The UK is burning up — literally. With wildfires spreading and record-breaking temperatures this summer, staying cool is no longer a luxury, it’s survival. But if you don’t have AC, don’t panic. These easy, low-cost heatwave hacks can keep your home and body cool without running up your electricity bill.
1. DIY Air Cooler with a Fan + Ice Bowl
Place a metal bowl of ice in front of a regular fan. It mimics the effect of an AC and can cool a small room quickly.
Try this affordable fan on Amazon
Recommended metal bowl set here
2. Blackout Curtains During the Day
Sunlight = heat. Close all blinds and curtains during peak hours (11 am–4 pm). Blackout curtains can reduce indoor temps by up to 5°C.
3. Switch Off Unused Electronics
TVs, routers, and even chargers give off heat. Unplug everything you’re not actively using.
4. Use a Cooling Pillow or Mattress Pad
These gel-based products absorb body heat and keep you cooler overnight.
Shop cooling pillows on Amazon
5. Drink Smart: Add Mint & Cucumber to Water
Add cucumber, lemon, and mint to your water for a refreshing internal cool-down. Bonus: keep a bottle in the fridge.
6. DIY Cooling Spray
Mix water, aloe vera gel, and peppermint oil in a spray bottle. Store in the fridge and mist your face and body as needed.
7. Sleep Low, Sleep Cool
Heat rises. If possible, sleep on the ground floor or move your mattress to the floor during a heatwave night.
Bonus Tip:
Make a homemade hand fan using cardboard and popsicle sticks—great for kids and outdoor use!
Store your skincare products like face mists and lotions in the fridge for an instant cooling effect when applied.
Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen and wear loose-fitting clothes in light colours to stay cooler throughout the day.
Stick to cold, water-rich meals such as fruit salads, smoothies, and chilled soups to keep your body temperature down from the inside out.
Take lukewarm showers instead of cold ones—this encourages your body to cool itself naturally without a rebound effect.
Apply a dab of peppermint oil or cooling balm to pulse points like your wrists, neck, and behind your knees for a lasting refresh.
Keep your feet cool by soaking them in a shallow basin of cold water before bed—it helps lower your core body temperature for better sleep.
Sleep with a frozen water bottle wrapped in a towel near your feet—your feet are heat radiators and cooling them can cool your whole body.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol during the hottest hours, as they can dehydrate you faster and raise your internal heat.
Use a damp towel or cooling cloth on your shoulders and neck while working or relaxing.
If it’s too hot to sleep, try placing your bedsheets in a plastic bag and freezing them for a few minutes before bedtime.
Keep windows closed during the hottest part of the day and only open them in the early morning or late evening when the air outside is cooler.
Turn off or unplug unnecessary electronics like TVs, laptops, and chargers — they give off surprising amounts of heat even when not in use.
Sleep alone if possible during a heatwave, as shared body heat can raise the temperature of the bed.
Place a damp bedsheet or towel in front of an open window in the evening — as air flows through, it creates a natural cooling effect.
Use a spray bottle filled with water to mist your face, arms, and legs throughout the day — it’s quick relief and helps regulate your temperature.
Avoid cooking with the oven or stove during the day. Instead, prep no-cook meals or use a microwave, slow cooker, or air fryer if needed.
Flip your pillow over frequently at night — the underside stays cooler and can help you fall asleep faster.
Keep indoor plants around — they not only purify the air but also help cool your space by releasing moisture.
Spend time in shaded outdoor areas or green parks where trees provide natural cooling — it can feel several degrees cooler than concrete-heavy spaces.
Use a silk or satin pillowcase at night — they retain less heat than cotton and feel cooler on the skin.
