As a heatwave sweeps the UK, many people struggle to sleep in hot bedrooms. While fans are a common solution, they can be noisy, circulate dust, and increase electricity bills. John Lawless from BestHeating has shared a simple alternative: hanging a damp towel in front of an open window.
How the Towel Trick Works
Lawless explained: "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 method relies on evaporation: water draws heat from the surrounding air as it evaporates, cooling the incoming breeze.
Step-by-Step Guide
To try this method, fill a sink with cold water and lightly dampen a towel—it should be moist but not soaking wet, as excessive moisture can make the air feel muggy. Hang the towel beside an open window to allow airflow; even a slight breeze enhances the cooling effect. For additional cooling, hang a towel in front of a doorway. Once the towel dries, re-dampen it as needed.
Why It's Effective
During the day, sunlight warms air near windows, and drawing curtains at night traps that heat. The towel method uses evaporative cooling to reduce the temperature of incoming air, making bedrooms more comfortable without the drawbacks of electric fans. This energy-free solution is particularly useful during heatwaves when electricity demand peaks.
