DON’T get left out in the cold when the big freeze sweeps the country over the weekend.
With snow and a dramatic drop in temperature predicted, you could be dealing with fogged car windscreens, rising heating bills and even cracked skin.
Thankfully, common problems can be solved with simple tips using everyday household items. Grant Rollings reveals the best.
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It doesn’t have to be icy between the sheets. Fill a small pillowcase with dry rice or beans and tie the ends. Warm them in an airing cupboard or on a radiator then slip them underneath your duvet.
Want to stop drafts creeping in under doors? Simply slide a piece of foam pipe insulation beneath them.
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Even double glazed windows lose heat. Line your current curtains by placing old shower sheets behind them, which should help prevent condensation. If you really want to block out the cold, place quilts in front of the window. Keep them up using Velcro on the frames – they could be too heavy for the curtain rail.
Don’t have double glazing? Spray a fine mist of water on your windows then carefully press bubble wrap against them. Or attach clear film to the panes using double-sided tape then fix it in place with a blast of heat from a hairdryer.
Alternatively, close your curtains during the night and open them when the sun shines – it will make a difference.
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Place a layer of tin foil between radiators and walls. It helps reflect the heat back into the room, increasing the radiator’s output while also preventing warmth seeping into the masonry.
Cut out felt pieces and put them in your shoes or slippers to avoid your toes turning blue.
To stop your feet getting drenched by rain, rub clear candle wax on the shoe surface, then blast it with a hairdryer until it melts to create a waterproof layer.
Avoid cracked skin by wearing cotton gloves over your hands after you moisturise them. Warm showers and plenty of hot water will also help.
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Cover your car windscreen wipers with socks to avoid them sticking overnight. Take them off in the morning – the ice or snow will fall away.
Prevent your windscreen fogging by filling a sock with clay and placing it on the dashboard to absorb moisture. Spray the exterior of the glass with three parts vinegar and one part water to keep ice from forming.
Unfreeze locks on garden sheds by squirting them with hand sanitiser.
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Don’t let ice cover paths. Place a teaspoon of washing-up liquid and one tablespoon of rubbing alcohol into one-and-a-half gallons of water then pour it over the walkway.
When it is as cold as a fridge outside, put a mini refrigerator in the garden without plugging it in to keep food and drinks cool while saving energy.
If you have an open fire, orange peel will help get the flames going thanks to the oil in the skin.
Mice seek heat at this time of year. Using a caulk gun, seal any gaps .
Council home so cold kids forced to huddle in bed together to stay warm as parents blast ‘it’s like living in a shed’
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