Here's Why You May Be Better Off Not Making Your Bed First Thing In The Morning

You've probably heard it your whole life that a tidy room starts with a made bed. But what if making your bed first thing in the morning isn't the healthiest habit? As it turns out, not making your bed first thing might actually help reduce dust mites and allergens, which thrive in the warm, damp environment left behind by your body heat overnight. You might know the gross truth about what dust is really made of, but when you immediately pull the covers up, you trap that heat and moisture in ( giving those microscopic critters exactly what they want.)

Letting your bed breathe for about 30 minutes, on the other hand, helps the space cool down and dry out. This simple shift can make a real difference for people with allergies or sensitive sinuses. The best part about this tip is it's effortless. You can just wake up, stretch, make some coffee, open a window, and give your bedding an hour or so to air out before tidying things up. For homeowners, especially those with pets, dust sensitivity, or kids, this tiny tweak in your morning routine can have a big impact on your home's air quality. It's a great example of how simple adjustments, even skipping that automatic bed-making, can support a healthier, more mindful household. For more ways to elevate your space, try some of these 35 relaxing bedroom ideas that will help put your mind at ease.

Once you embrace the idea of not making your bed first thing, you can actually turn it into a soothing morning ritual. In some cultures, like parts of Scandinavian countries and Germany, it's common to air out bedding or even place duvets near open windows to freshen up fabrics and eliminate moisture. In Denmark, it's common to open windows to let fresh air in.

You can adopt a similar approach in your space. Start by pulling back your comforter and fluffing the sheets to let trapped body heat escape. If the weather's nice, crack a window to let fresh air flow through. You could even give your pillows a quick shake or place them by a sunny windowsill to reduce moisture buildup. For extra freshness, spritz your sheets with a linen spray or tuck a sachet of lavender into your pillowcase. Some people even change out their bedding every couple of days to keep things feeling crisp and clean. These small habits don't just improve cleanliness, they add a touch of intention to your day. So the next time you skip making your bed right away, know you're not being lazy, you're letting your space reset naturally. Here are more cleaning tips that leave your bed smelling amazing.