As temperatures rise across the UK, many people are struggling to sleep in hot and stuffy bedrooms. While fans are a common solution, they can be noisy, increase energy costs, and circulate dust and pollen, which may aggravate allergies. However, a heating expert has shared a simple alternative that requires only a towel and cold water.
John Lawless from Best Heating suggests hanging a damp towel or sheet in front of an open window. He explains: “If you open a window and hang a damp towel or sheet in front of it that has been soaked in cold water it can cool the room down. This is because the warm air will have to pass through the sheet and turn it into cold air before it enters the room.”
The technique works through evaporation. Water requires energy to evaporate and draws heat from the surrounding air. As air passes through the damp cloth, some heat is removed before it enters the room, creating a cooling effect. This can make a noticeable difference in bedrooms during warm weather.
To try the method, soak a towel in cold water, wring it out so it is damp but not dripping, and hang it in front of an open window. Lawless warns that a towel that is too wet could restrict airflow and increase humidity, making conditions more uncomfortable. Even on still evenings, a small amount of airflow is usually enough for the method to work. The towel can be re-dampened as it dries.
With many households looking to stay comfortable without increasing energy use, this low-cost towel trick offers a simple alternative to running a fan throughout the night.
