Are you looking for a way to kick off the new year with a bang? Do you want to make the most of each day this year? If so, then you should start by learning all that you can about how to properly clean your bedding.

It's one of the most effective new year tips out there. Cleaning and making your bed frequently can help you in other areas of your life. It's what experts refer to as a "keystone habit": a habit that positively affects other habits.

See below for an in-depth guide on how to properly clean and refresh your bedding. 

1. Find the Sweet Spot 

There are generally two schools of thought on how to clean bedding; some decide to only do it once a month, while others do it once a week. Which one is the correct method for doing it?

Surprisingly, neither. If Goldilocks were real, she'd tell you that there is a balance to be had; that there's a frequency to cleaning your sheets that's "just right". 

Ideally, you want to wash your bedding once every two weeks. Some pieces can wait a bit longer than that; here's a breakdown:

• Pillow covers and sheets: once every two weeks
• Duvets or covers: once every four weeks
• Covers for decorative pillows: once every four weeks

The golden rule of thumb, you never want to go longer than four weeks for any type of bedding. That said, the pieces that are in closest contact with your skin need to be washed every other week.

If not cleaned often enough, you might suffer the consequences. For example, a dirty pillowcase will trap dirt, dust, and even bacteria, which can quickly clog your pores and create a skin breakout.

Washing your sheets too often can also cause problems, as excessive laundry detergent can dry out your skin.

2. Know the Proper Balance for Cleaning Sheets

The cleaning industry has led you astray; they've used excessive marketing tactics and years of advertisements to convince you that you need a plethora of products to clean your sheets. 

Simply put: you don't need fabric softeners or dryer sheets. They can be a nice addition at times but do very little in terms of cleaning your sheets. All of that magic happens with a trusted laundry detergent. 

In fact, fabric softeners can be a detriment to your bedding; they dry out the fabrics over time and make them unable to absorb humidity. As a result, the fabric will wear out and cause you to run to the store for a new set.

Also, dryer sheets can be dangerous to your health. They contain many toxic chemicals that can irritate your skin, respiratory system, and so on when you sleep.

Instead of stacking up on every laundry item known to man, focus on stocking up on a trusted and eco-friendly laundry detergent. Pour in the manufacturer's recommended amount, then make sure you're using cold water when you run them through the wash.

May we just say that one little dirty spot doesn't require a full wash. You can "spot clean" by running the dirty area under cold water, then using Shout to clean it. Let it dry and then tada! you're good to go!

3. Know the Technique for Comforters

While all of your fine linens are being run through a cold cycle, you'll want to give your comforter some extra love. 

First, start by checking the comforter for stains. If you find any, apply Shout to the area and brush it with a toothbrush (one that you'll never use again). Let this sit for 15 minutes.

Once the 15 minutes is up, run the comforter through a washer (with large load capability) with cold water for the best results. After the cycle is done, take the comforter out and hang it to dry; do not throw it into a dryer. 

After the comforter is completely dry, you can either place it back on the bed or fold it up and place it into a closet/drawer. Make sure you're investing in a high-quality comforter to get a good night's sleep.

4. Make Your Bed Each Morning

Sorry if we sound like your mom or dad, here. Turns out that pops might've been on to something. Making your bed is as good for your personal health as it is for your bedding.

Making your bed each morning will keep all your covers and sheets crisp, reducing wrinkling and giving it a more pleasing aesthetic.

This can also help you gain positive momentum towards your day. From now on, when you wake up, hop out of bed and make your bed right away!

5. Give it a Fresh Scent

First, let us preface this by saying that air fresheners don't do anything for cleanliness; they're merely used to make something smell better, and that's perfectly okay!

In fact, keeping a fresh scent in the bedroom can help you look forward to getting a good night of sleep. You'll smile every time that you walk into the room.

If you're not wild about the idea of spraying air cleaners in your bedroom, then consider getting a few candles instead!

New Year Tips: Use These Clean Bedding Tips Wisely

Now that you have seen an in-depth list of new year tips on how to properly clean your bedding, use this information to your advantage.

Looking to get better sleep? Take the time to read this article for 10 great sleep quality tips to help you stay fresh each day. To turn a new leaf, be sure to shop our inventory for awesome bedding that will have you looking forward to hitting the hay each night!