The Sorted Dad

If you’ve ever tried to survive a UK heatwave in a typical British home, you’ll know the struggle is real.

Our houses are built to trap heat — not keep it out. And most of us don’t have air con. So when the temperature hits 30ºC or more, the inside of your house starts feeling like a greenhouse with a grudge.

But the good news? There are plenty of ways to cool your house down without spending loads or changing how you live.

Here’s what worked for us as a busy UK family trying not to melt.

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🛏️ 1. Keep Curtains and Blinds Closed During the Day

It might feel counterintuitive, but keeping the sunlight out is key.

• Shut curtains, blinds, or blackout shades in any room that gets direct sun
• Light-coloured curtains or reflective linings work best
• Bonus: Use tinfoil or reflective window film for extra insulation

You’re basically creating shade for your house.

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❄️ 2. Open Windows Strategically at Night and Early Morning

Let cool air in when it’s actually cool.

• Open windows around 9pm to 7am, when outside temps drop
• Create cross-ventilation by opening windows on opposite sides of the house
• Use fans to pull cooler air in and push warm air out

Then close everything up again by 8am to trap the cooler air.

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🛋️ 3. Swap Duvets for Sheets and Breathable Bedding

Say goodbye to your 10.5 tog duvet. Even 4.5 tog is too much in a heatwave.

• Sleep under cotton sheets or muslin throws
• Use pillowcases made of linen or bamboo for better airflow
• Keep a spray bottle of cold water by the bed for misting

Cooler sleep = better mornings with kids.

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💨 4. Make a DIY Air Cooler with a Fan and Ice

No air con? No problem. Try this:

• Place a bowl of ice or a frozen water bottle in front of a desk fan
• Angle the fan to blow over the ice
• It creates a chilled breeze (surprisingly effective for bedtime)

You can also freeze a damp flannel and lay it over your face or neck.

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🏡 5. Block Heat from the Loft and Roof

Lofts act like ovens. And hot air rises.

• Lay thick blankets or reflective foil over the loft hatch
• If possible, insulate the loft door with weather-stripping
• Keep upstairs doors closed to stop heat travelling

This simple trick made our upstairs rooms feel 2-3ºC cooler.

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🌲 6. Plant or Hang Outdoor Shade

If you’ve got a south-facing wall or patio doors, create some DIY shade.

• Use an old sheet, sailcloth or even towels pegged to fences
• Put up a parasol outside your window or door
• Plant fast-growing climbers like clematis or ivy to shield walls

Shade the outside, and you cool the inside.

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💧 7. Avoid Cooking Inside If You Can

Ovens, hobs, and even kettles can heat up small kitchens fast.

• Batch cook early in the morning or use a slow cooker outside
• Try BBQs or cold meals
• Skip the dryer—let clothes air dry outside

Less heat = less suffering.

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🎧 8. Use a White Sheet Over Furniture or Floors

If your sofa or floors get blasted by sun, cover them in a light cotton or white sheet.

It reflects heat and protects surfaces from absorbing warmth. It’s not stylish, but it works.

Same goes for car seats, by the way.

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🌬️ 9. Buy (Or Borrow) a Proper Fan

Yes, fans are obvious. But the right one makes all the difference.

• Tower fans are great for bedrooms
• Box fans can be angled at windows for airflow
• Check local FB groups or lending libraries if you don’t want to buy one

If your fan has a rotation mode, use it at night with a timer plug.

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⏳ 10. Think Long-Term: Cheap Heatwave Prep for Future You

If heatwaves are becoming the norm, consider these low-cost upgrades:

• Thermal or blackout blinds for key rooms
• Reflective window film for conservatories or lofts
• Ceiling fans in bedrooms (easy to DIY if you’re handy)
• Loft insulation – better for winter and summer

Small changes now = cooler summers ahead.

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🤝 Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need Air Con to Stay Cool

Staying cool in a British heatwave is all about timing, airflow and blocking heat.

You don’t need to suffer. You don’t need to spend hundreds. And you definitely don’t need to sleep on a wet towel (unless you want to).

These tricks are cheap, practical and kid-friendly. Pick 3–4 and try them this week.

Then go enjoy that sunny garden.