Introduction
Your nightstand is one of the most-used surfaces in your bedroom — it holds your lamp, your phone, your book, your glass of water. But when was the last time you gave it a proper deep clean? Learning how to clean and sanitize a nightstand not only keeps it looking fresh and beautiful but also helps you maintain a healthier bedroom. This simple guide will show you exactly how to clean, disinfect, and organize your nightstand the right way.
Why Cleaning and Sanitizing Your Nightstand Matters
Your nightstand acts like a mini landing pad for daily clutter: phones, chargers, water glasses, skincare, and more. Over time, dust, fingerprints, water rings, and even germs build up on its surface — especially if you touch it frequently when you’re sick or eating in bed. A clean, sanitized nightstand helps you avoid spreading bacteria, keeps your bedroom smelling fresh, and makes your bedside area feel calm and inviting. Plus, regular cleaning protects your furniture’s finish so it lasts longer.
Step-by-Step Guide to Clean and Sanitize a Nightstand
1. Clear Everything Off
Start by removing everything from your nightstand, including lamps, décor, books, electronics, and small catch-all trays. Place them on your bed or a nearby table. This makes it easier to clean every corner and spot.
2. Dust the Surface and Hardware
Use a microfiber cloth or a soft duster to remove loose dust and crumbs from the top, sides, and any drawers. Don’t forget the back of the nightstand, the base, and drawer pulls — these often get overlooked!
3. Wipe Down with a Mild Cleaner
Choose a gentle, non-abrasive cleaner suitable for your nightstand’s material.
- For wood: Use a few drops of dish soap mixed with warm water. Dampen a microfiber cloth (never soak it) and wipe down all surfaces.
- For laminate or painted surfaces: A mild all-purpose cleaner works well.
- For glass tops: Use a streak-free glass cleaner.
Always wipe in the direction of the grain if you have real wood.
4. Clean Inside Drawers
Remove any drawer liners or organizers and wipe out the inside with a damp cloth. Crumbs, dust, and even hairpins tend to collect here. Let the drawers air dry before putting anything back.
5. Sanitize High-Touch Areas
Use disinfecting wipes or a cloth lightly dampened with a disinfectant solution to wipe down drawer pulls, knobs, and the top surface where you set your phone, glasses, or water. This step helps kill germs that build up from daily use. Be sure not to saturate the wood — a light pass is enough.
6. Treat Water Rings and Stains
If your nightstand has stubborn water marks from drinks, try a simple fix:
- For fresh water rings on wood, gently rub a small amount of non-gel toothpaste or a paste of baking soda and water onto the spot with a soft cloth. Wipe away, then buff dry.
- For deeper stains, a bit of furniture polish or a wood-specific cleaner can help restore the shine.
7. Wipe and Disinfect Lamps and Décor
Don’t forget the items that live on your nightstand! Wipe down lamps, photo frames, alarm clocks, and catch-all trays with a damp cloth or disinfecting wipe. For fabric lampshades, use a lint roller or vacuum brush attachment to remove dust.
8. Let It Dry Completely
If you used any damp cloths or disinfectants, make sure the surface and drawers dry completely before putting items back. This prevents moisture damage, especially for wood furniture.
9. Organize Thoughtfully Before Replacing Items
Before you refill your nightstand, take a minute to declutter. Toss any trash, old tissues, or items that don’t belong. Group similar items in small trays or drawer organizers to prevent clutter from building up again. Keep only essentials on top: lamp, book, phone charger, and perhaps a plant or candle for a stylish touch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Using harsh chemicals on wood.
Solution: Stick to gentle cleaners and never soak your cloth. Harsh chemicals can strip the finish or damage the wood.
Mistake 2: Forgetting the drawers.
Solution: Dust and germs collect inside, too. Always clean and disinfect drawer interiors and organizers.
Mistake 3: Using too much water.
Solution: Excess moisture can warp wood or seep into seams. Always wring out your cloth well.
Mistake 4: Ignoring knobs and handles.
Solution: These high-touch spots collect bacteria fast — wipe them down every week.
Mistake 5: Letting clutter pile back up.
Solution: Keep only what you really need on your nightstand and use trays to contain small items.
Extra Tips & Bedroom Hacks
• Add Coasters: Use coasters under cups or glasses to prevent future water rings and stains.
• Try a Natural Polish: For wood nightstands, finish with a natural polish of olive oil and lemon juice to add shine and protection.
• Keep Disinfecting Wipes Nearby: Store a small pack of wipes in your nightstand drawer so you can quickly sanitize handles or the surface as part of your weekly bedroom tidy-up.
👉 Want your whole bedside area to feel designer-worthy? Check out our guide on how to style a nightstand like a designer for extra inspiration.
Conclusion
Now you know exactly how to clean and sanitize a nightstand — from clearing clutter and wiping down every surface to disinfecting high-touch areas and organizing everything back in place. This simple routine helps you maintain a healthier, fresher bedroom and protects your furniture so it stays beautiful for years to come.
✨ Bookmark this guide to keep your nightstand clean, organized, and totally clutter-free — the perfect finishing touch to a peaceful bedroom!