For those who don't have air conditioning or fans at home this summer, coping with the heat can feel like something of a struggle. Luckily, there's a commonplace item that can help you stay cool, and you likely already have one lying around your house.
When temperatures are high, air conditioning and fans often feel like the best way to keep your home cool. Air conditioning, however, can require a lengthy installation process and buying a fan could mean having to wait on delivery times. For instant relief, you might want to consider using a hot water bottle.
'While it sounds counterintuitive, hot water bottles can actually be a simple and effective way to stay cool in the heat,' says Victoria Robinson, product expert at Hillarys. 'When filled with cold water and chilled in the fridge, they essentially act as a portable cooling aid, helping to gently lower your body temperature without the need for fans or air conditioning.'
Why people are using hot water bottles to beat the heat
Hot water bottles are able to provide relief wherever you might need it. Whether you have hot feet or a stomach that needs cooling, a hot water bottle with cold water can help you target and soothe different points on your body during the heat. Or, you can also place it under your sheets before bedtime to ensure it's nice and chilled.
For the best results, fill your hot water bottle three-quarters full with cold water. You can then add ice to make the water even cooler. Unless the hot water says it's freezer safe, you'll want to avoid putting it in the freezer to stop the rubber from cracking.
Finally, wrap the bottle up in a tea towel or pillow case and place on your body for no more than 20 minutes.
Where to place your hot water bottle
The answer to this will be different depending on each person's individual need. If you're not sure, however, we've asked experts for a few key recommendations.
'For the best results, I’d recommend placing a chilled hot water bottle on pulse points, such as the wrists, neck or behind the knees, where blood vessels are closer to the skin. This helps to cool the body more efficiently and can provide quick relief from overheating,' says Victoria.
Georgia Metcalfe, founder and creative director of French Bedroom, recommends placing a hot water bottle in your pillowcase for the best results. 'Sleep will always be impacted if you don’t maintain a comfortable temperature. Fill a hot water bottle with freezing cold ice water to pop inside your pillowcase,' she says. Remove when appropriate and enjoy a peaceful night's sleep.
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The Cooling Edit
