Summer has finally arrived across the UK, and while the majority of us are relishing the clear skies and warm weather, coping with stifling temperatures indoors when you're confined to home is far from pleasant. It can feel dreadful being stuck to a sofa during daylight hours and then getting into a stuffy bed at night, unable to drift off because the heat is simply too much.
Why Fans and ACs Aren't the Answer
Switching on a fan or air conditioning system might appear to be the straightforward answer, but many aren't aware these devices aren't actually meant to eliminate heat. Fans and air conditioners function by moving air throughout a space, which aids perspiration evaporation and ultimately cools you down, but they don't address the discomfort caused by hot conditions.
The Surprising Solution: A Hot Water Bottle
Rather, John Lawless from BestHeating has revealed there's a remarkably simple technique to stay cool and comfortable during summer, and all that's required is a hot water bottle.
John explained: "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 continued: "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."
How It Works
Hot water bottles are typically linked with winter months, but they can equally serve as one of the most affordable and efficient methods to beat the heat during summer. It might seem counterintuitive at first, but heat naturally transfers 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 effectively lowers your temperature, providing almost instant relief, while also eliminating surrounding warmth to make a bed or sofa considerably more comfortable.
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 using it overnight, place it at the foot of your bed or close to your pillow before you settle down to sleep.
- Should the bottle feel uncomfortably cold against your skin, wrap it in a towel or pillowcase first. It should keep you feeling cool and refreshed regardless of how intense the heat becomes this summer.
Important Safety Tips
Some people opt to place their hot water bottle in the freezer briefly, though this carries risks as the water may expand and cause leaks or cracks. Only leave it in the freezer for a maximum of 20 minutes to chill it, and it is not advisable to attempt filling a hot water bottle with frozen water.
