With temperatures set to soar during the latest heatwave, many households will be looking for affordable ways to keep their bedrooms cool at night without relying on air conditioning or running an electric fan for hours. According to home heating expert John Lawless, one simple trick using an everyday bathroom item could help lower the temperature in your bedroom and make it easier to sleep.
The senior heating and ventilation expert at BestHeating says all you need is a damp towel or sheet and an open window. He 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."
How Evaporative Cooling Works
The hack works through a process known as evaporative cooling. As warm air from outside passes through the cold, wet fabric, some of the heat is absorbed as the water evaporates, meaning cooler air enters the room. Explaining why the method is effective, John said: "The moisture from a damp towel draws heat out of the air near a window before it enters your home, helping to significantly cool your bedroom."
While the trick won't replace air conditioning during periods of extreme heat, it can make a noticeable difference for people struggling to sleep in stuffy bedrooms, particularly in homes that retain heat throughout the day.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
John also warned that many people make the mistake of leaving their windows open during the hottest hours of the day in an attempt to cool their homes. In reality, this can allow even more warm air to enter, making indoor temperatures rise further. Instead, he recommends keeping windows, curtains and blinds closed while the sun is at its strongest to keep hot air out and block direct sunlight. Once the temperature begins to drop in the evening, opening windows can encourage cooler air to circulate through the home.
Additional Cooling Tips
Other simple measures can also help bedrooms stay cooler during a heatwave. Swapping heavy duvets for lightweight cotton bedding, turning off unnecessary electrical appliances before bed and avoiding heat-generating activities such as using the oven late in the evening can all help reduce indoor temperatures. Staying hydrated and taking a cool shower before bed may also make sleeping more comfortable during warm nights.
For those without air conditioning, however, John believes the damp towel trick is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to cool a bedroom using items most people already have at home. With little more than a towel, some cold water and an open window, the simple hack could help create a cooler sleeping environment and make it easier to get a good night's rest as the hot weather continues.
