The Summer Air-Con Conundrum: Why Hanging a Wet Towel in Your Room is a Smart Move.

Prolonged hot weather can encourage more summer activities, but it’s important not to overexpose yourself to the heat. Excessive heat can be harmful to the brain and other vital organs, according to the National Institutes of Health. Sweating is our body’s natural cooling system. However, if you’re not sweating enough, you’re at risk of developing heat-related illnesses, such as heat cramps, edema, and heat stroke.

Hence, keeping your body cool is essential. At this point, many people would think of turning on the air conditioning or sitting in front of a fan. But being in an air-conditioned room for too long can cause dry skin and nasal passages. This is why you might see some people hanging a wet towel in their air-conditioned room.

So, what’s the deal with the towel? Well, it’s quite simple. First, you’ll need a pot of water with a little white vinegar mixed in.

For the second step, prepare a towel and a clothes hanger. Soak the towel in the vinegar water, wring it out until it’s semi-dry, and hang it on the hanger.

Finally, hang the damp towel in the air-conditioned room.

This simple trick can make a big difference during the hot summer months. But why does it work?

What are the benefits of hanging a wet towel in your air-conditioned room?

The moisture from the towel evaporates, increasing the humidity in the room. This helps prevent your skin from feeling dry and uncomfortable when you’re in an air-conditioned environment.

Secondly, research suggests that maintaining humidity levels between 60% and 70% can reduce the spread of cold viruses.

Lastly, the vinegar in the water mixture helps neutralize unpleasant odors, leaving the room with fresher air.

6 simple ways to stay cool during summer without relying on air conditioning

There are some easy ways to keep cool without always turning on the AC.

If you’re unsure how to stay cool during the hot summer months, try these tips:

1. Stay Hydrated

Wendell Porter, an honorary lecturer in agricultural and biological engineering at the University of Florida, tells CNN that if you’re feeling flushed, it’s a sign that you need to cool down.

The temperature of the water doesn’t matter, as long as it’s not hot. Your body needs water, so drink up! Your body knows how to cool itself if it’s properly hydrated. Don’t let yourself get dehydrated during the summer.

2. Take a Cold Shower

According to Porter, a cold shower can help cool your body by lowering its core temperature. To enhance the cooling effect, use mint soap. The menthol in peppermint activates receptors in your brain that signal a cooling sensation.

3. Apply Cool Towels to Your Neck or Wrists

Try wrapping a cool towel or ice pack around your neck or wrists. These areas have pressure points where the blood vessels are close to the skin, allowing your body to cool down faster.

4. Draw the Curtains

If your windows receive direct sunlight for extended periods, Porter recommends drawing the curtains or blinds to “keep the sun and the heat out.” Opt for thicker curtains with a backing that blocks sunlight from entering the room, reducing indoor temperature rises during the day.

5. Choose Breathable Bedding

Cotton is a breathable fabric, so choosing cotton bedding can make a big difference in how comfortable you feel at night.

6. Close Doors of Unoccupied Rooms

If there are rooms that aren’t in use and don’t have vents, close their doors to confine the cool air to the occupied spaces.

According to Phụ nữ Việt Nam