Homes can quickly become hot and stuffy on a hot day, but there is an easy way to cool down without needing to plug anything in. Summer has well and truly arrived across the UK, and while most of us are revelling in the clear skies and warm sunshine, dealing with the stifling heat indoors can be far from pleasant. Whether you're stuck to the sofa during the day or tossing and turning in a sweltering bed at night, the heat can quickly become unbearable.
Why Fans and Air Conditioners Aren't the Answer
Reaching for a fan or air conditioning unit might appear to be the obvious answer, but many people are unaware that these appliances aren't actually designed to eliminate heat. Fans and air conditioners function by moving air around a room, which helps perspiration evaporate and gradually cools you down, but they do little to genuinely relieve discomfort during a heatwave.
Instead, John Lawless from BestHeating has revealed a remarkably simple method to stay cool and comfortable throughout summer — and all you need is a hot water bottle.
The Surprising Solution: A Hot Water Bottle
John said: "We've not gone mad. Hot water bottles are great insulators. This means that they can stay either hot or cold when you need it whatever time of year!" He added: "A good tip to keep your bed cool at night is to put your 'cold' water bottle under the sheets or next to your pillow in the evening. That means when you eventually get into bed it will be lovely and cool not hot and sticky."
Typically associated with the winter months, hot water bottles can in fact be one of the most affordable and effective tools for keeping cool during the summer season. It might seem strange at first, but heat naturally travels from warmer objects to cooler ones, meaning that filling a hot water bottle with cold water will draw heat directly away from your body.
This helps bring your temperature down, providing almost instant relief, while also eliminating surrounding warmth that can make a bed or sofa feel uncomfortably hot.
How to Use a Hot Water Bottle to Keep Cool in Summer
Simply locate a hot water bottle and fill it with ice cubes, crushed ice, or chilled water straight from the fridge. If your hot water bottle has a cover, be sure to remove it beforehand. Position it against your pulse points, such as your neck, wrists, or ankles, as this can accelerate the cooling process. If you're using it overnight, place it at the foot of your bed or close to your pillow before you drift off.
Should the bottle feel uncomfortably cold against your skin, wrap it in a towel or pillowcase first. It should keep you cool and refreshed regardless of how sweltering conditions become this summer.
Important Safety Tips
Some people choose to pop their hot water bottle in the freezer briefly, though this carries risks, as the water may expand and lead to leaks or cracks. Limit freezer time to no more than 20 minutes to chill it adequately, and it is strongly inadvisable to attempt filling a hot water bottle with frozen water.
