Over time, mattresses can develop because of body oils that people naturally release.

While sweat stains seem unavoidable, getting rid of the unsightly marks on the is easier than you may think.

According to Rebecca Mayes, a bed industry expert at Harrison Spinks, a bed and mattress manufacturer, a simple DIY solution is all you need to

"Your mattress goes through a lot in its lifetime so it's important to take care of it and prolong its life as much as possible," said Rebecca.

The expert recommends cleaning the mattress "every six months" but added: "It doesn't need to be complicated or costly to do this."

Rebecca assured: "You can clean and maintain your mattress easily using a few simple household items."

She elaborated: "For a deep spring clean, use gentle, bleach-free, unscented laundry powder or washing-up liquid mixed with a small amount of water.

"Simply blot this onto any marks, and then apply a thin layer of bicarbonate of soda across the entire mattress to neutralise odours."

Leave the bicarbonate of soda to rest on the stains for a few hours before cleaning it off with a clothes brush.

Rebecca cautioned that the mattress should not be soaked in the cleaning solution; the DIY concoction should only be gently pressed into the stain in a circular motion.

If you have a mattress that contains natural fillings, you must "never use a vacuum cleaner" on the mattress as this can "pull the fibres through the fabric".

To be on the safe side, especially if it's a new mattress, it's best to invest in a soft clothes brush to remove dust from it.

Rebecca added: "Depending on the type of mattress you have, rotating or flipping it every couple of months can also help prevent damage and extend its lifespan.

"Turn-free or pillowtop mattresses should be rotated, keeping the soft sleep surface at the top."

Once the mattress has dried completely and been flipped over (if needed), it's time to put on fresh sheets.

"Adding a mattress protector, ideally made from natural materials, which can be cleaned more often with a lot less effort, will also help to keep your bed in the best condition," Rebecca noted.

She said, "Finally, make sure you clean your sheets every week and your pillows and duvets every few months to keep your whole bed feeling fresh."