Kenneth Glad
Warm indoor air can make rest feel difficult after a long day. A few small changes around windows and bedding can help make the night more manageable.
Bedrooms often trap warmth absorbed through windows, walls and curtains during the day. By evening, that stored heat can linger, even when the temperature outside begins to fall.
That is why timing matters. The NHS, the UK’s public health service, advises keeping living spaces cooler by shutting out heat in the daytime, then opening windows later when the air outside has dropped.
The towel method explained
According to the Daily Express, Best Heating spokesperson John Lawless told the outlet that a cold, damp towel or sheet can be placed by an open window.
He said: “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.”
Lawless added: “This is because the warm air will have to pass through the sheet and turn it into cold air before it enters the room.”
The process works through evaporation. As water leaves the fabric, it takes heat energy from the air nearby, which lowers the temperature around the window.
The towel should be damp, not soaked. In already humid rooms, too much wet fabric can make the air feel heavier rather than fresher.
It is also worth protecting floors and window ledges from drips. Wring the towel out well before hanging it, and remove it once it dries or the room feels muggy.
Where to place it
Hang the towel where air is moving, such as near a safely opened window.
Another open window or door across the room improves circulation by giving warm air somewhere to escape.
The method is most useful when outdoor air is moving into the room. Without airflow, the towel is less effective and may simply add moisture indoors.
Closing curtains before strong sun hits can reduce heat build-up. Light-coloured blinds, breathable bedding and cotton nightwear can also make the room feel less stifling.
Opening windows only when outdoor air is cooler is another simple step. Fans remain useful in moderate heat, though the NHS says they work best below 35C and should not blow directly at the body for long periods.
Sources: Daily Express, Best Heating, NHS
