As the UK braces for another heatwave, households are seeking effective ways to keep cool. A viral tip from Dean Commodore, a DIY and lifestyle influencer known as @casadelacommodore on Instagram, suggests using a hot water bottle as a cooling aid for sleep. Commodore advises: "Fill a hot water bottle 3/4 full, then pop it in the freezer." After several hours, the frozen bottle can be placed in bed to provide relief from the heat.
How to Use a Hot Water Bottle for Cooling
Commodore's method is simple: fill the bottle partially to allow for expansion, freeze it, and then use it in bed. However, followers have raised important safety considerations. One commenter warned: "Make sure you use a different hot water bottle for the winter - the freezer can erode the rubber and make it more liable to bursting when holding hot water, so best to dedicate a summer and winter one to avoid any nasty accidents!" Commodore acknowledged this advice, emphasizing the need for separate bottles to prevent damage and ensure safety.
Another follower asked about using the fridge instead of the freezer. Commodore replied: "Sure of course you can, I'm afraid that you would probably get 30 mins of cooling effect in this hot weather though." This suggests the freezer provides longer-lasting cooling, essential during a heatwave.
Additional Cooling Tips from the Met Office
The Met Office has also shared advice to keep homes cool. They recommend: "Closing curtains or blinds in rooms that face the sun can help prevent heat from building up indoors." Window dressings act as shields, reducing humidity and stuffiness upstairs. For those without blinds, hanging a bed sheet or towel can have a similar effect.
Commodore's tip has garnered positive reactions, with one follower calling it "such a great tip" and noting that freezer blocks might stay cold all night. This method offers a low-cost, accessible solution for many during extreme heat.
