As temperatures continue to rise across the UK, many Britons will find themselves tossing and turning through the night and waking up feeling hot and sticky.But, according to UK cleaning expert Lynsey Crombie, also known as the Queen of Clean, the issue might not lie totally with the heat itself, but also with the state of your bedding.'During summer, our beds work much harder than we realise,' cleaning expert Lynsey said.'Even if you're not waking up drenched in sweat, your body is naturally producing moisture throughout the night.'Add in body oils, dead skin cells, pollen and dust, and your bed can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria and allergens.'As a result, the bedding can quickly aggravate allergies and may even impact sleep quality.So how often should we really be washing our bedding in summer? UK cleaning expert Lynsey Crombie (pictured) has revealed her top tips to keep your bedding fresh this summerSheets need washing more often than you think While many people wash their sheets every fortnight, Lynsey says summer calls for a more frequent washing routine.'My advice is simple: wash your bed sheets at least once a week during warmer weather,' the expert says. 'If you're experiencing a heatwave, suffer from hay fever or share a bed with pets, I'd consider washing them even more frequently.'Your bed should be one of the cleanest places in your home. A few extra loads of washing throughout summer can make a huge difference to comfort, cleanliness and sleep quality.' Don't ignore your pillowcasesPillowcases are often the hardest-working item in the bed, according to Lynsey. 'Queen of Clean' Lynsey Crombie's summer bedding tips... Wash bed sheets at least weekly during summerChange pillowcases every two to three daysWash mattress protectors every four to six weeksAir bedding outside whenever possibleVacuum your mattress monthly to remove dust and allergensUse breathable natural fibres such as cotton and linenKeep bedrooms ventilated during cooler parts of the day 'They collect everything from skincare products and makeup residue to hair oils and sweat,' she explained. 'During the summer months I recommend changing pillowcases every two to three days.'In addition to improving cleanliness levels, changing your pillowcase more frequently can also help those who suffer from breakouts, allergies or irritated skin, she said.The mattress protector needs attention tooThe mattress protector acts as a barrier between you and your mattress, absorbing much of the sweat and moisture generated overnight.'Many people fit a mattress protector and forget about it,' says Lynsey. 'But if it's doing its job properly, it needs washing too.'She recommends cleaning mattress protectors every four to six weeks throughout the summer.What about duvets and pillows?Even if you've swapped to a lighter tog duvet for the warmer months, it still needs regular cleaning.'Lightweight duvets should ideally be washed every couple of months, depending on use,' Lynsey says.'Pillows should be cleaned every three to six months and replaced when they no longer hold their shape.'She concluded: 'When your bedding is clean, you're more likely to sleep comfortably, wake feeling refreshed and avoid unwanted odours. It's one of the simplest things you can do to improve your sleep environment.'