The UK is experiencing its fifth heatwave of the summer, and many are struggling to sleep. A simple bathroom towel offers an alternative to electric fans, which can be noisy, expensive, and circulate dust and pollen.
How the Towel Trick Works
The Clever Hacks YouTube channel suggests placing a damp towel by bedroom windows at night, claiming it has "helped them a lot" during hot weather. Hang the wet towel on a window in the evening; "the moisture will make the room noticeably cooler right away," they said.
Windows absorb heat during the day, and the air around them becomes trapped. Drawing curtains at night seals in this warm air. The damp towel draws in hot air, and as the water evaporates, it cools the air before it enters the room, reducing the bedroom temperature.
Steps to Cool Your Bedroom
Fill a basin with cold water and lightly dampen a towel, wringing it out so it is not dripping. Place it at an open window, either hanging it like a curtain or laying it across the sill. Even without a breeze, it will cool the air. Alternatively, drape it across a doorway. Re-dampen the towel once it dries, and the bedroom should feel more comfortable for sleep.
