Few posts ago, I wrote about the Malaysiaraya's hot weather. Hotter than C4 that was used to blow Altantuya (God bless her soul).
Then it was reported in The Star daily that the dry spell could possibly continue until May (
or even past May if the past years' dry spell is anything to go by).
So I would like to share some tips to help you cool down in the house or while outdoors:
(1) Close all windows and doors. Keep the cool air inside, don't let it out. Always close all curtains too. You don't want direct sunlight getting inside the house, especially the morning sun. Get a thicker, light color curtains if possible.
(2) The other cheap alternative is to buy sun shades for car (
the one that you can see through it). Buy a few and then put them up on the window panels, especially those facing direct sunlight. You could also use the metallic silver sun shades but those don't really work well.
(3) If you have potted plants, always put them under shaded areas during the drought season.
Pity la a bit can? They also could feel the heat leh. Line them right outside your door, creating a barrier between the door and the hot uncovered area of the house (for example: your parking area). Water plants only before 7am and after sun down.
(4) Do laundry in the morning. If you are using a washing machine, do not use the dryspin feature! Ideally, the clothes should still be wet and dripping. Hang clothes on hangers over a rope in front of your main door for drying. It is better if you have one of those pop-up clothes hanger that you could move around as you please. The hot air will dry clothes even if it's not directly under the sun. Although a little slow in the drying process, that's what you actually want.
(5) If you're living in a landed property: water used for the laundry can be placed at the front door, usually the porch. When it becomes too hot during the midday, scoop some and pour on the cemented floor that is hit directly by sunlight. It will dissipate the heat from the ground though only for awhile.
(6) It is better to buy a big stand fan (or two) and set it to the lowest setting instead of using the overhead fan. I always find the overhead fan does nothing during really hot days and especially if it's not been cleaned for awhile.
(7) Get a hair towel soaked and then squeeze the water out till it's not drippy. Place it around your neck. This is the fastest way to cool down.
(8) The second fastest way to cool down is to pour water on your feet. If you like, soak it for 2 minutes or so.
(9) Drink lots of fluid. Preferably water, but not necessarily if you don't like the taste of it.
(11) Buy good-grade UV-umbrella or a cap. You will find that wearing a cap under the scorching sun traps the heat but you can always take off your hat for awhile to release it and it cools down much faster too.
(12) Contrary to what most people think, wearing a long-sleeve thin jacket (cotton is good) under the sun is actually better than wearing plain tshirt or short sleeve. If you don't, you will definitely feel the sting on the bare skin. Once under a cool shade or airconditioned area, quickly take off your jacket to let out the trapped air and then put the jacket back on.
(13) For drivers: If you parked outdoor under the sun, first open the back doors followed by the front doors to let out the trapped hot air. It will be much cooler once you get in.
(14) If you're working on a laptop in a non-airconditioned space, get a USB Mini fan that you can plug in and point at the keyboard where it is hottest. It will help cool your fingers and your keyboard. Also get the other type of USB fan that goes under the laptop.
