The 'clever' £1 ice trick that will cool down your house 'in seconds'

The UK has been blasted by scorching heat over the past week, and with temperatures set to stay high into the weekend, many homes are becoming unbearably hot. Unlike other countries, most British homes are not built to deal with extreme heat.

According to home improvement experts at Eurocell, fewer than 5% of UK households are equipped with air conditioning, and 80% overheat during summer. That's left many people searching for low-cost ways to cool down.

One clever trick that's growing in popularity uses nothing more than a fan and a £1 bag of ice, and it can make a difference "in just seconds", according to the experts.

The method is simple. Place a bowl of ice or a frozen bottle of water in front of a standard electric fan.

As the air blows over the ice, it cools instantly, creating a refreshing breeze that mimics the feeling of air conditioning.

A bag of ice costs around £1 in most supermarkets, or you can freeze your own using trays at home.

Helen Godsiff, the brand manager at Eurocell, said there are several quick ways to stop homes from overheating without spending a fortune.

"As the summer months approach, rising temperatures can quickly make our homes feel uncomfortable, especially in the UK, where most houses are not designed to withstand prolonged heat," she said.

"Luckily, there are a few ways to keep your house cool without having to spend lots.

"With just a few quick hacks, you can maximise airflow and reduce high levels of heat, enjoying a much more comfortable living environment."

To help stop heat from building up in the first place, homeowners have been advised to open windows early in the morning or late in the evening, when the air is cooler.

Cross-ventilation (opening windows on opposite sides of the home) helps hot air escape and lets cooler air flow through.

On milder days, trickle vents on modern window frames can be used to release warm air while keeping bugs and intruders out.

Closing curtains and blinds, particularly on south and west-facing windows, is another effective way to block sunlight during the hottest hours of the day.

Thermal or blackout curtains are more effective than standard ones, and reflective window films can let light in while deflecting heat.

Outdoor options like awnings, shutters and climbing plants can also help reduce solar gain, although some natural solutions take time to grow.

But for those in need of instant relief, the £1 ice and fan trick could offer a fast and easy way to stay cool.