As the New Year approaches, many of us think about goals, fresh starts, and new habits but one of the most impactful resets begins right at home, in the space where we spend one-third of our lives: the bed.

A clean, refreshed bed doesn’t just look inviting, it supports better sleep, reduces allergens, and sets the tone for a healthier year ahead. And in the warm, humid climates of Malaysia and Singapore, regular deep cleaning is even more important to prevent dust mites, odours, and trapped moisture.

This guide breaks down exactly how to deep clean your bed and reset it for the New Year, using easy, practical steps.

1. Strip Everything, What to Wash & What to Replace

Begin your New Year bed reset by stripping the entire bed from the sheets and pillowcases all the way to your duvet cover, blankets, and mattress protector. Even the pieces we tend to overlook, like bolster cases or decorative cushions, benefit from a refresh. Removing everything at once gives you a clear view of the condition of your bedding, making it easier to see what simply needs a good wash and what may be due for an upgrade. 

As you gather everything into your laundry pile, take a moment to assess whether certain items are thinning, discoloured, or losing their structure. This quick evaluation helps you start the year with cleaner, more comfortable layers that actually support better sleep, not just a prettier bed.

2. Wash Your Bed Linen the Right Way

Once everything is off the bed, the next step is giving your linens the proper care they deserve. We often wash our clothes with care, checking labels, choosing the right settings but bed linen needs just as much attention, if not more. After all, these are the fabrics that touch your skin for hours every night.

Use the right setting

Always check the care label, but as a general rule, cotton, Egyptian cotton and Tencel sheets perform best on a gentle cycle with mild detergent. This protects the fibres, keeps colours vibrant, and maintains the softness you expect when you slip into bed. Hot water isn’t always better; in fact, it can weaken delicate fibres, so warm or cold washes are usually ideal.

Don’t overload the machine

It’s tempting to wash everything at once, but sheets need space to move around freely. When the machine is too full, detergent can’t rinse out properly, and dirt becomes trapped within the fabric. A loosely filled drum allows water to circulate through the sheets, ensuring a thorough, even clean.

Drying tips for humid climates

In Malaysia and Singapore, humidity can be a challenge, especially when it comes to drying bedding.

• Sun-drying is the most effective method when weather allows. The natural warmth helps eliminate odours and reduces bacterial growth.
  
  

• On rainy or humid days, indoor drying with good ventilation is key. Keep windows open, switch on fans, or use a dehumidifier to prevent musty smells.
  
  

• If you’re using a dryer, choose a low-heat setting to preserve the softness and avoid shrinking.

Handle stains with gentle care

Life happens, from sweat and natural body oils to the occasional spill from kids or late-night snacks. Treat stains promptly for the best results:

• Pre-treat with a simple baking soda and water paste. Apply, let it sit, and gently rinse before washing.

• For deeper deodorising, add a small amount of white vinegar during the rinse cycle. It naturally neutralises odours and helps break down residue without harsh chemicals.

3. Deep Clean Your Pillows & Bolsters

Pillows are some of the most used items in your bedroom, yet they often get overlooked in deep-clean routines. Over time, they accumulate sweat, natural oils, dust mites, and bacteria, especially in Malaysia and Singapore’s warm, humid climate. Keeping pillows clean is not just about freshness; it also supports healthier sleep and can help prevent allergies or skin irritation.

Check if your pillow needs replacing

Before washing, take a moment to evaluate whether your pillows are still doing their job:

• Is it flat or lumpy? Pillows that have lost their shape no longer provide proper support for your neck and spine.
  
  

• Does it smell even after washing? Lingering odours often indicate that the filling has absorbed more than just sweat and may be past its best.
  
  

• Do you wake up with neck or shoulder stiffness? Discomfort can be a sign that the pillow isn’t providing adequate support anymore.

Replacing worn-out pillows can make a noticeable difference in sleep quality, so it’s worth investing in new ones if any of these signs appear. Consider a supportive memory foam pillow or a soft, breathable Tencel microfibre pillow. Memory foam offers excellent contouring, gently molding to your head and neck for superior spinal alignment.

On the other hand, microfibre pillows filled with Tencel combine the plush, down-like feel of synthetics with the cooling, moisture-wicking benefits of Tencel, making them especially suited to humid climates. Both types are often hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites, helping maintain a cleaner sleep surface over time. Choosing the right pillow isn’t just a luxury, it’s a long-term investment in support, comfort, and a truly refreshed sleep environment.

Cleaning by material

For the pillows that don’t need replacing, cleaning would give them a new life. However, different pillow fillings require different care methods:

• Microgel pillows: Usually machine-washable on a gentle cycle. Wash with mild detergent and dry thoroughly to maintain loft.
  
  

• Down pillows: Best aired in the sun or professionally cleaned to preserve softness and fluffiness. Avoid excessive washing to prevent clumping.
  
  

• Memory foam: Cannot be machine-washed. Spot clean gently with a mild detergent and allow to air-dry completely.
  
  

• Kids’ pillows: Should be washed every 1–2 months, as little ones are more prone to spills, drool, or dust accumulation.

Freshen naturally

After washing, let pillows sit in direct sunlight for a few hours. Sunlight helps reduce bacteria and dust mites naturally, while also keeping them smelling fresh. For bolsters or decorative pillows, a gentle shake and airing outside every few weeks can help maintain their shape and freshness.

4. Refresh Your Mattress

While your mattress can’t be machine-washed, regular care helps it last longer and stay hygienic, especially in Malaysia and Singapore’s humid climate, where dust mites and moisture can build up easily.

Vacuum thoroughly

Use a brush or upholstery attachment to remove dust, dead skin cells, and debris from every corner, seam, and edge. Regular vacuuming keeps allergens at bay and keeps the mattress feeling fresher.

Deodorise with baking soda

Sprinkle a layer of baking soda over the mattress and leave it for 4–6 hours to absorb moisture and neutralise odours. Vacuum thoroughly afterward for a clean, refreshed surface.

Spot-clean stains

For sweat marks or spills, gently blot with a mild detergent solution. Avoid soaking the mattress, and allow it to dry completely in a well-ventilated area.

Add (or replace) a mattress protector

A breathable, waterproof protector shields your mattress from spills, sweat, and allergens. If your current protector is worn or old, upgrading now makes future cleaning much easier.

If you find that your mattress is sagging, showing signs of wear, or no longer offers the support you need, it might be time to consider a replacement. Sealy mattresses are widely recognised for their plush comfort and long-lasting durability. With their high-quality spring or hybrid options, Sealy mattresses provide exceptional support and breathability, making them a smart investment for your restful and refreshed New Year sleep setup.

5. Clean Your Duvet, Comforter & Quilt

Duvets, comforters, and quilts can trap dust, moisture, and allergens over time, so giving them regular care keeps your bed fresh and comfortable.

How often to wash

Wash every 3–6 months, or more often if there are pets, kids, or allergies. Regular washing prevents buildup of sweat, dust, and impurities.

For cotton or microfibre

Machine-wash on a gentle cycle with mild detergent when size allows. For larger duvets, professional laundering helps maintain fluffiness and fabric integrity.

For kids’ printed quilts

Wash in cold water with mild detergent to preserve vibrant colours and keep the fabric soft for everyday use.

Sun-drying

Sunlight naturally disinfects and refreshes bedding. Limit prolonged exposure for printed quilts to avoid fading, and opt for bright, ventilated indoor drying when necessary.

6. Final Touches — Reset Your Bedroom

Once your bed and bedding are clean and refreshed, it’s time to add the finishing touches that make your bedroom feel completely renewed. These small steps help create a calm, inviting space to start the New Year on a fresh note.

Add a light fragrance

A gentle linen spray, essential oil mist, or subtle home fragrance can instantly lift the atmosphere of your bedroom. Scents like lavender, eucalyptus, or soft florals help create a soothing environment for better sleep.

Upgrade bedding for comfort

If you’re introducing new sheets or pillows, choose breathable fabrics like Tencel or 100% cotton, which are ideal for Malaysia and Singapore’s humid climate. These materials help regulate temperature and keep your bed feeling fresh and cool.

Refresh the room

Reorganise or swap decorative pillows, cushions, or throws to complement your clean bedding. Adding soft lighting, decluttering bedside tables, or even a small indoor plant can make your bedroom feel more peaceful and welcoming.

Maintain your clean bed routine

Consider setting a regular schedule for washing sheets, pillowcases, and blankets, and for vacuuming the mattress. Consistent care ensures your bed stays fresh and comfortable long after your New Year reset.

With these final touches, your bedroom becomes more than just a place to sleep, it transforms into a clean, comfortable retreat where you can rest, relax, and start the year feeling truly refreshed.

In Summary

With a thorough deep clean, your bed is reset for a healthier, more comfortable New Year. Proper care of bed linen in Malaysia and Singapore, along with pillows, duvets, and mattresses, ensures a fresh, hypoallergenic, and inviting sleep space. Maintaining kids' bedding and using breathable fabrics like cotton and Tencel helps prolong bedding life while supporting better sleep and overall well-being.

• Remove all bedding, assess condition, and decide what to wash, refresh, or replace.

• Use gentle cycles, mild detergent, and proper drying methods to keep sheets fresh and long-lasting.

• Check for wear, wash according to material, and air out to remove dust and allergens.

• Vacuum, deodorise, spot-clean stains, and use a mattress protector to maintain hygiene.

• Wash every few months, preserve colours and softness, and sun-dry to refresh.

• Add fragrances, upgrade bedding, refresh décor, and maintain a regular cleaning routine.