With the new year just starting, your to-do list is probably packed with putting away holiday decorations and freshening up your home. But in all the re-organizing hustle and bustle, it’s easy to forget one crucial detail—freshening your bedding.

Don’t stress if this task almost slipped your mind—this article has you covered. With these expert tips on washing, drying, and maintaining everything from duvets to mattress pads, you’ll be ready for the perfect night’s sleep. Keep reading to learn all the steps you need to prepare your bedding so you can relax and enjoy the new year!

1 of 7 | Strip the Bed and Inspect for Stains

• Start by removing everything—sheets, pillowcases, blankets, duvet covers, and mattress pads. Place them in separate piles to avoid overwhelming your laundry process.
• Before washing, gently shake out each item to remove dust, hair, or other loose debris.
• Look closely for stains at high-contact areas like pillowcases, the top sheet, and the edges of comforters. Common culprits include perspiration, coffee, and oil stains.
• Use a gentle detergent or stain remover to spot treat stains. Apply the solution directly to the area, gently rub it in, and let it sit for a few minutes before laundering.

Expected Benefits

1. Stripping the bed ensures no hidden dirt, dust, or allergens remain trapped in the layers of bedding.
2. Pretreating spots like oil, coffee, or perspiration stains ensure they’re fully removed during the wash cycle.
3. Addressing stains and debris at this stage helps minimize allergens such as dust mites and bacteria, which can cause discomfort or skin irritation.

2 of 7 | Thoroughly Wash Sheets and Pillowcases

• Always read the care labels on your sheets and pillowcases to ensure proper washing. Use hot water to kill allergens for cotton, while silk or microfiber may require cooler temperatures.
• Address any visible stains, like coffee, perspiration, or oil, with a gentle stain remover or a paste made from baking soda and water. Let it sit for a few minutes before laundering.
• Choose a high quality laundry detergent that’s effective at removing dirt and allergens without causing skin irritation. Hypoallergenic detergents are great for sensitive skin.
• Wash with the temperature recommended for the fabric type. Use the highest heat setting for cotton to eliminate dust mites and bacteria.
• Instead of chemical-based fabric softeners, opt for natural alternatives like a half-cup of white vinegar to soften and deodorize.

Expected Benefits

1. Thorough washing removes harmful allergens like dust mites, bacteria, and lingering sweat, and doing so ensures a clean and healthy environment.
2. Freshly washed sheets and pillowcases feel softer and smell better, contributing to a restful night’s sleep.
3. Proper washing techniques, like using the correct detergent and temperature, protect the fibers and improve the lifespan of your bedding.

3 of 7 | Deep Clean the Comforters and Duvets

• Just like sheets and pillowcases, start by reading the care instructions on your comforter or duvet. This tells you whether it’s safe to wash at home or if it requires dry cleaning. Delicate fabrics like silk or wool often need professional care.
• Inspect for visible stains, such as coffee, oil, or perspiration. Use a gentle detergent or stain remover and dab the spot with a clean cloth.  Avoid rubbing, which can damage the fibers.
• For home cleaning, choose a front-loading machine to prevent the bulk of the comforter from damaging the drum. Wash with cold or warm water on a gentle cycle.
• Ensure the comforter or duvet fits comfortably in the machine for an effective wash. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cleaning so consider using a professional dry cleaner.
• Place the comforter in a dryer on low heat with a few clean tennis balls or dryer balls. These help fluff the filling and prevent clumping. For down-filled items, make sure they are thoroughly dried to avoid mold or mildew.

Expected Benefits

1. Deep cleaning gets rid of allergens like dust mites, bacteria, and pet dander, giving you a healthier place to sleep.
2. Washing or having your bedding professionally cleaned removes those musty odors caused by moisture or sweat, leaving everything smelling fresh and inviting.
3. Drying your comforters and duvets the correct way brings back their fluffiness, so they feel extra cozy and luxurious.
4. Regular deep cleaning helps protect the delicate fibers in your bedding, keeping it looking great and lasting longer.

4 of 7 | Refresh the Mattress

• Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to remove dust, dirt, and debris from the mattress surface. Pay special attention to seams and edges where dust mites and particles tend to accumulate.
• Sprinkle baking soda evenly over the mattress and let it sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb odors. For deeper deodorizing, leave it on for a few hours before vacuuming.
• Mix a mild detergent with warm water and gently blot any stains using a clean cloth. Avoid soaking the mattress to prevent moisture from seeping into the foam or fiber layers.
• For a thorough refresh, use a handheld steamer to kill bacteria and sanitize the surface. Be sure to allow ample drying time afterward.
• Wash or replace your mattress protector to add a barrier against allergens, spills, and general wear and tear.

Expected Benefits

1. Regular vacuuming and deodorizing remove hidden allergens like dust mites, bacteria, and mold, contributing to a healthier sleeping environment.
2. Baking soda and spot cleaning tackle smells from perspiration, moisture, and everyday use, leaving the mattress fresh and odor free.
3. Cleaning and protecting the mattress prevents damage from dirt, spills, and wear, helping it last longer.

5 of 7 | Revitalize Pillows and Cushions

• Start by checking the care labels on your pillows and cushions to determine the best cleaning method. Sort them into machine-washable, spot-clean-only, and dry-clean-only categories.
• Use a gentle cycle with warm water and a mild detergent for cotton, synthetic, or microfiber pillows. Wash two pillows at once to balance the load.
• For cushions with covers that can’t be removed, mix mild detergent and warm water. Use a clean cloth or soft brush to remove stains without soaking the fabric.
• Place pillows and cushions in a sunny spot for a few hours. Sunlight naturally kills bacteria and helps eliminate moisture and odors.
• For machine-washable pillows, tumble dry on low heat with clean tennis balls or dryer balls to restore fluffiness. Ensure they are completely dry to avoid mildew or mold.
• Lightly mist cushions with an environmentally friendly fabric spray to leave them smelling fresh and inviting.

Expected Benefits

1. Clean and fluffy pillows and cushions enhance the comfort of your sleeping or lounging experience.
2. Proper cleaning removes dust mites, bacteria, and trapped dirt, contributing to better health and a cleaner environment.
3. Thorough washing or airing out eliminates unpleasant odors caused by trapped oil, perspiration, and everyday use.

6 of 7 | Iron or Steam for a Polished Look

• Decide whether ironing or steaming is better for the type of fabric. For cotton and linen, ironing provides crisp edges, while steaming works well for delicate fabrics like silk or microfiber. If you prefer not to iron, consider using a professional dry cleaner.
• Check care labels and adjust the iron or steamer settings to match the fabric’s recommended heat level. Avoid scorching or damaging delicate threads.
• Lay bedding flat and smooth out wrinkles before ironing. For steaming, hang the item securely or spread it on a flat surface.
• For ironing, use a spray bottle to lightly mist the fabric with water or utilize the iron’s steam setting. For steaming, fill the device with water and ensure it’s fully heated before starting.
• Work in small, manageable sections, starting from the edges and moving inward. For steaming, pass the steamer nozzle slowly over the fabric, keeping it a safe distance to avoid burns.
• Pay extra attention to visible areas like pillowcases, the top sheet, and duvet covers for a clean and professional look.

Expected Benefits

1. Ironing or steaming removes even the toughest wrinkles, giving your bedding a polished, hotel-quality finish.
2. High temperatures kill lingering bacteria, house dust mites, and other allergens, making the bedding cleaner and safer.
3. Proper ironing or steaming helps maintain the integrity of the fibers, reducing wear and tear caused by deep wrinkles or creases.

7 of 7 | Final Inspection and Setup

• Inspect the sheets, pillowcases, duvets, and comforters for any remaining wrinkles, stains, or lint. Use a lint roller to remove any stray fibers.
• Take a moment to ensure all items have a clean, pleasant odor. If necessary, spritz lightly with a fabric spray for an added touch.
• Arrange pillows and cushions neatly on the bed, ensuring they look inviting and well balanced. Plump them for added softness and visual appeal.
• Tuck the sheets tightly at the corners and smooth out the duvet or comforter for a crisp, polished look. Add a decorative fold at the top for an extra touch.
• Add finishing touches like throw blankets or decorative pillows for a cozy and welcoming aesthetic.

Expected Benefits

1. A thorough inspection ensures every detail is taken care of, leaving no room for last minute surprises.
2. Neatly arranged bedding with smooth surfaces and balanced accessories creates an inviting and professional-looking setup.
3. Fluffed pillows, smoothed sheets, and clean layers ensure you feel relaxed and at ease.

Welcome the New Year with Fresh, Clean Bedding—Admiral Cleaners Can Help!

Your new year cleanup and organizing should never leave you stressing over freshening up your bedding. Let Admiral Cleaners handle the hard work for you! We can freshen up comforters and duvets with our professional cleaning. Admiral has the expertise and equipment to get your home new year ready in no time.

When you sign up for our free pickup and delivery service, not only do you save time, but we also give you a $20 credit to use toward any dry cleaning or wash and fold laundry needs. Schedule your professional cleaning with Admiral Cleaners today—call, email, or sign up online to start enjoying fresh, spotless bedding you’ll love.