Summer should be all about enjoying the sunshine—not just suffering through the heat. With a few clever tricks, you can take the edge off those scorching days and make your home, wardrobe, and schedule feel a lot more chill. From icy hacks that cost nothing to low-effort ways to cool your space, these smart moves help you stay cool without cranking the A/C 24/7. Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ or just trying to sleep through a hot night, these shortcuts make it easier to love summer again.
1. Freeze Aloe Vera for Instant Sunburn Relief
Aloe vera is already a go-to for soothing sunburns, but freezing it takes the comfort to the next level. According to Well+Good, frozen aloe cubes offer instant cooling and help reduce inflammation more effectively. Just pour pure aloe gel into an ice cube tray and pop it in the freezer. The next time you get too much sun, you’ll have a ready-made skin savior.
Keep a batch in the freezer all summer long for bug bites, rashes, or heat rash too. It’s a simple, cost-free shortcut that feels like luxury skincare on a sweltering day. You can even mix in a few drops of lavender oil for extra soothing power. Smart homeowners know the freezer isn’t just for popsicles—it’s a whole summer survival station.
2. Use Blackout Curtains to Keep Indoor Temps Down
Keeping the sun out can make a dramatic difference in how your home feels during peak heat hours. Real Simple reports that blackout curtains can reduce heat gain by up to 33%, helping your A/C work more efficiently. Use them in sun-facing rooms during the hottest part of the day to block radiant heat. Your home will feel noticeably cooler with far less strain on your energy bill.
Choose light-colored blackout curtains for an added cooling boost, as they reflect rather than absorb heat. You can also double up with reflective window film for high-heat zones. It’s one of those “set it and forget it” hacks that pays off all summer long. Plus, you’ll sleep better too—blackout curtains help block early sunrises and lingering twilight.
3. Hack a DIY Air Conditioner with a Fan and Ice
When the heat gets intense and A/C isn’t cutting it—or isn’t available—try this old-school hack. The Spruce suggests placing a shallow pan of ice or frozen water bottles in front of a fan to create a cooling breeze. As the fan blows over the ice, it pushes out chilled air that lowers the room temperature slightly. It won’t replace your HVAC system, but it can make a big difference in a small space.
Use this trick in bedrooms, offices, or any place you spend time sitting still. It’s perfect for renters or anyone trying to avoid a higher electric bill. Bonus: if you freeze water bottles, you can drink them later once they melt. It’s low-effort, high-reward, and ideal for sticky, humid days.
4. Chill Your Bed Sheets Before Sleeping
Tossing and turning in the summer heat? Real Simple recommends placing your sheets or pillowcases in a plastic bag and chilling them in the fridge or freezer for 30 minutes before bed. While the cooling effect is temporary, it can make falling asleep more comfortable on scorching nights. Even better, pair this trick with a fan to keep your whole bed feeling fresher longer.
Lightweight cotton or bamboo sheets work best for breathability and fast cooling. You can also freeze a hot water bottle filled with cold water and place it under your sheets as a foot cooler. Keeping your bedroom cool is essential for quality sleep, especially when temperatures spike. This shortcut may sound quirky, but you’ll be surprised at how well it works.
5. Keep a Cooling Mist Bottle Handy
Fill a small spray bottle with cold water and a splash of witch hazel or peppermint oil. Store it in the fridge and give yourself a quick spritz whenever you feel overheated. It’s refreshing, fast, and instantly lifts that sluggish summer feeling. Keep one in your car or beach bag for on-the-go relief.
You can also spray your neck, wrists, and behind your knees—spots that help you cool down quickly. This trick is perfect for days when you’re doing yard work or running errands. Bonus points if you add rose water for a spa-like experience. Simple pleasures can feel luxurious when the temperature climbs.
6. Eat Light, Hydrating Meals
Heavy meals heat up your body and can make you feel sluggish. Stick to salads, fruits, and chilled soups like gazpacho to stay cool from the inside out. Watermelon, cucumber, and berries all pack a hydrating punch and keep your energy up. The less you cook, the less your kitchen heats up, too.
Batch-prep cold meals early in the day or use your slow cooker outside. This reduces the need for your oven or stove, keeping your home cooler overall. Add herbs like mint or basil for a refreshing twist. Your body will thank you for going light and fresh when the heat is relentless.
7. Hang a Damp Sheet in Front of a Window
This is a classic evaporative cooling trick that’s easy to try at home. Just soak a light sheet or towel in cold water, wring it out, and hang it in front of an open window. As the breeze blows through, it carries cooler air into the room. It’s like a low-tech air conditioner powered by Mother Nature.
This method works best in dry, hot climates where humidity is low. The evaporation effect drops the temperature just enough to take the edge off. Re-wet the sheet as needed throughout the day. It’s cheap, effective, and renter-friendly.
8. Cool Your Pulse Points with Ice Packs
Your pulse points—wrists, ankles, neck, and temples—are your body’s built-in cooling stations. Applying cold compresses to these areas can bring your body temperature down fast. Use reusable gel packs or wrap ice cubes in a towel for a quick cooldown. Keep a few packs chilling in the freezer for summer emergencies.
This shortcut is great after a workout or when you’re overheating indoors. You don’t have to dunk yourself in a cold shower to feel better. Just five minutes with a chilled pack can make a huge difference. It’s one of the most efficient ways to beat the heat on a busy day.
9. Close Vents in Unused Rooms
Don’t waste cold air on rooms you’re not using. Close vents in guest rooms, basements, or storage areas to redirect airflow where you need it most. This makes your A/C more efficient and keeps your living areas cooler. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it move that saves both energy and money.
Check vents and doors each morning before the heat hits. Combine this with ceiling fans to move air effectively. Even minor adjustments in airflow can make a noticeable difference in how your home feels. Small habits like this add up quickly in extreme temperatures.
10. Switch to Breathable Bedding
Say goodbye to flannel and hello to lightweight cotton or linen sheets. These fabrics wick away moisture and promote airflow, keeping you cooler while you sleep. Dark colors absorb heat, so opt for lighter shades like white or pale blue. Your bed will look fresh and feel way more comfortable at night.
Change out any heavy blankets for a cotton quilt or just a top sheet. Keeping your body temperature down overnight helps you sleep better and wake up less groggy. Bonus: linen actually gets softer the more you wash it. This one change can turn your bed into a summer sanctuary.
11. Carry a Foldable Fan or Mini USB Fan
Sometimes the best way to stay cool is to keep the air moving with you. A small handheld fan or battery-powered USB fan can be a lifesaver in crowded places or outdoor events. Keep one in your purse, backpack, or glove box for those moments when the air is completely still. You’ll feel 10 degrees cooler in seconds.
Rechargeable options are energy-efficient and easy to stash. Some models even mist water for a double-duty cooldown. They’re especially helpful during summer travel or long commutes. Being portable doesn’t mean you have to melt in the heat.
12. Make a DIY Cooling Neck Wrap
Fill a clean sock or fabric tube with rice, then freeze it for a few hours. Drape it around your neck or shoulders for instant chill. The rice holds the cold without dripping or melting like ice. It’s a handy hack you can reuse again and again.
You can also sew your own cooling wrap with a cotton bandana. Add a few drops of peppermint oil for a refreshing scent. Store extras in the freezer so you always have a cool one ready to go. These little wraps make yard work, exercise, or even cooking more bearable.
13. Shower in Lukewarm Water
It’s tempting to take ice-cold showers, but lukewarm is actually better for staying cool longer. Cold water can shock your system and cause your body to work harder to warm up again. A lukewarm rinse lowers your core temperature gradually and more effectively. You’ll feel fresher and more relaxed afterward.
Add a final rinse of cooler water to close your pores and get that satisfying chill. Try showering right before bed if nighttime heat keeps you up. You’ll feel clean, relaxed, and less sticky. This tiny tweak can totally change how you handle hot days.
14. Keep Electronics Off When Not in Use
Your laptop, TV, and other electronics give off heat—even in standby mode. Unplug them when not in use or put them on a power strip you can switch off easily. Reducing heat sources inside your home makes your cooling system’s job easier. It also saves on energy costs during peak usage times.
Try working with natural light instead of lamps and turn off your computer when you step away. Every bit of heat reduction matters during long, hot afternoons. It’s an easy routine adjustment that pays off quickly. Fewer devices on = a cooler, calmer summer home.
15. Store Lotion and Toner in the Fridge
Give your skincare an upgrade by chilling it during summer. Lotions, facial sprays, and toners feel extra refreshing when cooled. It also helps reduce puffiness and redness caused by heat. Your skin stays calm and hydrated, not oily or irritated.
Bonus: this works for roll-on deodorants too. Start the day with a cooling sensation instead of a sticky one. Just make sure anything stored in the fridge is sealed tightly. Skincare that works double duty in hot weather is a summer win.
16. Drink Infused Water to Stay Hydrated
Plain water is essential, but adding fruit, herbs, or cucumber can make it more appealing. Staying hydrated is one of the best ways to regulate your body temperature. Keep a pitcher of infused water in the fridge so you’ll drink more throughout the day. Try lemon and mint, orange and basil, or strawberry and lime for a twist.
Avoid sugary drinks and caffeine, which can dehydrate you faster. If you’re outside a lot, add a pinch of salt or an electrolyte tablet. Hydration helps you feel less tired and cranky during extreme heat. It’s a feel-good habit you’ll want to keep long after summer’s over.
17. Crack the Windows at Night
Take advantage of cooler nighttime temperatures by opening windows after the sun goes down. This creates natural cross-ventilation that can drop your indoor temps fast. Just be sure to close them again by mid-morning to trap the cool air inside. Use window fans to help pull in the breeze and push warm air out.
This trick works best in low-humidity regions but can help almost anywhere. Make it a routine part of your summer evening wind-down. Your home—and your electric bill—will thank you. Fresh air feels amazing after a stuffy day indoors.
18. Set Your Ceiling Fans to Spin Counterclockwise
Ceiling fans can do more than just move air—they can make you feel several degrees cooler. In summer, set your fan to spin counterclockwise so it pushes air downward. This creates a wind-chill effect that helps your skin feel cooler. Many fans have a switch near the motor to change direction.
Keep your fan running on a higher setting during the day for maximum cooling. Pair it with open windows at night for airflow you can feel. It’s a simple adjustment that makes a big difference. Smart homeowners use every tool they’ve got when the heat is relentless.
