Britons feeling a bit grubby in bed may now have the answer, after sleep experts estimate our record-breaking sizzling summer left us each sweating 148 pints into our mattresses. This summer was the UK's hottest on record, with a mean average temperature of 16.1C, surpassing the previous record set in 2018, thanks largely by four night-sweltering heatwaves.

But with some people perspiring 500ml on a normal summer night - with 15 per cent more in higher heat - experts at MattressNextDay calculate we could have sweated 148 pints of sweat over the 92 days of summer straight into their mattress. Over time, it can cause yellow stains that are almost impossible to remove, a musty smell that lingers no matter how often you wash your sheets, and a mattress that feels warmer and less comfortable to sleep on.

But luckily the answer is not to throw away your mattress - but sometimes simple hacks like swiping, vacuuming and airing it can freshen it up again.

Martin Seeley, sleep expert and CEO at MattressNextDay, explains: "Mattresses are like sponges. They soak up sweat but never fully dry out.

"After a summer of record heat, much of that moisture is still sitting inside your bed.

"Over time, it can cause yellow stains that are almost impossible to remove, a musty smell that lingers no matter how often you wash your sheets, and a mattress that feels warmer and less comfortable to sleep on."

The Met Office has reported the hottest summer on record, meaning our bodies have worked harder to cool us down.

Warmer conditions can increase sweat output by around 15 per cent, turning our beds into sweat-soaked sponges. Over the 92 days of summer, that's a huge 52.9 litres of sweat seeped into our mattresses.

And for couples? You've likely soaked it with over 105.7 litres of combined sweat this summer alone. That's the equivalent of a full bath or 296 pints of beer, absorbed into the place you lay your head.

But thankfully, with the right care, you can give your mattress a refresh to keep it hygienic and stop it from impacting your sleep.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Mattress After a Sweaty Summer:

Vacuum the mattress - Firstly, you want to strip the bed and give the mattress a thorough vacuum to lift any loose dirt before cleaning.

Remove stains - For fresh or light stains, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the area and let it sit for 15-30 minutes, then blot with a clean towel.

For more stubborn areas, make a paste using baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and a small amount of fish soap. Apply it to the stain, leave for 30-60 minutes, then gently scrub and vacuum when dry.

Deodorise the mattress - If you still have odours once the mattress is dry, sprinkle baking soda evenly across the entire mattress and let it sit for at least 6 hours. Just remember to do this in the morning! Once done, vacuum to remove all the residue.

Air it out - After cleaning and vacuuming, allow your mattress to air dry completely. Open a window and try and let the sunlight hit the surface.

This not only dries it out faster but also helps kill bacteria and dust mites. Leave the mattress uncovered for a few hours to let it completely dry.

Protect and prevent - Prevention is far easier than constant cleaning. Use a breathable, waterproof mattress protector to guard against sweat and spills.

You should also rotate your mattress every few months to even out wear and prevent permanent damp zones. Once a month, vacuum the surface and, if you can, expose it to sunlight for a natural way to kill bacteria.