This Is Why Your Bedroom Smells & How To Make It Smell Great!

Even if the bed is made, the laundry's off the floor, and the nightstands are clutter-free, the room can still have a smell. Where’s it coming from? Soft surfaces. Your body releases sweat overnight, and all that gets absorbed into the things around you—especially your bed. Here’s how we tackle those lingering bedroom odors and keep things fresh.

Change Your Bedding—Seriously

One of the quickest and easiest ways to freshen up your bedroom is to change your bed sheets. Ideally, this should be a weekly routine. At the very least, aim for every two weeks—no more than that.

Think of your sheets like another layer of clothing. They collect sweat, body oils, and dead skin cells. If you’re not laundering them regularly, that buildup starts to smell. Changing them out makes a huge difference in the way your room smells.

Add Scent (But Don’t Overdo It)

This one’s all about personal preference. Some people love diffusers, others swear by candles or plug-ins. There’s no wrong answer—just find what works for you.

For a long time, we loved diffusing essential oils. It was calming and created a nice vibe. Lately, though, we’ve moved into the “neutral is best” phase—just clean and scent-free.

No matter what you choose, don’t mask a bad smell with a good one. Find the source of the odor and take care of that, then add scent if you want it. You can also consider making your own DIY cleaning products in a reusable spray bottle and then add your favorite essential oils to add subtle fragrance.

Don’t Forget the Mattress

Your mattress is a major culprit when it comes to hidden smells. It absorbs sweat, body oils, dead skin—basically everything your sheets do, but deeper in.

The big issue? Dust mites. They feed on all the stuff we shed, and a happy dust mite party leads to more allergens in the air. So if you have dust mite allergies, or just want a fresh-smelling room, mattress cleaning should absolutely be on your list.

Clothes on the Floor = Odor Central

We’ve all been there—peeling off clothes and dropping them on the floor after a long day. If it’s just one or two items, no big deal. But when the pile grows, especially with sweaty clothes (think workouts or hot summer days), your room’s gonna start to smell.

Pro tip: air out those damp clothes before tossing them into the hamper, and avoid leaving anything on the floor.

Vacuum More Than You Think You Need To

Whether your bedroom has carpet, hardwood, or a mix of both, vacuuming is key. It’s not just about what you can see—it’s about controlling dust, allergens, and that subtle stale smell. Honestly, vacuuming isn’t our favorite chore, but the payoff is worth it. Less dust = better air = a fresher-smelling space.

Also, if you happen to want to use a mop instead of a vacuum consider the award winning Maker's Mop, it's prefect for both wet and dry use. We also have an article on how to clean floors + DIY floor cleaning products which may be helpful.

Happy Cleaning!