In most Indian homes, Diwali preparation starts weeks ahead. Cupboards get emptied, curtains go in the wash, someone climbs a ladder to clean the fan, and the old newspapers finally go to the raddiwala. The living room gets new cushion covers, the puja room gets fresh diyas, and there's a rangoli at the door.
The bedroom usually gets a quick dusting and a new bedsheet. This year, give it more time, since it's where everyone in the house starts and ends the day.
Declutter First
Start with the wardrobe, the bedside tables and the space under the bed. Clutter collects dust, and dust is a common trigger for allergies and restless sleep. Give away clothes nobody has worn in a year, and keep only what you use on the bedside table.
Clean the Mattress Properly
A mattress takes in sweat, skin cells and dust every night. Before Diwali, strip the bed and vacuum the top and sides of the mattress with an upholstery attachment. Sprinkle baking soda over the surface, leave it for a few hours to absorb odours, then vacuum it off. Treat stains with a little mild soap on a barely damp cloth, and never soak the mattress. Then let it air with the windows open, or in gentle sunlight if you can.
Wash the Rest
Pillow covers, bedsheets, blankets, curtains and cushion covers all hold dust. A hot wash, where the fabric allows, also helps get rid of dust mites.
Check the Pillows
Fold a pillow in half. If it stays folded, it no longer supports your neck. New pillows are one of the cheapest ways to improve sleep.
Add a Protector
If your mattress doesn't have a protector yet, the festive season is a good time to add one. Guests, late-night snacks and chai in bed all mean more chances of spills.
Use Softer Light in the Bedroom
Diwali is about light, but at night the bedroom needs warm, dim lamps rather than bright white tube lights, which keep the brain alert. Keep the fairy lights on the balcony.
Take a Look at the Mattress Itself
This is the step most families skip. Is the mattress more than seven or eight years old? Can you see or feel a dip where you sleep? Do you wake up with a sore back that eases once you're up? Do you sleep better at a hotel or at relatives' homes? If any of these are true, cleaning won't bring back the support it has lost.
Why Families Buy Mattresses at Diwali
Diwali, and Dhanteras in particular, has long been seen as an auspicious time to buy something new for the home. A mattress is used by the family every single night for a decade or more, so it fits that tradition well. Festive sales also tend to bring the best offers of the year, so if you've been putting off a new mattress, now is a sensible time.
A Diwali Gift for Parents
Dry fruits and mithai are lovely, and they're finished within a week. A better mattress, a supportive pillow or a cooling topper is something parents or in-laws will use every night for years.
The Boston Take
Boston has been making mattresses for Indian families since 1942. Our range includes the 100% organic Boston Essence, the cooling graphite latex Boston Verde and Boston Aura, the dual comfort Boston Amara and the pocket spring hybrid Boston Zenith, along with the Natura Shield protector and our natural latex pillows.
The Festive Sale is on now. Check our offers page for the current discounts and coupon codes before you check out. Delivery is free, and eligible mattresses include our 100-Night Comfort Exchange.
Happy Diwali to you and your family from all of us at Boston.
FAQs
Is Diwali a good time to buy a mattress?
Yes. Diwali and Dhanteras are traditionally considered auspicious for buying for the home, and festive sales often bring the best prices of the year.
How do I clean my mattress before Diwali?
Vacuum it, use baking soda to absorb odours, spot clean stains with mild soap on a barely damp cloth, and air it well. Never soak it.
What is a good Diwali gift for parents?
Something they'll use every day, such as a supportive mattress, a natural latex pillow or a cooling mattress topper.