As a heatwave grips much of the UK, many are struggling to sleep due to the heat. Instead of relying on fans, which can be noisy, circulate dust, and increase energy bills, a simple bathroom item can provide relief. John Lawless from BestHeating recommends hanging a damp towel in front of an open window to cool the room.
How the Damp Towel Method Works
According to Lawless, warm air entering through the window passes through the damp towel, turning into cooler air before entering the room. The science behind it: water requires energy to evaporate, drawing heat from the surrounding air. This lowers the temperature near the window and, consequently, the bedroom.
During the day, sunlight heats air near windows, which becomes trapped when curtains are drawn at night. The towel technique counters this by using evaporation to remove heat.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Fill a sink or bowl with cold water and lightly wet a towel. It should be damp, not soaking, to avoid restricting airflow and creating mugginess.
- Hang the towel beside an open window to maximize ventilation. Even minimal airflow works.
- Alternatively, hang the towel across a doorway.
- Once the towel dries, re-dampen it. The bedroom should feel noticeably cooler, regardless of outside temperatures.
This hack is cost-effective, quiet, and avoids the drawbacks of fans. It uses an everyday item and requires no electricity.
