Ancient Egyptian cooling trick rediscovered amid September heatwaves
It's September, but the autumn weather is nowhere to be found outside the window. African-like heatwaves still plague us. Is it hard to fall asleep in a heated flat? It's time to try a trick we know from ancient Egyptians. Although they didn't have air conditioning, they dealt with the heat more effectively than we did.
Ancient Egyptians were true experts in the field of protection against the sun and heat. Their buildings were constructed with materials that provided good insulation and were designed to allow ventilation and limit direct sunlight.
Although contemporary buildings rarely meet these standards, the teachings of ancient Egyptians can be a valuable source of knowledge for architects and developers. One ancient method is still effective today and does not require significant investments.
The Egyptian trick you can use today
It is worth using light curtains soaked in water.
Simply soak a sheet or towel in cold water and use it to cover yourself. Note that if you don't want to sleep under wet fabric, there is another trick. You can hang a damp sheet in an open window.
When air flows through the wet fabric, the water evaporates, absorbing heat and lowering the room's temperature. This evaporative cooling effect has been known since ancient times and is still effective.
When choosing a fabric to soak in water, consider its durability and water absorption capacity. Cotton is an excellent choice here — it absorbs water well, is durable, and easy to clean. Linen is another option.
It is also worth protecting the area under the curtain with a towel and regularly monitoring the condition of the fabrics. Wet curtains can become a hotspot for mould and mildew, so regular washing and drying are necessary.
It is also worth remembering the insulation during the day to create comfortable sleeping conditions on hot days. Blinds and curtains covering the windows will keep the room relatively cool.
