These 10 Tips Will Help You Survive The Texas Heat

With These simple Texas DIY Cooling Hacks, you will be able to beat the brutal Texas heat.

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When Texas temperatures start cooking, it can feel like your air conditioner is waving the white flag. But don’t sweat it, literally. These budget-friendly, homemade tips might just be the cool-down tricks you didn’t know you needed. I’ve used many of them myself, and trust me, they work.

Want to Survive the Brutal Texas Heat? Check Out These

1. Milk Jugs and Fans = DIY A/C
   Take empty plastic milk jugs, fill them with water, and freeze them solid (keep the caps on tight). Once frozen, place two or three around a box or table fan. As they melt, the air blowing over them gives off a refreshing chill—almost like the A/C is trying to make a comeback. Pro tip: lay a towel under them to catch the “sweat.”
2. The Hot Shower Trick That Cools You Down
   It sounds backward, but hear me out: taking a hot shower can actually help cool your body. After heating up in the shower, your body starts working hard to cool itself once you step out. The reverse, taking a cold shower, can make your body generate more heat to compensate. Bonus tip: Wet your hair and leave it damp. Skip the blow dryer.
3. Ice-Cold Wristbands from Old Tube Socks
   Soak wristbands in an ice-water bowl and wear them. The veins near your wrists help regulate body temperature, and this trick works fast. No wristbands? Cut 2–4 inch strips from the tops of old tube socks. Boom, instant cooling cuffs.
4. Drink Water the Right Way
   While ice-cold water may feel good, it forces your body to work harder to warm it up internally. Instead, sip room temperature or slightly warm water. It helps your body stay cooler from the inside out.
5. Dress Smart to Stay Cool
   Choose light, loose-fitting clothing made from breathable fabrics. Cotton might be natural, but it tends to hold in heat. Try blends or moisture-wicking materials for better relief in this West Texas heat.
6. Chill Your Bedding (Literally)
   Have some space in your fridge or freezer? Stash your linen sheets (not cotton) inside for 15–30 minutes before bedtime. Cool sheets can make a world of difference when trying to sleep comfortably without cranking the A/C
7. Eat Spicy Foods to Trigger Cool-Down
   Yes, spicy food can cool you down! Eating something like a taco with hot sauce causes your body to sweat, which in turn cools you off. Just go easy if you’re sensitive to spice.
8. Cold Damp Clothes Before Bed
   Right before bedtime, slip into a damp (not dripping) t-shirt and shorts. The evaporation helps cool your body, especially if the fabric is light and not heavy cotton.
9. Know Where to Cool Off for Free
   If your home is just too hot, head to an air-conditioned building. Local spots include churches, grocery stores, movie theaters, libraries, and malls. I personally like to people-watch at the mall while enjoying something ice-cold to sip on.
10. Use Fans to Push Hot Air Out
    Besides placing ice-filled jugs around your fans, you can also use one box fan in an opposite room facing outward in a window. That will help pull the hot air out of your home, giving you a better airflow throughout the house.

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Check On Others and Don’t Forget the Pets

One of the most important things you can do this summer is check on others, especially the elderly, friends, and neighbors who may be struggling with the heat.

And please, don’t forget your pets. Leaving cats and dogs outside in triple-digit heat is dangerous. They’re wearing fur coats and walking on surfaces hotter than frying pans. If it’s too hot for you to walk barefoot, it’s too hot for their paws too.

Final Thoughts: Stay Cool, Stay Safe, Stay Hydrated

Texas summers are no joke. Stay smart, stay hydrated, and look out for others. A few simple tricks can make a huge difference. From milk jug fans to spicy tacos, these DIY ideas might just help you beat the heat without breaking the bank.