The UK is sweltering through some of its hottest June nights on record, and folks everywhere are turning to new ways to beat the heat. Below are the top DIY hacks shared by people who are keeping their homes, bodies and pets cool, while still looking and feeling good.
Keeping Your Home Cool
Bethan Earley uses foil blankets over windows to slow heat gain, while John Turbefield swaps windows for white sheets or survival blankets that reflect sunlight. He also stacks large water bottles in the freezer to cool fans – a slow‑but‑effective trick that gives the fans a fresh chill.
Getting Your Zzzs
Stephanie Reed wets a hand towel and keeps it across her feet at night to stay cool during seizures, and even pre‑freezes her daughter’s sheet just enough to keep it cool. Gordon Cooper hangs a wet bath towel near a fan, and Anabelle Holschuh switched from an attic room to a cool, north‑facing living‑room sofa during the last heatwave.
Eating in the Heat
Aimie Ludgate steers clear of oven or stove heat, instead cooking eggs and steak in an air‑fryer. Dietitian Kate Hilton recommends iced water, cucumber, melon and smoothies, and says frozen fruit pops for kids keep them chill.
Working From Home
Oren Brown moved his office downstairs for better airflow, while Gillian Cooley set up a laptop in her bedroom, the coolest room in her house, and works in the evening when temperatures dip.
Dressing for a Heatwave
Jess Jepson wears loose, light fabrics and lighter colours, and keeps hair up in a claw clip to stay airy. Stylist Chantelle Znideric recommends cotton, linen or other natural fibres over synthetic materials, and advises wide‑brimmed hats for full shade.
Changing Your Routine: Dog Days
Annie Smith takes her dachshunds outside in the cooler early morning, then runs indoor enrichment games to keep them busy. She stocks cooling vests and wet dog food in the fridge for hot afternoons, and does chores before 10am so she can stay cool all day.
So whether it’s simple DIY tweaks, smarter cooking, or cooler wardrobe choices, there are plenty of ways to stay cool yet stylish this heatwave.
