The Met Office has issued a rare red weather warning for extreme heat, set to take effect from Wednesday at midnight until Thursday at 9pm. London is expected to see temperatures of at least 37C on Wednesday, with other parts of the country peaking on Thursday.
How Yoghurt Works as a Sunshade
Experts say rolling yoghurt over windows creates an amateur sunshade. When the yoghurt dries, it forms a reflective film similar to frosted glass, keeping the sun from shining through and warming the house. This method is cheap, easy, and does not smell. Once the heatwave passes, it can be washed off.
According to heatwavetoolkit.com: “Is the sun beaming through your windows? Paint a temporary coating on the external surface of the glazing. This will reflect some heat from the direct sun entering the property and is far more effective than closing internal blinds or curtains. It will reflect heat away while still allowing light through, and it will be ready to be washed away when not needed.”
Cheaper Alternative to Window Coatings
The site adds: “But you don’t need to buy an expensive window coating product - just use a tub of Danone. What’s cheaper, more readily available and works even better? Yoghurt. Apply with a paint roller and reach first-floor windows with a telescopic pole. Use masking tape to leave a few eye-level gaps to maintain a view. Once the heatwave is over, wipe it clean. It comes off easily. Do it yourself, or invite your regular window cleaner over.”
The account added: “When the heatwave is over, just wash it off! Does it smell? No! Does it attract vermin or insects? No! Give it a try and let us know how you get on. With the masking tape we use, this costs us just 60p per window.”
Other Unusual Cooling Tips
Strange tips often surface during warm weather, including using hot water bottles or tin foil on windows. However, yoghurt stands out as one of the oddest yet effective methods.
