It seems like no matter where you go there's no escape from the blazing heat and humidity.
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This is a serious cause for concern and many have given up all hope with the frequent power outages adding to the misery. However, we have 10 hacks which will help you keep cool in this sweltering heat.
1. Close your blinds
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It's important to keep all windows closed and curtains drawn in the afternoon. This prevents the house from baking while keeping the sun rays at bay. If you have dark furniture in your house, especially in leather, then it is advisable to cover it with white or light coloured sheets. This makes sure the surface doesn't emanate any excess warmth into the room.
2. Wear wet socks to bed
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While this may sound strange and messy, trust us when we say that this will help you keep cool on nights when the heat is unbearable. Place a towel on your bed, put on your wet socks and place a fan near your feet. The wet socks paired with the fan will keep you cool the entire night without needing an air conditioner.
3. Carry a mini fan
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Not the most obvious and favoured choice but it helps keep you cool while you're waiting in line at the doctor's or just need to stay fresh during the day.
5. Freeze a water bottle
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Don't let the heat roast you, load-shedding might be the reason your AC is not working but you can place a frozen water bottle (or frozen water in a pateela) in front of a fan and viola! You can bask in the chilled air. Place a tray under the water bottle or pateela you don't want a puddle in your room.
6. Make aloe ice cubes
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In this heat, chances are you'll have sunburns and your collar or neckline will leave a rash. To cure the inflammation, put aloe vera gel in ice cube trays, freeze it and place on the irritation when needed.
7. Freeze a sponge
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Soak a sponge with water, place it in a tightly sealed bag (Ziploc would do) and leave it in the freezer. When you feel that you cannot stand the heat, take it out and pat it on your neck, wrists and forehead. Not only will this cool you down but the sponger will absorb any residual moisture as it warms.
8. Use an old bucket for an AC
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Your parents have probably told you to tone down the AC usage, that's no surprise given the outrageous electricity bill you're receiving. How about a make-shift AC? Use a five-gallon bucket, fill it with ice water and attach a few PVC sections near the bucket's rim. Place a fan on the bucket lid, once you turn it on you'll have cool air gushing out through the PVC leaving you chill.
9. Freeze your pillowcases and sheets
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This is for those nights when you just want to crash without the added effort. Place your pillowcases in a sealed bag and in the freezer after you wake up and before hitting the bed, take it out of the freezer, slip it on your pillow and sleep feeling fresh and cool.
10. Put dryer sheets everywhere
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Although this doesn't exactly count as a 'cooling' method, but we all know how stinky everybody and everything gets in the heat. Especially given the current circumstances. You don't want your house reeking of body odour; place dryer sheets in your shoes, clip them to your air conditioner vents and fans, to keep your house smelling fresh.
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