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UK households are being urged to put bedsheets in windows around their home this Friday as temperatures are forecast to hit 24C in some parts of the country.

Warm, dry and sunny weather is on the cards for much of the UK as the working week draws to a close, with the Met Office forecasting above average temperatures across much of England and eastern Scotland. While the glorious weather is ideal for soaking up some rays outdoors, it unfortunately has the knock-on effect of making our homes feel uncomfortably warm. Homes in the UK are largely designed to trap warmth due to the moderate climate, so cooling rooms down is a tricky business unless you have the luxury of air conditioning.

But for most, air conditioning isn't an option which means cheaper, and more inventive, solutions are the go-to instead.

One DIY trick that can effectively keep your house cool at no added cost is simply hanging a wet bed sheet in front of an open window.

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The sheet only needs to be damp, not dripping wet, and works by drawing in heat from the surrounding air as the water evaporates, which then lowers the overall temperature of the room.

In its advice on cooling your home in warm weather, British Gas said: "Hanging a wet sheet in front of an open window cools the warm air as it enters your home and is a great way to cool down your home without a fan.

"While fans aren't the most expensive appliance to run, using one is still likely to impact your fuel bills - but there are some things you can do to get the most out of the energy you're paying for."

While it is better to keep windows closed when the weather is warm to prevent warm air entering your home, the cooling effect of a damp sheet and a breeze can make breaking that rule for a short period worth it.

In its low-cost tips for cooling down a room, radiator and heating specialists Best Heating said: "It is better to keep the windows closed during hot days but hear us out.

"If you open a window and hang a damp towel or sheet in front of it that has been soaked in cold water it can cool the room down.

"This is because the warm air will have to pass through the sheet and turn it into cold air before it enters the room. Try draping the sheet over the curtain rail or hooking the towel on a hanger on the window handle."

The optimal place to hang a sheet is in front of an open window as it will catch the breeze and speed up the cooling effect, but you can try hanging sheets in open doorways too.

While it might be a bit of a faff to set up, it's a free and simple method that can effectively cool down your home without the need of fans or expensive air conditioning.

Hanging a bed sheet in front of windows can also act as a temporary blind to help keep sun out of your home during the day, but of course, where you have curtains and blinds in place, aim to keep these closed during the hottest part of the day and the open them later in the evening to allow colder air to flow through.

Best Heating adds: "Try to keep the windows and curtains or blinds closed in the summer to keep the cooler air inside. Blocking out the sun will help cool down a hot room quickly.

"If you really prefer having the windows open, the best time to do it is early morning and late at night when the sun isn't as hot."