WITH the warmer weather finally arriving, chances are many of us will soon be desperately looking for ways to keep cool.
But there’s no need to fork out on pricey air con…because one money-saving whizz has revealed the three cheap and cheerful tricks she swears by – including a “freezer sock hack.”
Speaking to Fabulous Digital, Ellie Jones, money-saving advisor at discounts for teachers, says: “When the hot weather arrives you need to make the most of your freezer.
“It won’t cost you any more money than you’re already spending, so filling it up with the following essentials is a free and easy way to handle hot nights.”
Ellie explains how she puts a frozen plastic bottle in her bed (not hot water bottles as these are prone to bursting) about 20 minutes before she gets in at night, just as you would a hot water bottle in winter.
Simply spritz socks lightly with water and put them in the freezer
Ellie Jones
However, she notes: “The real trick is to wrap it in a lightweight tea towel or washcloth.”
Sharing the benefits, the money-saving whizz continues: “Not only does this ensure that you don’t get your bedding wet, but you can double-up the benefits by putting the icy cold tea towel in your pillowcase just before you go to sleep to keep your head cool as you drift off.”
If you’re like Ellie and struggle to sleep in the summer, she suggests keeping fresh socks in the freezer.
Confident it’ll become your new go-to, she says: “Simply spritz socks lightly with water and put them in the freezer.
“Then if you wake up too hot in the night, you can nip down to the kitchen and grab an ice-cold pair of socks to pop on before you get back in bed.”
She goes on to explain that feet are great regulators of your body’s core temperature, so notes that cooling them down is a speedy way of lowering your overall body heat.
Ellie explains: “A good night’s sleep is only as good as your little one’s.
“Whilst I don’t recommend using your child’s favourite soft toy for this trick, popping a purpose-bought plushy in the freezer an hour or so before bedtime is a great way to keep your kids cool so they can drift off without any fuss.”
She also points out that the freezer also kills off dust mites, so it’s a win-win.
“Just make sure that the plushy isn’t too cold before use,” the money-saving guru warns.
IT can be really difficult - and costly - to keep kids cool when it's hot outside. But Fabulous Digital Senior Reporter and mum-of-two Sarah Bull shares five ways to help, and they won't break the budget either.
Strip them off
It might sound simple, but stripping kids off at home can really help them regulate their temperature when it’s warm outside. Just remember to regularly apply suncream, as more of their skin will be exposed to the sun.
Cool down bedrooms before nighttime
When it’s hot outside, it can be difficult for kids to go to sleep – especially if their bedroom feels like an oven. If you have a room that’s not in direct sunshine, keep the windows open to let in a breeze. It’s also a good idea to keep the curtains closed, to prevent the room from heating up.
Wear a hat
Another simple technique, but one that really works. Make sure that if your kids are playing outside, they’ve got a hat on. It keeps their face and head shielded from the sun, and also helps if you’ve got a little one who struggles with bright sunlight. If your tot struggles to keep a hat on, try one with a strap that goes under the chin to help.
Avoid the car
The car can be one of the hottest places during a heatwave, and often takes a long time to cool down. If you have the option, it’s better to stay at home rather than taking kids out anywhere in a hot car.
Stay hydrated
This is always important, but even more so in a heatwave. Make sure you’re regularly reminding your kids to have a drink, and top them up with cool liquids whenever you can. Use ice too to ensure it’s as cold as it can possibly be.
“It should feel about the same temperature as the cold side of a pillow.
“If the toy isn’t getting cold enough, try spritzing it with water before putting it in the freezer.”
However, she adds: “Please only use this trick with older children.
“If they’re not old enough to know when they’re too hot or too cold this is a big no-go!”
