Bed Wheeled Storage ‘paid link’
• Storage Box with Lids and Handles
• Open Top Wheeled Storage
• Collapsible Storage Box with Dividers

---

Cleaning Under Furniture

It is also important to clean out items and buildup that has accumulated under your larger, less often moved furniture. These pieces can collect dust, pet hair, debris, crumbs, and toys very easily!

Some examples of common larger furniture:

• Couches/Loveseats
• Recliners/Large Chairs
• Bookshelves
• Buffet’s
• China cabinets/storage cabinets
• Entertainment stands
• Benches

This is not an all inclusive list, but can give you an idea of what to clean under. You may have moved some of these items already and cleaned out from under them during floor conditioning or carpet cleaning, but if there were some pieces you didn’t get to moving, now is the time! One of the least moved pieces of furniture in my house is my Buffet in my dining room. This is low to the ground, but just high enough for many things to get pushed underneath it, or roll underneath it.

You can use furniture sliders or dolly’s to move furniture easily, and to protect your floor while moving the furniture.

1. Apply furniture sliders or furniture dolly’s to the legs/corners of your furniture to easily move this out off to the side.
2. Pick up items that have accumulated under the furniture.
   • Make a keep pile and a toss pile for items found
3. Vacuum the area under the furniture, if you have hard floors, use this opportunity to mop as well.
4. Discard the “toss pile” items.
5. Put “keep pile” items in their proper places.
6. Return the furniture to it’s intended spot, and remove the furniture dolly’s or sliders.

---

If you have any questions, feel free to post them in the comments and I would be happy to get back with you.

Check out Day 17. Wash Your Curtains here.

Check out Day 19. Clean and Organize Storage/Closets here.

If you would like to see the remainder of this 30 day cleaning guide posts, please enter your email below and you will receive email notifications for future posts.