As the UK swelters through another heatwave following record-breaking June temperatures, readers have shared their favourite hacks to stay cool. Tips range from thermal blinds and fans to sunscreens and UV-protective hats, with many offering free solutions.
Shut Out the Sun
Elizabeth recommends keeping vertical blinds closed and using blackout curtains with a through draft. Karen found Ikea's thermal blinds effective for her south-facing house, which gets sun from 4am. Andy attached green sun shade screening to the outside of his windows using hook-and-loop tape, keeping his lounge cooler than simply closing curtains.
Get a Reliable Fan
Alyx Gorman explains that fans increase evaporation, helping the body stay cool. The Dreo TurboCool misting fan, with a six-litre water tank, was rated best for cooling by Caramel Quin. It adds a fine mist to the air and has relatively low running costs.
Cool Your Air
Evaporative coolers are in high demand. Caramel Quin tested the Morphy Richards Flexi Freeze mini personal air cooler, which is USB-rechargeable and portable. It dropped the temperature by just over a degree, and ice can be added to the water tank for extra cooling.
Cool Yourself
Rachel Parker uses sitali pranayama (cooling breath) from yoga. Karen puts her underwear in a plastic bag in the fridge before wearing. Sali Hughes recommends Laneige cooling mist with a handheld fan. Lily takes a cool shower before bed to lower body temperature.
Protect Yourself from the Sun
Chloe Mac Donnell suggests a canvas sun hat like Decathlon's Forclaz hiking hat with anti-UV fabric. William loves Tilley hats, which he had for 30 years and replaced under lifetime guarantee. Alyx Gorman recommends using a light-coloured umbrella for full-body shade, such as Muji's all-weather umbrella.
Don't Go Outside Without SPF
Sarah Matthews recommends Beauty of Joseon's relief sun rice + probiotics SPF50+ for the face. Anita Bhagwandas highlights Elf Skin Suntouchable SPF30 setting spray for on-the-go top-ups. Charlie Allenby suggests Horace face and body sunscreen for low-fuss protection.
Keep Cool on the Go
Vicki Macleod wraps a wet linen tea towel around her shoulders. A portable fan is a godsend on hot transport, with Marks & Spencer's USB-rechargeable travel fan and the Diveblues Jetforce portable fan being popular choices.
Wear Cool Clothing
Alyx Gorman advises picking clothes made from 100% cotton or linen, and lighter colours to absorb less heat. Uniqlo offers reasonably priced linen shirts for women and men.
Prevent Chafing
Lauren Cochrane recommends Lush dusting powder with coconut milk powder and cornstarch. Charlie Allenby suggests Assos chamois creme for a cooling effect during exercise.
Stay Hydrated
Angela adds electrolytes to drinking water. Alyx Gorman advises packing a full water bottle and drinking more than necessary. The Owala FreeSip water bottle is the Filter's favourite.
Exercising in the Heat
Alyx Gorman notes Australians exercise early to beat the heat. Kieran Alger suggests using a hydration vest, electrolytes, and salt tablets, and even running with ice to lower core temperature. Charlie Allenby recommends Uniqlo Airism underwear and Maap training socks for breathability. Personal trainer Kate Whetsel recommends the Chilly Pad cooling towel.
Find Somewhere with Aircon
Karen suggests cinemas with aircon for late-night films. Mike recommends Wetherspoon's with a cold pint and aircon.
