Do you use a humidifier before bed? You may want to stop. |
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| Michael Hession/NYT Wirecutter |
A humidifier can be a useful tool, particularly during arid winter months, when chapped lips, dry sinuses, and nosebleeds can cause major discomfort.
But there are health considerations to keep in mind. A proper weekly cleaning is paramount and, frankly, a bit of a chore: Without it, your humidifier can turn into a vicious, festering cesspool of bacteria and mold — not the kind of stuff you want to be breathing in. And we recommend exercising even more caution when it comes to adding essential oils to a humidifier or diffuser. Yes, it can turn your bedroom into a nice-smelling oasis before sleep, but it can impact your health, too.
Why Wirecutter’s sustainability editor retired her humidifier (and her essential oil diffuser, too)→
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Plus: How to clean your blankets |
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| Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter |
It’s a good idea to clean your blankets a few times a year. You’ll want to keep in mind the blanket’s size and material, and wash it accordingly. Our bedding expert has advice for how to keep cotton, linen, and wool blankets in prime snuggling condition for years.
Start by spot-treating stains→
More for a spotless bedroom |
Plus: The best Presidents’ Day deals |
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| NYT Wirecutter |
These are all the rigorously vetted deals on Wirecutter-approved sleep gear we’re seeing right now, including silk pillowcases, alarm clocks, and, yes, mattresses.
Plus, delightfully fluffy Croc slippers→
One last thing: Don’t wear earplugs every night |
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| Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter |
No matter how snore-y your bedmate is, you should not be using earplugs every night. They’re a great remedy for temporarily noisy environments, but jamming something in your ear regularly can cause wax buildup and possible infection.
Prioritize creating a quiet sleep environment first. Here’s how→
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Happy Cleaning.
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