UK heatwave: frozen hot water bottles and fridge spray bottles recommended for personal cooling

Experts in the United Kingdom are suggesting low‑cost, low‑tech ways to stay comfortable during the July heatwave. One recommendation is to freeze a standard hot‑water bottle, wrap it in a cloth and apply it to pulse points such as the wrists, ankles or the back of the knees. The rubber must be checked for cracks, the bottle should be only half‑filled and a newer model is preferred to avoid bursting.

Dr Simon Smail, a GP and occupational‑health physician, advises a different but equally simple method: keep a plant‑mister spray bottle in the refrigerator and mist the skin lightly. The fine mist evaporates faster than an ice pack, providing more efficient cooling, especially when combined with a fan or open window. He cautions that ice packs and icy showers can constrict blood vessels and may leave the body feeling warmer after use. Both approaches are presented as practical alternatives to expensive fans or portable air‑conditioners for everyday heat‑relief.

Safety notes include using a cloth barrier with frozen bottles to prevent frostbite and ensuring spray bottles contain clean water. These hacks aim to help individuals cope with high temperatures without altering room air temperature.