Britons are enduring record-breaking May temperatures, with the mercury hitting 35°C at Heathrow and Kew Gardens. The Met Office confirmed Tuesday as the hottest May day on record, while an amber health warning has been extended for several regions in England. With homes designed to retain heat, many are seeking cheap and effective ways to stay cool.
One viral hack involves repurposing pet cooling pads for human use. YouTuber LadBaby shared the tip, placing the mats on top of bed sheets but under the covers for a cool sleeping surface. The pads, available at retailers like B&M, Amazon, and Pets at Home for around £15, have been praised as 'genius' by fans.
Another popular method is covering windows with tin foil. The foil reflects sunlight, preventing heat from entering the home. When tested by The Mirror, temperatures dropped by a couple of degrees. Experts confirm the foil is safe, as it won't melt or release toxins.
Fans are often used incorrectly, says consumer group Which?. If indoors is hotter than outdoors, point the fan out the window to expel hot air. At night, reverse it to draw in cooler air. However, leaving fans on overnight can stir up dust and pollen, aggravating allergies and asthma. Placing a bowl of ice in front of the fan can create a cooling breeze, advises homecare expert Deyan Dimitrov.
A free hack involves hanging a wet sheet or towel in front of an open window or doorway, using evaporation to lower the room temperature. This simple method has been widely recommended during the heatwave.
