With temperatures soaring across the UK and the Met Office confirming the country’s third heatwave of the year, finding relief without sky-high energy bills is top of mind for many. Enter Sam Smith, a 40-year-old TV studio floor manager from Peterborough, whose ingenious windowsill method is taking social media by storm.
Smith’s tip, which he says he learned from his aunt, requires no fan, no air conditioning unit, and no fancy gadgets. It’s a low-tech, zero-cost solution that’s earned over 17,000 likes online—and for good reason.
The Windowsill Method Explained
In a video posted to social media, Smith demonstrated how to use a standard window and a piece of fabric to create a natural cooling effect. The technique involves dampening a cloth (a tea towel or a thin cotton sheet works best) and hanging it partially out of an open window. The breeze passing through the damp fabric cools the air as it enters the room, lowering indoor temperatures without using any electricity.
“My auntie used to do this on the hottest summer days when she didn’t want to run up a big electric bill,” Smith explained. “It sounds too simple, but honestly, it works. The air coming through the damp cloth feels noticeably cooler.”
Why It’s Going Viral
The tip has resonated broadly, especially as energy prices remain high and many households are reluctant to rely on air conditioning units that can be expensive to run. The windowsill method is completely free aside from the water used to dampen the cloth—and it can be repeated throughout the day.
Smith, who works in the television industry, said he decided to share the trick after hearing friends complain about sleepless nights during the heatwave. “I always thought this was something everyone knew, but when I mentioned it to colleagues, their reaction made me realise it wasn’t that common,” he said. “I figured it couldn’t hurt to put it out there.”
Within days, the clip had racked up thousands of shares and comments from grateful viewers who said it had “saved” their hot bedrooms.
An Eco-Friendly Alternative
As climate change makes heatwaves more frequent and severe, finding low-energy alternatives to traditional cooling methods is becoming increasingly important. Smith’s method uses no electricity, produces no emissions, and costs nothing more than a few seconds of tap water.
“I think people are looking for ways to stay comfortable without breaking the bank or the planet,” Smith added. “This is just a simple, old-fashioned trick that still works today.”
For anyone struggling to stay cool during this week’s heatwave—and beyond—this may be the most refreshing windowsill advice you’ll hear all summer.
