Start by finding the healthiest pillow, and then focus on better bedding and mattresses.

Wake up in a healthy bedroom, and your day's already off to a great start.

RODALE NEWS, EMMAUS, PA—You spend about a third of your life in your bedroom, so it's important to ponder how each decision about that room affects your health. Many healthy bedroom improvements can start small and cost virtually nothing, and even save you money. And when you're choosing big-ticket items like mattresses and furniture, it's even more important to make wise choices. But let's start with the cheap or free fixes first.

• Ditch dry cleaning.
Chemicals used in dry-cleaning are neurotoxins, and if you hang dry-cleaned clothes in your closet, you could be inhaling the chemicals they release while you sleep. Learn to wash any fabric, including ones with "Dry-Clean Only" tags, without drenching them harsh chemicals. For instance, wool can be gently hand-washed with mild soap in warm water, and you can add a splash of distilled white vinegar when you're rinsing it. Make sure to lay it out and stretch it to its original size to dry, and always keep it out of the sun while it’s drying. This same method holds true for cashmere, alpaca, angora, or mohair.

• Stamp out dust mites and clean greenly.
Wash your bedding in hot water (130 degrees) once a week. To dry them, hang your bedding on a wash line on sunny days if you can; the UV rays will kill dust mites, and you'll lower your energy bill and carbon footprint. Suck up mites and their detritus from carpets and floors with a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter. If your room has throw rugs, make sure they're made of natural fibers that can be washed. Avoid harsh, unhealthy cleaners—and save money—by wiping down surfaces with a mix of 1 part white vinegar and 9 parts water. If you're redoing the floor, get rid of wall-to-wall carpeting that traps dust mites and allergens, and install a natural material like cork, bamboo, or Forest Stewardship Council-Certified hardwood.