4 common household items Brits should store in their freezers now

Brits are being encouraged to place four often-overlooked items in the freezer during periods of hot weather in a bid to stay cool.

As the UK struggles to adapt to what appears to be the new normal for summer conditions, many people are adding extra ice to their beverages, enjoying ice creams for pudding, and even engaging in hosepipe water fights after enduring a sweltering day at the office.

However, Lynsey Crombie, known as The Queen of Clean, has revealed how the freezer can become one of your greatest allies during a heatwave. From helping you stay comfortable to making household chores more bearable, there are several surprising items that warrant a spot next to your frozen goods.

Here are four of her top tricks to help you combat the heat this summer.

Damp tea towel

Wet a clean tea towel, wring it out thoroughly and pop it in the freezer for a short while. When you need to cool down quickly, simply drape it around the back of your neck.

It’s perfect whether you’ve been cleaning, gardening or simply cannot escape the sweltering heat. It’s one of the fastest and most effortless ways to reduce your body temperature without reaching for the fan. This technique works brilliantly for cooling dogs down as well.

Microfibre cloth

This is a brilliant tip if you’re tackling quick cleaning tasks during a heatwave.

Slightly dampen a microfibre cloth, place it in the freezer for approximately 20 to 30 minutes, then use it to wipe down sticky fridge shelves, kitchen worktops or other surfaces. The chilled cloth retains its coolness for longer, making cleaning feel far more bearable on a scorching day.

Hot water bottle

This has to be one of my favourite summer hacks.

Fill a hot water bottle with cold water, taking care not to overfill it, then place it in the freezer. Once frozen, wrap it in a pillowcase or towel before using it to stay cool in bed or while lounging on the settee.

Top safety tip: Don’t use the same hot water bottle for hot water again afterwards. Freezing can weaken the rubber and increase the risk of it splitting when filled with boiling water. It’s best to keep one specifically for cooling.

Beauty tools

If you use a gua sha, reusable eye mask or facial roller, consider storing them in the fridge or freezer.

They feel wonderfully refreshing first thing in the morning, particularly after a stuffy night. Chilled tools can help diminish puffiness and give your skin a revitalising wake-up call.

Frozen peas

And lastly, a bag of frozen peas can prove invaluable during a heatwave. Wrap a bag of frozen peas in a tea towel and place them on your hot feet to cool down.

Final thoughts…

Your freezer isn’t solely for food as Lynsey pointed out. With a handful of clever tricks, it can help you stay cooler, make everyday cleaning considerably more comfortable and even give your skincare routine a refreshing boost.

Sometimes it’s the simplest solutions that make the greatest difference during a heatwave.

Lynsey Crombie @lynsey_queenofclean is the UK’s No1 home expert and TV presenter. Lynsey website www.queenofclean.blog is packed with cleaning hacks, tips and advice. Lynsey’s best-selling book ‘The 15 Minute Clean’ is available to buy from AMAZON.