Start by removing your sheets, pillows and duvet from the bed and put them in a hot wash, ideally over 60C, most washing machines do a baby 60C which is better for the environment darlings! But you do need the high temp to kill germs and pesky dust mites clinging to the fabric.

Now darlings, vacuum your mattress and bed in small sections, paying particular attention to the seams, corners and crevices where dust can build up and cause hay fever and allergies. A hand held hoover is best if you have one darlings, if not just take the end fitting off your normal hoover so you just have the hose.

While you have the hoover out, remember to vacuum down the sides of the bed and underneath too. Now sprinkle a small amount of baking soda over the mattress which will absorb moisture while eliminating any unpleasant smells. Make sure the baking soda sits for an hour before thoroughly hoovering it up.

And remember darlings, if your mattress is double-sided, you need to clean the other side of it too. You should do this once every 6 months or so. Of course, if you spill something on your mattress, you should clean it right away.