Long summer days spent in the garden are here and on the horizon for the foreseeable future. But once the sun sets, you’ll still want to illuminate your outdoor space and create a cosy, magical atmosphere. And the IKEA SOLVINDEN solar lantern is the perfect tool for that – as not only is it stylish, it’s also selling for just £11 a pop.

Both modern and chic, as well as whimsical garden lighting ideas have been all the rage this season since lighting’s not only functional but also an easy way to elevate an outdoor space, much like it does inside your home. And somehow, the IKEA SOLVINDEN outdoor lantern manages to be both modern and chic while being whimsical, too.

The lantern shape references fairytale-like Japanese garden lighting ideas. But as with most of its designs, the Swedish retailer put a fun and contemporary twist on the classic by streamlining the shape and giving it a more sculptural look, finished with a pistachio green colourway.

The lantern runs on solar energy, which means it charges during the day when the sun is out and then utilises the power once the dark sets in and turns it into light. It’s part of a wider IKEA SOLVINDEN outdoor lighting range which also includes popular designs like the SOLVINDEN lamp stand and the LED decoration lighting in a range of colours and sizes.

But the lantern is currently beating both in terms of popularity as it’s the sixth bestselling outdoor lighting design from IKEA. And existing customers are already obsessed with it.

One reviewer wrote, ‘Great quality! The solar panel stores energy perfectly, so the lamp stays lit late into the night. It’s ideal for placing the lamp on a windowsill or a patio table.’

Meanwhile, another customer pointed out that the lamp can even withstand light rain. ‘Very nice, it illuminates well and has always worked even when wet. I love it.’

But if you like the idea of outdoor solar lanterns but are not 100% sold on the IKEA style, I’ve found a few alternatives that are just as chic.

Stylish solar lantern alternatives

Are you going to add a solar lantern light to your garden this season?

Given that the weather has felt positively Mediterranean this past week, it feels rather fitting that Aldi has a new affordable range of citrus trees up for grabs in-store this week.

If the most recent heatwave has left you inspired to try out a few Mediterranean garden ideas, let me tell you, it wouldn’t be complete without a lemon or lime tree.

Retailing for £19.99 per plant, Aldi’s citrus trees are on sale right now and are a pretty good deal if you want to add one of the trending plants to your garden. So, if you’re looking to add some of the best fruit trees to your garden, I suggest you run, not walk. Here’s everything you need to know.

If you’ve been dreaming of growing a lemon tree and giving your garden the essence of an Italian Summer, let Aldi’s £19.99 citrus tree be your starting point.

Choose from a classic lemon tree, Calamondin (also known as Philippine lime) and Limequat (a hybrid of key lime and kumquat).

The trees come in a 21cm pot. At this size, the plants are large enough to add impact to your garden ideas in their first year. However, lemon trees are typically better suited to growing indoors in the UK. But with the recent bursts of hot weather, they can be moved outside to frame your patio.

It is a good idea to grow your citrus tree in pots, so it can be moved indoors or into a greenhouse when the temperatures plummet during winter.

I’d also take the opportunity to invest in a terracotta pot to really nail the Mediterranean aesthetic. Not only will this look miles better than the standard plastic pot they’re sold in, but I’ve found a 21L terracotta pot for just £12 at B&Q.

To keep your citrus tree happy, you should water it freely during the summer months, and you should feed it once a month using a good quality plant feed. I’ve found the Zopper Citrus Feed on sale at Amazon for £9.99. It typically takes a year for a citrus tree to establish, but by next summer, you should be able to enjoy your own fresh home-grown fruit.

Alternatively, here are a few more citrus trees I’ve found for an affordable price online.

If you want an affordable citrus tree, head to your local Aldi while stocks last.

Thousands of homes in England and Wales will be eligible to receive a £9,000 grant to switch to a heat pump this summer, the Government has announced. This is an increase from the previous £7,500 grant that was available to help homes switch from fossil fuel buringing boilers.

Heat pumps are becoming a more popular heating choice due to the fact that they’re a more energy-efficient choice compared to a standard gas boiler, with lower running costs. They’re already hugely popular in countries with colder climates such as Norway, Finland and Sweden.

Heat pumps are powered by electricity rather than fossil fuels such as oil or gas, and this latest increase in the government's boiler upgrade scheme funding is to help rural households in England and Wales make the move to a heat pump and protect them from fossil fuel spikes. Here’s everything you need to know.

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant

On 26 June, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero announced that from 21 July, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant is increasing by 20%, from £7,500 to £9,000, to help rural households switch from heating oil to heat pumps.

The Government says this grant will electrify families’ heating, meaning they are protected from future fossil price spikes and providing greater certainty over energy bills. If the latest Price Cap Announcement has left you worried about your energy bills, investing in a heat pump can be a smart choice if you’re looking to make your home more energy efficient and save money in the long run.

Leaflets about the scheme will be posted to 200,00 eligible households across England and Wales this week (week commencing 29 June), providing more information on how to claim the extra funding. You can also check your eligibility via the Gov.uk website, on the Apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme page.

‘This government is determined to bring down energy bills, but I know the war in the Middle East has hit households on heating oil especially hard,’ said Minister for Energy Consumers Martin McCluskey.

‘We have already taken action to support these households through confirming over £50 million in support for vulnerable customers on heating oil.

‘Now, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme will help thousands of families across England and Wales switch to clean heat to protect them from volatile fossil fuels.’

‘The Boiler Upgrade Scheme continues to play a vital role in supporting households to adopt heat pumps, and this £1,500 uplift will make the transition significantly more affordable for the thousands of oil-heated homes,' says Charlotte Lee, CEO, Heat Pump Association UK.

‘Many of these households have faced considerable price uncertainty in recent months, without the protection of the energy price cap, and this £9,000 grant will help shield families from volatile fossil fuel costs, by using home-grown electricity, in the years ahead.’

If you’ve been considering installing a heat pump, you should check to see if you’re eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. They are an expensive investment, costing £12,500 on average according to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme statistics. But the new increase in the grant available to certain households makes it a more affordable and accessible option.

As one of Ideal Home’s favourite brands, and winner of the Living Room Retailer of the Year in the 2026 Ideal Home Awards, it makes perfect sense for us to collaborate with Furniture Village and launch our very own style-forward range of sofas.

We wanted to create a truly versatile collection, with a sofa to suit any style of interior, from modern country retreats to smart new-builds and everything in between. Style credentials were an all-important factor when developing the range, but that doesn’t mean sacrificing longevity and practicality. All four of the designs in our newly-launched collection are built to last – just as you’d expect from the commitment to quality that Furniture Village is so well-known for. We’re excited to finally reveal the four designs, now available in-store and online.

Channel a contemporary edge: Gemini

First up we have Gemini, our quiet luxe showstopper. With its clean lines and modern silhouette, this sofa also boasts a smart feature to take comfort to the next level. At the touch of a button Gemini’s soft and inviting seats glide out to extend the seat depth and create the ultimate lounging spot.

Style it with...

Celebrate classic form: Cotswold

Bringing luxury country-house vibes, the Cotswold sofa takes a country aesthetic and elevates it, thanks to design details like the buttoned scroll arms and turned wood legs. It will instantly add elegance to any room, and comes with coordinating scatter cushions plus a matching snuggler, armchair and footstool, which means you can create the perfect combination to suit your space.

Style it with...

Go for glam: Sienna

Designed to inject contemporary glamour into a room, the Sienna has a refined design that features a higher back and curved arms for an effortlessly sophisticated look.

There’s a huge range of upholstery options to choose from – we love bold shades like the deep blue of Hudson Ocean for a touch of understated drama and decadence, especially when you match it to your walls for a colour-drenched space. For more pared-back schemes, there are gorgeously rich neutrals, such as Hudson Mink or Bella Barley White.

Style it with...

Choose timeless style: Brondby

Versatile and hard-working, the Brondby combines smart, good looks with hard-wearing upholstery options, and a compact design that makes it the ideal solution for smaller spaces. With two corner options, two- and three-seater designs and a footstool that doubles as storage, the Brondby works hard to help you make the most of every inch. This sofa range has been designed with real homes in mind, balancing style and practicality to create beautiful furniture for everyday moments.

Style it with...

Check out the full Ideal Home collection at Furniture Village. Which is your favourite?

If you’re hosting guests this summer, a comfortable sofa bed is a must-have to ensure happy, relaxed guests and right now, IKEA’s stylish LANDSKRONA sofa bed is £500 off.

IKEA is holding one of its biggest-ever summer sales, slashing prices on up to 500 outdoor and home essentials. But it is the inclusion of some of the best sofa beds that caught our eye. While sofa beds can be high-ticket items, they are an essential if you’re a household that frequently hosts.

So, if you’ve been looking to upgrade your guest bedroom ideas, it may be wise to make the most of the IKEA summer sale. Here’s everything you need to know about the LANDSKRONA sofa bed.

Having spotted the LANDSKRONA Sofa Bed was reduced from £1,199 to £699, I immediately spoke to Ideal Home’s Sleep Editor and sofa bed expert Amy Lockwood to see if this was a good deal. Having tested countless IKEA sofa beds, she’s found the Swedish brand produces sofa beds that offer a great mix of style, comfort, and affordability.

'Having spent the past five years testing some of the best sofa beds on the market, I've found that IKEA sofa beds are always great value for money. The fact that this sofa bed offers a double sleeping area - so it can sleep two guests at a time comfortably - and it has hidden storage makes it a great buy in my book,’ she told me.

The LANDSKRONA 3-seater sofa bed is made with thick grain leather on the exposed surfaces and treated fabric elsewhere. The hidden storage Amy mentions is underneath the seat, and is perfect for storing extra bed linen, duvets and pillows when not in use.

IKEA states the sofa is firm and comfortable to sit on, while its built-in slats enhance sleeping comfort once pulled out. The sofa bed comes with a 10-year guarantee, and you have to buy the legs separately.

This is not the only IKEA sofa bed to catch our attention. The recent PS collection £550 sofa bed nailed its brief of ‘playful functionality’, serving up an effortlessly stylish design. Alternatively, the Habitat Kota Sofa Bed is an affordable, yet stylish design home editors love, with Amy even going as far as to say: ‘it's hard to find a better value three-seater sofa bed than the Kota.’

IKEA Summer Sale is running until Sunday, 12 July, so don't hesitate to snag a great deal now. Alternatively, I’ve rounded up a few more stylish sofa beds for under £500 you can shop online.

IKEA sofa beds are a great value for money, even when not on sale. If you’re looking for a bed that will house extra guests and look good, too (without costing a bomb), the LANDSKRONA is a great choice.

If you’ve spent the past week seeking shade, I can assure you that your garden plants have been, too. To protect plants from sun damage in hot weather, garden experts have revealed four ways to shade plants that can’t be moved during hot weather.

If the most recent heatwave has played havoc with your garden borders, leaving bedded plants crispy, yellow and lacking leaves, then it’s a wise idea to learn how to shade plants in hot weather, especially when you consider meteorologists have warned extreme heat is becoming more frequent.

If you’re growing hydrangeas, maples or even courgettes and tomatoes, here are four ways to keep them shaded and safe when the mercury spikes.

1. Use shade fabric

The first thing experts recommend doing is using shade fabric - such as a piece of cloth, bedsheets or specialist shade netting (£7.40, Amazon) - and staking it over the plants you want to shade.

‘One of the easiest and most effective ways to protect delicate plants is by placing stakes around them and attaching garden netting or shade cloth. This creates a protective barrier that reduces the intensity of direct sunlight while still allowing plenty of air to circulate the plant. Unlike solid covers, netting helps prevent heat from becoming trapped, making it an ideal temporary solution during heatwaves,’ explains Amber Tunney, Horticultural Specialist at Cherry Lane Garden Centres.

‘Garden netting or purpose-made shade netting is one of the most practical ways to shield plants from excessive heat. It's lightweight, simple to install and remove, reusable throughout the growing season and allows both airflow and filtered sunlight to reach plants. This balance helps protect vulnerable plants without depriving them of the light they still need to grow.’

2. Mulch

Ah mulch. We wax lyrical about mulching a garden because there are really so many benefits, especially when using our favourite Rocketgro Organic Mulch, £15 at Amazon. As well as improving soil quality, suppressing weeds and providing insulation in winter, mulch also acts as a layer of suncream for a plant’s roots in hot weather.

‘The best way to protect plant roots in the heat is to apply mulch to the surface of the soil, which can be done for plants growing in large containers, raised beds, beds and garden borders where plants can’t be moved,’ says Lucie Bradley, gardens and greenhouse expert at Easy Garden Irrigation.

‘Ideally, you need to apply a thick layer of organic mulch between 5 and 8cm deep, remembering to leave a small gap between the mulch and plant stems, tree trunks, etc., as placing mulch against these could cause dampness, which encourages pests and diseases. This depth of organic mulch will not only insulate the soil from the sun, but it will also help to reduce moisture loss and can actually reduce the root zone temperatures by up to 10 degrees Celsius during the hottest times of the day.

‘Some of the best mulches to use include well-rooted garden compost or manure, composted bark or wood chips or mineralised straw mulch such as ‘Strulch’.’

3. Use a parasol

Another garden shade idea that works effectively at shading plants is using a garden parasol or awning to shade your unmovable plants.

‘For particularly vulnerable plants, positioning a garden parasol or creating a lightweight canopy over them can make a significant difference. Providing shade during the hottest hours, typically between late morning and mid-afternoon, helps prevent plants from becoming stressed while still allowing them to benefit from the gentler morning and evening sunshine,’ says Amber.

4. Let taller plants provide natural protection

With extreme heat predicted to become more common in the UK, it could be a wise idea to consider your future planting schemes so your most vulnerable plants are protected by taller, sun-tolerant plants.

'If possible, use taller companion plants to cast shade over smaller, more delicate varieties. This natural layering helps lower leaf temperatures and reduces water loss through transpiration, while also protecting foliage from scorching. It’s a simple technique that works particularly well in mixed borders and vegetable gardens,’ says Amber.

What you need

When it comes to protecting your plants from hot weather, prevention is always better than cure. So, next time the temperature is set to spike, provide shade to your plants quickly, and they should survive the heatwave.

Who wouldn’t want to turn their garden into a whimsical space straight out of a fairytale?! That’s exactly what adding mushroom solar garden lights, the latest garden lighting trend, to your outdoor space will do. And the best part is how affordable they are, with prices starting at just £8!

Adding whimsy to both interiors and outdoor spaces has been a major trend this year – and garden lighting ideas are the perfect way to do that as we’ve seen with the likes of Nigella Lawson creating magical garden lighting set-ups. Paired with the ever-popular mushroom motif, you have a match made in whimsical heaven.

The mushroom microtrend has grown in popularity over the last couple of years, taking over interiors at Christmas and becoming a hugely popular garden trend too. While you can add little metal mushroom stakes to your garden or even grow your own sculptural mushrooms, these little lights are one of the best ways I've seen this motif displayed in the garden. It feels very Alice in Wonderland without being gimmicky.

I have spotted mushroom garden lights all over the high street, but Habitat and Lights4Fun have my favourite models that are both solar powered. Each set has a little solar panel that comes attached to the lights, so you can just leave the lights to do their own thing, and they’ll automatically glow in the dark once the sun sets.

One reviewer of the popular Habitat mini mushroom solar stake lights, selling for £10 at Argos, wrote, ‘I bought these lights to go round our new pond. The effect at nighttime is lovely as the lights are reflected in the water. This is my third set of lights and all are still working perfectly. Two sets are now over 3 years old and left out all year round.’

Another customer that purchased the Lights4fun mini mushroom solar stake lights, currently on sale for £7.99, wrote, ‘These little solar lights are perfect. They give a soft white light and I have grouped them around large potted trees on the patio near the house. A real talking point!’

However, they're not the only retailers selling these charming decorative lights. Here are my top picks to add some magical flair to your plant pots and borders.

My top picks

Whether you place these mushroom solar lights along your fence, in your borders or by a pond, they are sure to make your outdoor space look like an enchanting garden that’s out of this world. The only question left to answer is, which one of these mushroom lights will you be adding to basket?

Experts have revealed the five household appliances to switch off during a heatwave to help your home stay cool and save money on your energy bills,

If you’ve been wondering whether you should switch off appliances during summer, the answer is yes, you should. Not only do vampire devices cause your bills to add up, but many appliances emit excess heat, which is never a good thing in periods of hot weather.

Turning off household appliances you’re not using is a great, free way to cool your home. These are the five the experts say to turn off now.

1. Countertop appliances

While the best air fryers, microwaves, blenders and perhaps the viral Ninja Creami (£199.99 at Amazon), considering the weather, are great appliances to have on your countertops, they do produce unnecessary heat if not unplugged.

‘The kitchen can easily become the hottest room in the house, especially when cooking or with larger appliances such as washing machines or dishwashers running. This can become unbearable during heatwaves, so there are some small steps you can take to help reduce room temperature,’ says appliance expert at AO.com, Katie Lillywhite.

'Start with smaller worktop appliances, like microwaves, kettles, toasters and coffee machines. Some more modern varieties feature digital displays which can generate more heat alongside internal components. Switching them off at the outlet when they’re not in use can keep the space cooler.

2. Tumple dryers

You should also be avoiding your tumble dryer and drying clothes outside where possible. If you have a small garden or balcony, Argos Home’s £11 retractable line is great for small spaces.

‘Tumble dryers are among the greatest sources of indoor heat generated in UK households. Using tumble dryers produces a lot of warm air in the immediate environment, quickly making utility rooms, kitchens, and adjacent rooms very warm in no time,’ says Max Wilson, co-founder at Pocket Storage.

‘During times of heatwaves, it is worthwhile to make use of the weather and dry clothes outside whenever possible. It not only keeps your house cooler, but it also cuts back on your expenses.’

3. Standby electronics

Another big culprit for excessive heat is standby electronics. From TVs to game consoles, these all emit extra heat you don’t need during a heatwave.

‘Many people underestimate how much heat everyday electronics generate, even in standby mode. Smart TV’s, games consoles and streaming boxes continually draw power and release low-level heat which can subtly raise room temperature when combined with other appliances,’ says Katie.

‘Try to keep them unplugged when not in use on hot days, as this will not only cut energy consumption but also reduce heat that can make a room feel stuffy.’

4. Chargers and adapters

During the most recent heatwave, I was kind of worried my phone was about to explode whilst charging. It is an old model, but I couldn’t believe the heat coming off it - and experts say you should avoid leaving them plugged in when you don’t need them.

‘Mobile phone chargers, laptop chargers and adapters tend to remain connected to the wall socket at all times. If you've ever picked up an adapter that wasn't in use, only to find out that it was still hot to the touch, it's because it was still using some electricity,’ says Max.

‘As insignificant as the effect is by itself, their cumulative effects lead to energy wastage and generate unwanted heat. Unplugging them would be one way of saving some energy.’

5. Lights

Lastly, your lighting can be generating excess heat and wasting lighting. While layered lighting might be a popular lighting trend, ask yourself if you really need it during hot weather.

‘Lighting is something that is often overlooked as a means of generating unnecessary heat. Older bulbs, in particular, can give off a lot more heat when compared to LED alternatives. Be sure to keep lights switched off as much as possible throughout the day and consider swapping incandescent or halogen bulbs for LEDs,’ says Katie.

If you want to stay cool and save money, make sure you keep these appliances switched off when not in use.

Here’s something I didn’t expect to see on my TikTok feed this week: an electric toothbrush being used on a tomato plant.

That's right – gardeners are now using electric toothbrushes to vibrate the flowers on their tomato plants. I first saw the trick on @farmhouseinthefield's TikTok video. It’s said to encourage the plants to produce more tomatoes – so if, like me, you’re growing your own tomatoes, you’re probably wondering whether this trick can actually produce a bumper crop.

I asked the experts whether an electric toothbrush can really make a tomato plant produce more tomatoes. There's more credit to the idea than you'd think!

I asked pro gardeners to share some of the lessons they learned about growing tomatoes recently, and ‘vibrate the plants with an electric toothbrush’ wasn’t on the list.

It’s curious, then, that gardeners are now shouting about the trick on social media. In a nutshell, they’re holding an electric toothbrush (sometimes wrapped in a plastic bag) against the stems of their tomato plants so that the plants vibrate, too.

‘I believe the toothbrush trick is designed to mimic what's known as buzz pollination – the vibration that bumblebees create when they land on flowers,’ says horticulture expert and The Plant Pod host Ross Dyke.

‘Tomatoes are self-pollinating, but they still need their pollen to be shaken loose and transferred within the flower. Outdoors, wind and insects usually take care of this, but in greenhouses or more sheltered conditions, an electric toothbrush can provide the gentle vibration needed to improve pollination. It won't encourage the plant to produce more flowers, but it can help more of those flowers develop into tomatoes.’

So, it isn’t a case of making the plant flower more – it’s more about making the most of the flowers that are already there and, crucially, encouraging them to turn into tomatoes.

‘To do this effectively, turn the toothbrush to its highest setting, and gently press the non-bristle side of the head or the base of the brush against the stem behind a flower,’ says Richard Barker, horticultural expert and commercial director of LBS Horticulture. ‘You should see a small cloud of pollen puff out from the flower. Do this every few days as new flowers open on the plant.’

There are more reliable ways you can encourage a tomato plant to produce more flowers and tomatoes, though. Pinching out tomato side shoots is one of them, but it’s also a good idea to feed them this month.

‘Focusing on plant health and nutrition is likely to deliver far greater results than reaching for an electric toothbrush,’ Ross says. ‘My go-to product is Maximato from Envii, which has been specifically developed for tomatoes and provides the nutrients and beneficial microbes needed to support strong growth, abundant flowering and healthy fruit development.'

Ross also cites plenty of sunshine and consistent watering as key stepping stones to plenty of harvests (especially if you're growing tomatoes in hanging baskets or pots).

Tomato growing essentials

If you're growing tomatoes in a greenhouse, the electric toothbrush trick is a brilliant way to keep them pollinated (and more tomatoes!).

Ninja's most stylish colourway, Stone Gold, is having a serious moment right now with the extension of the sellout colour across a huge range of bestselling products. From the Swirl to compact, small-kitchen friendly best Ninja air fryers, the kitchen giant has really outdone itself with this effortlessly luxurious shade.

First released this time last year, this gorgeous neutral shade went seriously viral on TikTok. I was watching out for more stock of the Ninja Dual Zone in this exact colour for months and months until it finally reappeared in October.

If you were one of the lucky few who picked up that stylish colour way back then, or if you just love the look of the range now, then you can finally shop Ninja's other bestsellers in it too, including brand new products thanks to these exclusives that debuted just for Amazon Prime Day. Here's a look at what's available.

Since working on Ideal Home, I've seen Ninja release many special-edition colours to coincide with Prime Day and Black Friday. The most memorable include the range with copper accents which is now a permanent fixture on Amazon due to its popularity.

There's even more colour choice on offer for Ninja's most fun kitchen buys – notably the Slushi and the Creami, which got a pastel make over last year as well as two-tone options inspired by frozen drinks and desserts.

It's not clear yet whether this beige colour will become a permanent addition to Ninja's colourway line up or whether it's only available during Amazon's sales events so if this is the shade for you, I'd recommend snapping it up fast!

Usually, a living room is the best place in the home to engage in some leisure time. But with the June heatwave having reached almost unbearable temperatures this week, if your living room is hot and stuffy, I can imagine you’re avoiding it. However, experts have revealed five tips to cool your living room without air conditioning, so you can enjoy it all summer long.

Sadly, the best portable air conditioners are selling out fast, and while air coolers make an excellent alternative, it’s a good idea to learn some handy tips to cool a home without relying on an AC unit.

So, I reached out to the experts to find out how to turn your living room ideas into a cooler space during a heatwave. This is what they said.

1. Check your furniture placement

First things first, you should consider where your sofa and bulky furniture items, such as armchairs, are positioned in your living room. Because a lesser-known furniture trick is that by moving your furniture away from walls and windows, you can improve airflow, which contributes to cooling.

‘One of the biggest mistakes I see is placing large furniture directly in front of windows or too close to natural light sources,' Ellie Brown, Interior Designer at Oak&More, explains.

‘Natural light is important, but so is airflow. During warmer weather, blocking the movement of air around windows can make rooms feel noticeably stuffier. Many homeowners place sofas directly in front of bay windows because it feels like the most practical use of space. But allowing light and air to move freely through the room often creates a much more comfortable environment.’

2. Turn off appliances

‘Obviously, we've all still got households to run during a heatwave, but appliances like tumble dryers, dishwashers, ovens and even gaming PCs generate extra heat, which can really add up, especially in smaller homes or flats,’ says Angus Struthers, Managing Director at BOXT.

‘It's worth avoiding these kinds of heat-producing appliances during the hottest part of the afternoon, especially in smaller homes or flats where heat builds up quickly.’

In a living room, there are plenty of appliances that can cause excess heat in your home. From TVs to stereo systems, consoles, smart home devices, and even lighting. To prevent overheating and save money on your energy bills, ensure all your living room appliances are unplugged when not in use.

3. Block the heat at the window

If you have a south-facing living room, you’ll probably already be aware of using thermal curtains and blinds to block out heat and sun glare. During a heatwave, it is a good idea to keep your curtains drawn during the hottest part of the day to keep heat out. Using blackout or thermal curtains does this job more effectively.

‘For me, this is always the first step: stop the heat getting in. I keep blinds or curtains closed on any windows getting direct sun during the day. Something like Duette blinds works really well because of the honeycomb design as it traps air and acts as an extra layer of insulation at the window, which helps keep rooms noticeably cooler,’ says Simon Browne, product expert at Luxaflex.

4. Consider fan placement

Even if you have one of the best fans at your disposal, if you position it wrong, all you will do is blow hot air around your living room.

‘With hotter days, many households also rely more heavily on fans. While fans are far cheaper to run than air conditioning, their placement still matters. A fan placed near an open window during the hottest part of the day can actually pull warm air inside, making the room feel hotter. Positioning fans to circulate cooler air in the evening or directing airflow across your body rather than the whole room can keep you comfortable without unnecessary energy use,’ says Stuart Middleton, consumer energy expert at So Energy.

You can also place a frozen bottle of water or a bowl of ice in front of your fan to create your own air conditioning effect. As the air is blown over the ice, it evaporates, cooling the air around it.

5. Check windows and doors are sealed properly

Lastly, if your living room is constantly getting too hot, despite your best efforts, you should check to see whether heat can enter through any window or door seals.

‘If a room never seems to stay cool, even after you’ve kept external windows and doors shut, it’s worth checking the actual windows and doors. Old windows, warped doors, failed seals, or poor glazing can all let warm air in. A well-fitted window or external door should help control the temperature indoors. If there are draughts in winter, there’s a good chance heat is getting in during summer too,’ says Darren Coates, windows, doors and roofing expert at SolarFrame.

Air conditioning alternatives

If you haven't been able to get your hands on a portable AC, these tips can help cool your living, making it a more comfortable area of the home this summer.

If you're planning on entertaining in the summer heat, then you might be wondering how you can incorporate some kind of cooling drink or dessert into your hosting plans. Right now at Costco, you can buy two Ninja bestsellers that would make it a lot easier: the Slushi (for £219.99, down from £299.99) and the Creami Swirl & Scoop (also £219.99, down from £349.99).

I've reviewed both of these viral buys, and I can confirm that they add such a fun element to having people over for drinks or dinner, with the chance for your guests to pour their own frozen drinks or create their own sweet treats for dessert.

Here's how you can get your hands on these products for these super low prices, as well as alternative places to shop if you don't want to sign up for a Costco membership.

I've seen plenty of Costco deals floating around online but I've never had one make me want to invest in a membership as much as these super-low Ninja prices. So I did some investigating into how you can acquire a membership and the requirements you need to meet.

There are two tiers to Costco membership that allows you in shop in their warehouses: Gold Star and Business. To qualify, you have to follow a pretty stringent list of requirements, which you can view on the Costco website.

If you, like me, don't qualify under any of these terms, then all is not lost. You can still purchase an all-online membership for £42 a year for which there is no entry requirements. It does mean you won't be able to see the inside of an actual Costco store, however (another dream dashed for me).

But you will be able to take advantage of these sensational Ninja prices and shop a huge variety of other Costco products across the year, too.

If you'd rather not add another subscription onto your plate, then that's understandable. Right now, there's a host of places you can find top-rated Ninja products on sale thanks to Amazon Prime Day, which is running until midnight on the 26th of June, as well as counter sales from rival retailers slashing their prices.

I'd strongly recommend checking out the sales ongoing at Ninja itself, as well as John Lewis and Currys.

The Slushi and the Swirl are easily the two most fun appliances I've ever tested and they will provide endless summer entertainment if you decide to install one in your home.

And Costco membership or not, now's a great time to shop for something that can help you through the heatwave whilst also providing joy on the weekends!

Working, walking, eating, sleeping, being - it all felt rather impossible in this stifling heatwave. So, in a way to beat the heat, I’ve been trying the Alison Hammond-approved sock cooling hack, and it’s great for providing instant relief in hot weather.

I’m not one to usually complain about hot weather, but I’m not lying when I say my flat has felt like a furnace this week. It’s south-facing and stuffy, and I’ve been struggling to cool my home, even with the best cooling hacks at my fingertips.

Given that the best portable air conditioners are basically sold out everywhere, and my best fan is pretty much blowing hot air around my home, I’ve had to get creative. And that involves filling an old sock with rice and stuffing it in the freezer.

The rice and sock cooling hack

I’ve not lost my mind, I promise! But a sock filled with frozen rice has been a game-changer and is helping me stay cool this week. Simply pressing it to my wrists and neck has provided instant relief - especially when working from home.

I say it is Alison Hammond-approved because I first became aware of the hack when the presenter, who is a self-proclaimed genius at staying cool, revealed her trick during a segment on This Morning back in August 2020.

It is incredibly simple. You take a clean sock, fill it with rice and tie the end. Then pop it into your freezer for one to three hours. The result feels like an icy bean bag, which moulds easily to the contours of your body, providing instant relief.

This week, I’ve used the hack to keep me cool when working and when I’m trying to sleep. I’ve even taken to placing it on my pillow while I brush my teeth, so my pillow feels nice and cold when I lie down. Speaking to my mum, I found out she even uses this hack to help keep our elderly dog cool in hot weather.

The frozen rice is not harshly cold. Where putting an ice-pack straight to your skin can feel intense, offering a burning cold, the rice hack is far more subtle. It’s comfortable and cool from the get-go. It also feels completely dry, which surprised me. Unlike an ice pack, you don’t have to worry about water beading down your body or pooling around your home.

My main qualm is that the rice doesn’t stay as cool for as long as I’d like it to, and I find myself putting it back in the freezer around three times a day. Because of this, when payday rolls around, I will be treating myself to the Shark ChillPill (£129.99, Amazon) or the Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo Misting Fan (£149.99, Currys), which both offer hours of powerful cooling.

Having said that, I do think the rice hack is a great, practically free way to cool down, and is a great temporary solution if you don’t have any other cooling products to hand. However, if you plan on using this hack frequently, place your sock in a ziplock bag before putting it in the freezer to maintain good hygiene.

‘If you regularly put and take out the sock with wet rice in it from the freezer, you will eventually get mould, mildew, and a terrible musty odour in your drawers. In order to make this trick fully hygienic and prevent any moisture in your sheets, you have to place the rice-filled sock in a tightly closed Ziploc bag first before freezing it. The moisture becomes blocked off completely, making sure the rice remains perfectly dry,’ says Max Wilson, co-founder at Pocket Storage.

‘Finally, make sure the fabric is right. Only use socks made of pure, thick cotton. Synthetic materials, such as nylon or polyester, cannot tolerate cold temperatures and would lead to ice burns if placed directly on your skin.’

Shop cooling appliances:

As unconventional as a sock filled with frozen rice sounds, it has genuinely helped cool me down when temperatures have soared. I will be saving this trick for the next heatwave!

Let’s be honest: Dyson is kind of a big deal. This appliance brand has created products to tackle everything from our dirty floors to our wet, unstyled hair, but it’s also known for its impressive, high-quality fans and air purifiers. And the Dyson Find+Follow Purifier Cool (£549.99 at Dyson) is the latest model to be added to that lineup.

Merging one of the best air purifiers with the best fans, Dyson quietly dropped the Dyson Find+Follow last month. But with minimal marketing and the excitement of the handheld Dyson Hushjet Mini Cool Fan launch overshadowing it, it seems as though the Find+Follow hasn’t been given the attention it deserves. So, allow me to explain - especially as fans are in short supply right now.

On the surface, this air-purifying fan looks very similar to other Dyson models. But this new release is smarter than ever, and solves the biggest problem I have with fans. Namely, the fact that fans don’t account for the ‘pockets’ of hot air you have to deal with when you move around your house.

Dyson has designed this new purifying fan to automatically track your movements in a room, so it can ‘follow’ you and ensure the cooling, purified air is always pointing towards you.

And if you share your space with others, the air projection system will detect this and automatically adjust the oscillation up to 350° so that the same purified air is shared between you, as long as you’re not in a space larger than 27m².

When it notices that you’ve left the room, it will stop moving and wait for you to return. And if you don’t return within the hour, it’ll switch to Auto mode to maintain the room’s comfort and air quality. Of course, throughout it all, you also get the benefits of using an air purifier during a heatwave, which is a little-known hack to cope with rising temperatures.

And as someone who tests air purifying fans and believes they are wholeheartedly worth it, I’m lucky to have a few in my house right now - especially with temperatures soaring and my husband’s hay fever wreaking havoc on his entire being.

However, one problem I’ve always had with fans is that they’re quite restrictive to where you’re sitting or standing in that moment, considering they don’t actually cool a room in the same way portable air conditioners do. And while an oscillating fan is always better than a static fan, oscillation isn’t exactly accurate.

Instead, you just have to hope that the oscillating breeze catches you exactly where you are at the time, distributing the ‘wind chill’ they produce in a way that makes you feel cooler. If it doesn’t, you’re thrust back into a pocket of hot air that UK homes are known for during the hotter months. But that’s where the Find+Follow can help.

Naturally, you may have concerns associated with smart AI technology that uses a camera and 17-point user detection to ‘track’ you around your own house. But to quell one of the biggest concerns I had when I heard about this new appliance, Dyson has confirmed that it is cyber-safe.

The brand explains, ‘Dyson’s Find+Follow AI vision system never identifies anyone and only detects presence. Images are processed instantly within the machine, deleted and never leave the device.’ So, you don’t have to worry about any images or personal data being shared elsewhere.

Despite all of the perks and tech features, though, it’s hard to ignore that an appliance like this comes in at a premium price. At £549.99, it’s not cheap, and it is definitely possible to find an air purifying fan for a lot less.

But if you already think Dyson fans are worth it, and you love new technology, unlike anything you’ve ever seen, it could be an investment worth making. If not, here are some other air purifying fans I’d recommend.

What do you think of Dyson's new air purifying fan? Could it be your new heatwave hero?

This year, I’ve made the fateful mistake of waiting too long to purchase an air conditioner, and now that the best models have sold out, I’ve been scrambling for ways to achieve a similar cooling effect in my own - and this £5.44 Amazon Fan Mister Attachment is what I’ve settled on.

It’s my own fault, I know. As summers are becoming increasingly hot and muggy, the best portable air conditioners are ever increasing in popularity - so much so, this week we’ve been tracking the stock levels of portable air conditioners.

If you don’t have one of these appliances, or a refreshing misting fan to hand (such as the Shark FlexBreeze, £149.99, Currys), here’s how this affordable fan attachment from Amazon can help.

Now, this mister attachment won’t exactly turn your fan into an air conditioner, but it will mimic the feeling it provides. It’s essentially any easy way to complete the viral DIY air conditioner hack, which consists of putting a bowl of ice in front of a fan.

This popular cooling hack works because, as the fan blows air over the ice, it evaporates and cools the air, creating an air conditioning effect. While it certainly doesn’t have the power of an air conditioning unit, it will provide the same relief.

The Amazon misting fan attachment works in a similar way. Included, you get a case to hold your ice, and four containers, where you can add water and freeze. The case attaches to your fan via a hook, and cold air blows directly over the ice.

Amazon states it offers four to six hours of consistent cooling. It also says it has a ‘frostbite-proof’ handle, and it is double-sealed to prevent leaks. The attachment is suitable for use on round, square and mesh fans.

Now, this isn’t going to cool your bedroom or living room - it’s simply too small. But if you work from home, or are looking for some personal relief, it is great for attaching to a desk fan and cooling yourself down.

I’m also keen to mention that, obviously, electricity and water do not mix. If you plan to use a mister attachment on your fan, you need to ensure that you are attaching and detaching it when the fan is switched off and unplugged to prevent any potential shocks. If you do get water in your fan, it is advised that you don’t try to use it.

Alternatively, you can use a misting fan. These spray fine droplets of water to help cool you down, without making you or your home feel wet. Then the moisture droplets will create a wind chill effect on your skin as the fan blows against it. Here are a few misting fans that are in stock, and you can shop online.

If you haven’t got a portable air conditioner, will you be testing this mister attachment instead?

South East Water has issued a hosepipe ban as temperatures begin to spike, with households advised to limit their water usage.

The water company has put an official temporary use ban (TUB) or hosepipe ban on much of the Kent region, and has advised over areas served by the company - Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire and East and West Sussex - to pause all usage.

Coming into effect on 3 July - although South East Water is urging customers to adhere to the ban now - this TUB will affect over 850,000 customers. Here’s everything you need to know.

What we know about the housepipe ban

In a statement issued today (25 June), South East Water stated that demand for drinking water in South East Water’s Kent supply area has reached very high levels in June, driven by the most recent heatwave.

So, to ensure that the company can provide a consistent water service for its customers, it is moving to restrict the use of hoses and sprinklers with ‘immediate effect’. The hosepipe ban comes as some of its customers are currently facing water supply interruptions. Parts of Ashford, Headcorn and Whitstable in Kent have reported no water or low pressure this morning.

It was also revealed earlier this month that the water firm is wasting more than 100 million litres of water per day through leakages. The BBC has reported that this equates to around 500 million cups of tea every single day.

The company states its raw water levels (the water in its reservoirs) are in a good position following a wet winter. However, having experienced just 36% of normal rainfall from March to May and lacking the capacity to treat and pump water has prompted the ban.

‘We completely understand why everyone reaches for the hose when the weather gets this hot. It’s natural to want to enjoy our gardens and cool down, and we know how frustrating it is to hear that restrictions are coming into place,’ David Hinton, Chief Executive Officer, South East Water, said.

‘Our teams have worked incredibly hard to prepare for this summer, but the sheer scale of this sustained heatwave means drinking water is being drawn from our storage tanks faster than it can be treated and refilled. Our absolute priority has to be making sure there is always enough water for everyone’s essential daily needs—like hygiene, drinking and cooking—and that we protect our vulnerable customers.

‘To safeguard that shared supply and prevent any homes from facing a sudden loss of water, we sadly need to ask our communities to not use their hosepipes immediately. We are deeply sorry for the disruption this causes, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone helping us protect Kent's water.’

How to water a garden during a hosepipe ban

If you have been affected by a hosepipe ban, don’t despair. There are still ways to water your garden during a hosepipe ban.

Of course, the simplest and most obvious solution is to use a watering can, which you can fill up from your tap. This allows you to target water exactly where it is needed. We also recommend installing a water butt. This eco-friendly idea has been a huge garden trend this year, allowing you to collect and recycle rainwater in your garden. You can even snap up a space-saving water butt kit for £34.99 on Amazon if you have a small garden.

Provided you’re not watering vegetables or any edible produce, you can also use grey water - such as bathroom sink and shower water, kitchen sink water or bathwater - provided it is free from harmful chemicals.

With these methods, it is possible to water your garden during a heatwave. If your area is under a hosepipe ban, then you need to make sure you adhere to it, as anyone caught breaching an official ban will be issued with a fine of up to £1,000.

Very is hosting a huge summer sale right now, and included is some of its chicest garden furniture - these are my top six pics to give your garden a luxe, WAG-style glow up.

If you’re looking for modern, yet luxury-look pieces, Very is one of the best places to buy garden furniture. It was only last month that we were left impressed by Very’s latest garden furniture collection, which is both purse-friendly and aesthetically pleasing.

If the hot weather has persuaded you to make the most of your garden this summer, then here are six contemporary styles from the Very Summer Sale to add to your cart.

Having looked through the very summer sale, my top pick is the Santa Rose 6 Piece Dining Set, which has been reduced from £150 to £74.50, and is an unbelievable deal. If you plan on putting your outdoor kitchen ideas to good use, I can assure you that it is rare to find a six-seater dining set for under £100. Not to mention, the Santa Rose set is also a five-star rated buy.

‘I bought this last week, it’s amazing quality, so easy to put together, took ten minutes. Great value for money,’ one says.

Included in the set are four comfortable grey chairs, a stylish glass table and even a garden parasol - the perfect garden shade idea to keep you cool all summer. But, if that doesn’t take your fancy, here are my top six picks from the Very Summer Sale.

Which piece has caught your eye?

The UK has just celebrated the summer solstice, the day with the most daylight hours of the year, and on top of that, many parts of the country are currently experiencing a heatwave with temperatures predicted to soar to 36°C to 40°C.

That's a *lot* of heat and light, and whilst we don't want to wish away the summer weather, there's no denying that when it comes to how to sleep better, a bedroom that's too hot and too bright can play havoc with a good night's rest.

Little wonder then that savvy Dunelm shoppers have been quietly snapping up a £6.50 solution that transforms a hot, bright bedroom into a blissfully cool, dark oasis.

In many parts of the UK, the sun will rise before 5am during the remainder of June, and when the weather is as hot as it is right now, that means four whole hours of blazing hot sun shining into your bedroom pre-9am.

Curtains and blinds help, of course, but they can still let plenty of heat and light into the room, and with experts keen to point out that blocking light from a room is one of *the* best ways to keep a bedroom cool during a heatwave, it's no surprise that many of us are looking for additional solutions.

The Dunelm Blackout Temporary Pleated Blind is just that. This pleated paper blind is no-drill and can be trimmed to size and stuck to a bedroom window in a jiffy. And, if you have a tiny bit more to spend, but want one delivered faster, Amazon has a similar no-drill pleated blackout blind for £11.99.

Super quick and easy to install, they're the perfect solution if you're looking for a temporary fix to the excess heat, and equally useful if you rent and want to avoid a permanent blind, or aren't yet confident in your DIY skills.

No wonder Dunelm shoppers can't stop raving about them. 'Worth every penny,' says one 5-star reviewer on the Dunelm website, 'they block the light and heat out really well and are easy to trim to size. I am genuinely really impressed by them. They are a bargain too.'

'Absolutely perfect to block out the morning sun and such an amazing price,' says another happy owner. 'These honestly work so well,' shares another reviewer, 'brilliant at keeping the bedroom dark and cooler.'

And as Dreams sleep expert and author of the Good Sleep Guide, Sammy Margo explains, a dark bedroom is exactly what's needed to combat the high temperatures of this week.

In a heatwave, 'the best way to prevent your bedroom from turning into a greenhouse is by blocking out direct sunlight during the day,' advises Sammy. 'You can use blackout curtains or blinds to help keep the heat at bay and reduce overall room temperature.'

'Keeping windows closed during the hottest parts of the day and only opening them once the air cools in the evening can also make a noticeable difference,' adds Sammy.

And whilst Dunelm shoppers might be applauding the performance of the Dunelm Blackout Temporary Pleated Blind, it isn't the only option on the market. I've rounded up a few quick delivery options below that will help you to darken your bedroom and beat the heat this week.

Alternatives

The UK is experiencing a massive heat wave this week, with record-breaking temperatures expected in some parts of the country. Already, the best portable air conditioners are selling out, so if you're getting by with just a couple of fans, you'll want to try this expert-approved trick for creating a DIY wind chill effect at home to cool your home down fast.

With many of us struggling with the heat, it’s absolutely no surprise that the best fans and portable air conditioners are selling out. But this fan positioning hack, when used correctly, can help cool a room quickly and effectively.

This DIY wind chill hack uses two fans to create a cross breeze in a room, which has a greater cooling effect than how you’d typically use a fan. Disclaimer: You will need to have one fan facing out of the window. Here’s how it works.

How to create a wind chill at home

Unless you have an effective misting fan (such as the DREO TurboCool Misting Fan, £99, Amazon), it can feel like your fan is blowing hot air around your room, which doesn’t exactly have the cooling effect you’re seeking.

To create the wind chill effect you’re looking for, you’ll need two fans to create a cross breeze. This hack works by creating a funnel of cold air, rather than just circulating warm air around your room.

'Airflow is the key to creating a wind chill effect. Essentially, you need to use a fan to recycle the air. To do this, you need to place one fan facing out a window on the hottest side of the house to act as an exhaust. At the same time, open windows or doors on the opposite, shadier side of the house. The air being pushed out will be replaced by the cooler air being pulled in. You can use a second fan pushing the fresher air in to increase the effect,’ explains Meaco's co-founder Chris Michael.

‘This activity is best done late at night or early in the morning to take advantage of the cooler air outside.’

This hack is ideal if you already have a couple of fans to hand. Its main drawback is that it relies on the air outside being cooler than the air inside, so it is best done early in the morning or evening. For an even greater cooling effect, you can also add a bowl of ice to the mix.

‘For a further cooling effect, place a bowl full of ice cubes or frozen water bottles in front of the fan blowing toward you. As air passes through the ice cubes, it carries away some coolness before hitting you, providing a cooling effect, especially before sleeping,’ adds Max Wilson, co-founder at Pocket Storage.

‘A very common mistake when faced with a heatwave is to try cooling down the whole house. Of course, without an air conditioner, this will be extremely difficult. You need to concentrate your efforts on forming a special 'cool zone' in the coldest room in the house.'

Cooling essentials

Will you try creating a wind chill at home to help you see out the heatwave?

I don’t know about you, but I’m really struggling to keep my home cool. The best portable air conditioners are practically all sold out, and with temperatures set to reach record highs, I’ve been desperately seeking good news - and I’ve found it. Lidl’s affordable portable air conditioner is coming back to the middle aisle!

This week, the Ideal Home team has been diligently tracking the stock levels of portable air conditioners and believe me, they’re selling like hot cakes. If you haven’t managed to find a good deal online, the Lidl Tronic 3-in-1 Air Conditioner (£149) is landing in the middle aisle tomorrow (25 June).

While only available to shop in-store, based on its popularity last year, we predict it will sell out fast. Here’s everything you need to know before you rush out and buy.

Many homes are ill-equipped to handle the extreme heat we’ve experienced over the last few years. While you may be considering whether installing air conditioning is worth it, a portable AC offers many of the same benefits at a more affordable price point.

At £149, the Lidl Tronic 3-in-1 air conditioner is unbelievably affordable. It has three operating modes: air conditioning, fan cooling and dehumidifying. It also has two fan speeds and transport wheels, making it easy to move around your home so you can cool a bedroom in the evening and keep your living space cool in the day.

The model looks very similar to the portable air conditioner Lidl dropped last summer. So, I expect it will also work best for rooms between 30 and 45m³, like the previous air conditioner. Last year’s air conditioner’s dehumidifying function was able to collect up to 1.5L in a room that’s 30 degrees with an 80% relative humidity, so again, I would expect this year’s model to do the same.

I will say that Lidl’s portable air conditioner is likely to be a more basic model, compared to the higher-end products such as DREO 12000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner (£599, Amazon), or the Bush 9K Portable Air Conditioner (£375, Argos), which is also happens to be the last air con unit in stock at Argos.

However, I do think it is worth testing. I often find Lidl’s middle aisle is a bit of a treasure trove, and I’ve picked up plenty of miscellaneous items from cookware to gym equipment and been impressed each time. I’ve also made the mistake of waiting too long to invest in a portable air conditioner, so you can expect to see me in my local Lidl tomorrow looking for the unit!

As well as the portable air conditioner, Lidl is also selling a £14.99 air cooler, a selection of fans and cooling bedding. Alternatively, here are a few more cooling options that you can shop online.

I believe that the Lidl portable air conditioner will sell out fast. So, if you’re keen to get your hands on one, run, don’t walk.

This year's summer Amazon Prime Day event (running from the 23rd to 26th of June) is in full swing, and if you want to shop in the savviest way possible, there's a new price-checking tool you need to know about.

For years, one of my top tips as Ideal Home's Kitchen Appliances Editor, who has been working Prime Days as a deal hunter for over five years now, was to use a price checking tool such as CamelCamelCamel to check that you're not being hoodwinked over a 'deal'. Often brands will artificially inflate the price of a product prior to a sales event to then bring it down to its normal RRP to create the illusion of a great deal.

Here's how using this new in-built price checking tool can prevent you from getting a bad deal on one of the best air fryers or coffee machines and help you find a worthwhile one instead.

You can find this new price-checking tool, which was officially rolled out in the UK in May 2026, next to where you see the price of the item you're looking for on Amazon. When you click onto it to see the price history, a pop-up window opens with Rufus, the platform's in-built AI tool.

Within the Rufus pop-up you can see a range of information on the product's price, as well as how it relates to the given RRP. Though this is useful information, I would also suggest going one step further and check Amazon's given RRP against what's listed on the brand page.

When shopping one of the best Ninja air fryers, for example, I would always suggest cross referencing with the brand's own site for a better understanding of prices.

While the tool defaults to a one-month view, it has 6-month and 12-month scope available too which will ultimately be even more useful for assessing how good the discount really is. If the price of the item currently is nowhere near what the lowest price over the last year has been, it's likely that there's been price-inflating taking place.

I check prices on products that I've reviewed every day to see if there's a deal worth writing about, so I have quite a good sense of the general price of different bestsellers, like Ninja's Foodi Max Dual Zone air fryer.

As I write this, the day before Prime Day begins, it's currently sitting at £129.99 via Amazon, which gives you £20 off the usual RRP. But if you click into the year view of the price history, you'll see that in November (during Black Friday), there was a much bigger price drop with the air fryer for sale for under £100. That means that it may well be worth waiting on this one rather than pouncing right now.

In all likelihood, the best deals of this summer will drop during Prime Day itself and during counter-sales run by the likes of AO, Currys and John Lewis. Below you can find the kitchen appliances I think you should bookmark if you're in the market to upgrade your hosting and entertaining game.

Whatever you end up perusing this Prime Day, remember that doing your due diligence will help no end to help you bag an actually good deal. Happy bargain hunting!

Local councils across England are offering ‘welcoming spaces’ or ‘cool spaces’ to help you stay cool in this heatwave.

Even when you’ve invested in the best portable air conditioners and best fans, with temperatures expected to rise close to 40 degrees in some parts of the UK, it is expected that our homes are going to feel too hot.

And if you’re struggling to cool your home, many councils across the country are offering cool spaces, where you have access to air conditioning and fresh water. If you’re struggling to keep cool, here’s how a welcoming space may help.

What are 'cool spaces'?

Even though I’ve tested out plenty of cooling hacks, and my fan is pretty much constantly running, my third-floor flat is not equipped to deal with extreme heat. It retains heat incredibly well, which I’m always grateful for in winter, but during a heatwave it feels like a furnace.

I’m lucky that my local pub seems to have super-charged air conditioning, so when it gets too much, I can escape there for an ice-cold Diet Coke. However, it was looking at my local council website (Bristol City) that I saw they offered third spaces to help keep cool - and it meant I would be saving a small fortune in soft drinks!

Cool spaces that are free to use are often set up in parks, libraries and community hubs during a heatwave. They frequently offer quiet, air-conditioned spaces where you can relax and cool off, if cool spaces are not available to you. They are also places where you can access a toilet or drinking water.

Cool spaces operate at your council’s discretion. The Mayor of London has issued a Stay Cool map for Londoners to access their cool spaces. Bath and North East Somerset Council (BANES) have an online directory of cool spaces, as does Rochdale Council and Leeds Council.

If you’re interested in accessing a cool or welcoming space for yourself or someone you know, it is best to check your local council's website for more information. Alternatively, you can also speak to your local library or community hub directly to see what services they offer during a heatwave.

Alternatively, here are a few more affordable home buys that can help cool you down.

It is important to note that these cool spaces are not medical care alternatives if you or someone you know is overheating. They’re also not spaces designed to support vulnerable people during heat. What they do offer is a place of respite during extreme heat.

Portable air conditioners are pretty much sold out everywhere. But, I have found an exception - the Bush 9K Air Conditioner (£375) is still in stock at Argos - and it’s already reaping five-star reviews.

This week, the Ideal Home team is tracking stock levels for the best portable air conditioners, revealing where you can still buy them in real time in our Portable AC live stock watch. Given the week’s forecast, it is unsurprising that these brilliant appliances are practically flying off the shelves.

Hence, it is unusual to see a relatively affordable and well-rated model such as the Bush 9K Portable Air Conditioner still in stock. Likewise, Argos also has a number of the best fans still in stock, including the five-star Duux Whisper 3 Grey Pedestal Fan (£140), and the bestselling Bush White Desk Fan (£22).

Alternatives:

The Bush 9K Portable Air Conditioner has sold out (as of 24 June 2026). So, here are a few alternatives to shop instead.

First things first, portable air conditioners are worth it. Period. Offering the same benefits as a fitted AC, without the installation or start-up fee, these handy appliances are brilliant at keeping a room cool during a heatwave. And with the UK expected to reach record temperatures this week, I don’t know about you, but I need all the cooling help I can get.

The Bush 9K Air Conditioner offers to take the edge off the heat with auto, cooling, fan and dry modes to keep you comfortable. It has an easy-to-read LED display, and you can control it via the panel or a remote control - so you don’t have to move from your bed or sofa!

It has a sleep mode and a 24-hour timer, while its auto-restart feature will remember your preferences. The machine operates at a sound level of 64dB, which may be a little loud, so bear that in mind if you were hoping for a whisper-quiet appliance (like the new Meaco Circo).

It also has an energy efficiency rating of Class A and uses 1,000W of power. If you’re worried about the cost of running a portable air conditioner, most models are between 1,000 and 1,300 watts (W), with 1,000W costing 26.11p per hour to run, according to the recent July Price Cap.

We haven't tested this portable AC, but so far, this portable air conditioner has received six five-star reviews on the Argos website, vouching for the appliance’s credibility.

‘I bought this the day before this heat wave in June started, and it’s brilliant! Now that I have found a way to install it in the window without leaving a gap, it works perfectly at cooling the room down in a matter of minutes. It’s the difference between a comfortable night's sleep and no sleep at all. It’s light and easily mobile, so I can move it from room to room,’ said one.

‘I live in a mobile home that gets very warm when it's 30 °C plus, so eventually bought this air con unit, it does make a noise, but I suspect most would, but it's not a deafening noise and i did get used to it but the best thing is that it works it's made my home cool so would definitely recommend,’ said another.

If you’re yet to snap up a portable air conditioner, now is the time to do so - they are selling really fast.

As a perimenopausal 46-year-old mum, I struggle with overheating in bed at the best of times, let alone during a heatwave that's seen temperatures in my area reach 30C plus.

Our home doesn’t have air-con, so my kids are often too hot to sleep during the summer, too. As such, staying cool in bed becomes a real battle during hot weather.

As a result, when I came across the Silentnight Restore Cooling Lightweight Blanket for under £40 on Amazon, I hoped it would be the solution I needed to keep us all cool.

Described by Silentnight as ‘cool to the touch for instant heat relief' and helping 'to regulate body temperature’, it sounded like *exactly* what I needed to beat overheating once and for all.

And, unlike many cooling bedding products I've tested in the past few years, I wasn't disappointed when I unpacked it.

The first thing I noticed when I picked up this blanket was how cold it felt to the touch. One side in particular felt noticeably colder than any other bedding in our house, and its coolness was something that both of my sons immediately commented on.

Sleeping under it the first night of warm weather, I felt instantly cooler. Initially, I missed the weight of my regular duvet, but if, like me and my children, you don’t like the idea of sleeping with no covers at all, this hot-weather duvet alternative offers a perfect in-between solution.

I fell asleep quickly, and I didn’t wake up in the night due to overheating. Plus, in the morning, I didn’t feel sweaty or clammy at all like I sometimes do.

Whether that’s down to the innovative composition of the blanket or the fact that it’s thinner than my usual duvet, I can’t be sure, but my children both noticed that when they slept under this blanket, they felt cooler than when they slept under an empty duvet cover like they usually do when it’s hot.

Possibly the biggest test came from my youngest son, who is the clammiest sleeper I know and always wakes up sweaty! He loved falling asleep under this and slept soundly. When he woke up in the morning, he felt a lot cooler and less clammy than usual.

In fact, the one night I tested this blanket pre-heatwave I had to swap it for my usual quilt because I felt too cold!

And it seems I'm not alone in being impressed by the blanket's cooling powers. One reviewer of the Silentnight Restore Cooling Blanket on the Argos website says, 'what is this wizardry? I bought this for the summer, and I literally can't believe the difference it made to my sleep. How it works, I have no idea, but it remains cool constantly – it's literally like magic. I can definitely recommend this cooling blanket.'

'Surprised how effective this lightweight cooling blanket was,' says another owner. 'I’m at “that age” where I get so hot in the night... my duvet is too hot, but I still need something on me to sleep; this blanket really helped and really worked! It’s lightweight but feels enough weight on you; it’s definitely cooling and quite cool to the touch. I slept so much better.'

Another big bonus is that the Restore blanket is machine washable at 40C, and I've found it fits in the washing machine easily and dries quickly on the line (the care label says it can be tumble dried on low, but I haven't needed to test that in this heat!). It looks as good as new after being washed and didn’t lose its shape at all.

The only downside is that it only comes in one size. On a double bed, it was just big enough to cover two people, although there wasn’t much extra space at the edges if either of us moved around.

Personally, I'd definitely recommend The Silentnight Restore Cooling Blanket for keeping cool on warm nights, as well as for anyone who struggles with hormonal temperature changes during the night.

That said, it's not the only option out there. I've rounded up a few alternatives below, all of which can help you beat the heat on hot, hot summer nights.

As a small-home dweller, I’m used to making sacrifices due to limited storage. And while I’m willing to second-guess some items that catch my eye when shopping, I’ve always been reluctant to get rid of clothes that I genuinely still wear and love. And before I invested in these DIMJ 12 Pack Drawer Organisers (£18.99 at Amazon), my clothes were constantly spilling out of my drawers.

Yes, as I’m always trying to be one of those people with constantly tidy clothes, the clothing clutter and my complete inability to shut my drawers really started to get to me. It made me feel anxious in what should be a relaxing sleeping space, made me less inclined to fold and care for my clothes, and even made it harder to get dressed in the morning.

However, I didn’t have space for a whole new chest of drawers or an extra hanging rail for my clothes, so I needed to find a solution that would work with what I already had. And introducing these drawer organisers has not only restored order but also freed up space I didn’t even know was there.

I’ve recently been talking about how I store clothes without a wardrobe, but, for me, a chest of drawers is non-negotiable, as I need the folded storage space - particularly for smaller items such as underwear, shorts and even pyjamas. But this folded space is often much bigger than the clothes inside, which means they can quickly become a jumbled mess that seems impossible to tame.

And while they may not be the most aesthetically pleasing clothes storage solution, the DIMJ Drawer Organisers are an organisational game-changer. The ones I bought came in a pack of 12, split into three sizes: four large square organisers, four smaller rectangular organisers, and four small square organisers.

It’s worth noting that the smaller option is very small, but the beauty of these organisers and the different sizes is that they can be used for anything. And I found this perfect for my underwear drawer, as I used the smallest size for my delicates, the middle rectangular size for my socks, and the largest size for bras.

I then continued to use the larger sizes to separate and organise my T-shirts in a drawer that had previously been impossible to close. This is mostly because I’d given up trying to fold them and simply shoved them in there to avoid dealing with them - as shown by the white T-shirt that definitely needs a good steam now.

And while I didn’t have the skills to perfect Marie Kondo’s impressive folding method when putting them into the new organisers, the difference was still really impressive. Not only could I finally close the drawers properly, but it also proved to me that my drawers weren’t as full as I thought (and that there was even space for more clothes).

My only regret is that I only bought a pack of 12, so I've since bought another set to organise my husband's chest of drawers, too - and his socks have never looked tidier. But there are also options on Amazon to buy them in a variety of quantities - including an 18-pack for £32.99 or a 28-pack for £38.99. Even if you don’t need them all, they’re flat-pack and won’t take up too much space in your house when not in use.

There are also many different colourways to choose from, so you don’t have to opt for the slate grey that I went for. And you can use these all around the house to organise a junk drawer or even tidy up your cosmetics, so the opportunities really are endless.

Don’t just take my word for it, though. The DIMJ Drawer Organisers are a bestseller on Amazon, with an overall star rating of 4.4 out of 5 across over 8,500 reviews. One customer even wrote, ‘The quality is good, and my drawers have never been so organised! Should have bought them years ago!’

Another wrote, ‘These organisers are brilliant - just what I had hoped for. Ingenious design (zips) and sizes. Great value for money.’

But even if you don’t opt for these specific drawer organisers, I can’t recommend adding some storage to your clothes drawers enough. They really do help maximise the available space while minimising clutter, as they allow you to grab what you need without messing up the entire drawer.

In fact, since adding these to my drawers a few weeks ago, I've been able to maintain the organisation with ease - no overflowing underwear in sight. Sure, I’ve had to re-fold a few things here and there, but I’ve been able to keep my drawers so much tidier with very little fuss.

If you want to continue organising your clothes, I’d also suggest checking out my roundup of Dunelm’s impressive clothes organisers, too.

The sun is out in full force for the next few days – so both you and your outdoor space need protection from it. A parasol is the ideal tool for this – but if your garden or patio is on the smaller side or you’re only working with a small balcony, none of which fit a regular-sized parasol, let me introduce you to the half parasol.

This genius invention is exactly what it sounds like – it’s a parasol shaped as if a regular parasol was cut in half, which means it can easily be placed flush against a wall. It’s the best parasol style if you’re looking for small garden ideas – so it’s no surprise that the half parasol from Charles Bentley, currently available on offer for £34.99 at Amazon, won the Ideal Home Garden Award this year in the ‘best small garden solution’ category.

Half parasols are a concept that’s so simple but so clever – so much so that I just can’t believe I’m only finding out about them now.

And it’s not just people with tiny outdoor spaces that are already going crazy for them – shoppers are also using half parasols to shade their windows which is a clever hack. One reviewer of the Charles Bentley half parasol wrote, ‘This parasol was recommended to me by my brother. He had two on his patio to shield his kitchen windows from the sun. I bought one and used it for the same job. Well made, perfect bit of kit. Folded away easily. Much nicer than drawing the curtains.’

While another existing customer wrote, ‘It fits perfectly on a small patio flush up against a hedge. Seems very sturdy and being heavy stays put in windy weather.’

But aside from the popular Charles Bentley design, I’ve found 6 other half parasols worth investing in if you need a space-saving protection from the sun for your compact outdoor space.

Top half parasol picks

With parasols being the ‘it’ garden buy of this summer, this style makes it attainable for outdoor spaces of all sizes and dimensions. And I'm always very much here for that!

It’s getting seriously hot, record-breaking levels of heat, and if you’re struggling with the most recent heatwave, imagine how your pet feels. If you’re looking for ways to help keep your furry friends cool this month, Aldi’s best-selling pet cooling range has returned to the middle aisle, offering affordable cooling products that work.

The Aldi pet cooling range is becoming a middle aisle favourite, returning again for 2026. With prices starting at just £1.99, these handy cooling buys are back by popular demand after rapidly selling out last year.

Dogs, cats and all manner of pests are part of our families, which is why we invest in everything from the best vacuums for pet hair to the comfiest beds and squeakiest toys. Now, you can also ensure your pet stays cool during what is currently the hottest week of the year.

Returning to the middle aisle this year is Aldi’s pet paddling pool (£8.99), which was a sell-out last year. Based on the forecast alone, we think this is going to be another sell-out, which is why I’ve also found the Outpaws Cooler Paddling Dog Pool (£15.99, Argos) and the Crufts Pet Paddling Pool (£22, Dunelm) in stock and available to shop online.

You can choose between a playful watermelon and pink striped print or classic blue and green pool shades. The paddling pool itself is foldable, making storage easy when not in use, and small garden-friendly.

You can also expect it to be durable, too. In the past, I’ve used a normal paddling pool for my pooch, only for her nails to scratch the lining, causing leaks. Specially designed pet pools are made from tougher material to prevent popping and scratches.

As well as the collapsible, Aldi is also dropping a £12.99 pet cooling bed, which is available in four colourways and two different sizes. These beds are designed to provide a soothing, cool environment to help pets sleep. There isn’t much information on how Aldi’s cooling mats work, but FurDreams Pet Cooling Mat (£49.99, B&Q) works by absorbing your pet’s body heat, keeping them seven to nine degrees cooler than their surroundings. It re-cools automatically after 15 to 20 minutes of non-use.

Also, to catch my eye was Aldi’s Cooling Dog Toy (£2.49), which offers dogs something cool to chew on, helping to regulate their temperature while they play.

‘Pets are part of the family, and we are always looking for ways to help our customers keep their four-legged friends happy and comfortable, especially during the warmer months. Our Pet Shop range has been designed to offer fun, practical solutions at unbeatable value to help keep dogs cool all summer long,’ said Julie Ashfield, Chief Commercial Officer at Aldi UK.

We expect Aldi’s pet cooling range to sell out fast. So, I’ve found a few alternatives you can shop online.

Heatwaves can be uncomfortable and even dangerous for our pets. Are you prepared to keep them cool?

As temperatures soar today to the mid 30s degrees in parts of the UK this week, we're all desperately seeking cooling solutions for our homes. The best way to genuinely lower the temperature in your home is with the best portable air conditioners, but they are increasingly hard to come by, flying off the virtual shelves in record time. In fact, many of the top-rated models we've reviewed have been out of stock for days. And it looks like the best fans are also becoming like gold dust.

Luckily we know exactly where to look to discover the few remaining portable air conditioners, air coolers and misting fans still available to buy. These models may not have gone through the Ideal Home testing process, but we still know the spec to look for, and which offer good value for money.

We're sharing our recommendations for products you can still get your hands on, as alternatives to AC and fans that deliver similar results at a cheaper price. Plus we've been busy testing out cooling hacks that will tide you over until your new cooling appliances arrive.

Portable air conditioners in stock

• Appliances Direct: steady stock levels of a range of portable AC stock
• Amazon: steady stock of portable ACs, including a Dreo model
• Currys: only Toshiba fitted air conditioners are still in stock
• Marks Electrical: one Midea portable AC still in stock
• Maeco: air conditioner restock coming soon, sign up for notifications.

Fans in stock

• Amazon: fast delivery on a range of powerful fans
• Argos: next-day delivery on Shark and Bush fans
• AO.com: Dyson tower fans are the only ones left now
• Currys: Dyson and Shark still in stock
• Debenhams: savings on Pro Breeze fans.
• Very: range of tower, pedestal and desk fans
• John Lewis: Dyson, Meaco, Duux and Philips fans

Live updates

Misting fan alternative

If you're not able to get your hands on your chosen portable air conditioner just yet, or they are out of your budget, then it's definitely worth considering a misting fan, especially if it feels like your fan is just blowing hot air.

With an integral water tank, they spray an ultra-fine mist as they blow out air, which results in a very cooling breeze for those in its path. It's not likely to lower the overall temperature in a room like a portable air conditioner, but it'll feel like a cooler breeze than a normal fan, so it's a good middle ground.

I've been trying out the Dreo 765S TurboCool misting fan, available at Amazon for a few weeks now, and it definitely creates a cooling breeze and doesn't leave me soggy.

Buy now or wait?

So should you buy a portable air conditioner now or wait? After all, these appliances aren't cheap, with even the most budget friendly models costing in excess of £250.

If you need a portable air conditioner to be able to get through the next few days, then if you find a portable AC that will suit your needs and it's in stock, then definitely don't wait to snap it up. Stock is moving very quickly, so if you don't you could miss out.

However, if you have a very specific model in mind, like the new super-quiet Meaco Cirro, then if you can hold on for a few more days, you may be able to get the one you want, with more stock due in early July. It's worth checking back daily too. In the last few days, I’ve seen portable air conditioners come back into stock and sell out again on the same day.

Where I'd go to buy a portable AC in stock this evening

Appliances Direct tends to have a steady stock level of portable air conditioners, including a range of ElectriQ air conditioners. The ElectriQ 10000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner we've reviewed is currently out of stock, but you can still pick up the ElectriQ Slimline 7000 BTU Small Portable Air Conditioner for £449 at Appliance Direct.

Duux Whisper 3 alternative

I've spotted that the Duux Whisper 3 (which is a brilliant fan for a bedroom, thanks to its ultra-quiet operation), which was discounted as an early Prime Day deal, is out of stock.

Fortunately, if you had your heart set on it, its sister model, the Duux Whisper Flex 2 is in stock for less than £150 on Amazon. It's identical in terms of bedroom suitability and looks just as good. The biggest difference is that the Whisper Flex 2 can be controlled via an app and has two different height options, while the Whisper 3 isn't smart and offers more height variations between desktop and full pedestal height thanks to its telescopic stem.

When might portable air conditioners come back in stock?

While the best portable air conditioners we’ve tried have temporarily sold out, you might be wondering when they might be back in stock.

While we’re checking stock levels daily (and checking in with our industry insiders), the level of demand for these appliances has been huge, so it’s a bit of a scramble to get them back in stock.

We do know that the brand new Cirro portable air conditioner from Meaco is due back in stock in early July, and we’ve spotted numerous brands, like Meaco and Devola, encouraging you to sign up to be alerted when your favourite model is available again. I’d recommend doing so, and even bookmarking your favourites (or our buying guide) so we can let you know as soon as stock is replenished.

Portable vs fitted air conditioning

As Ideal Home’s resident expert on all things cooling, a question I’m often asked is whether you should go for a portable air con or opt for fitted air conditioning instead.

The answer will largely depend on where you live and your budget. Portable air conditioners are more affordable than fitted AC, can be moved around your home (although you’ll need help to move one up and down stairs due to its weight) and are non-permanent, which means they are renter-friendly too.

It is, however, hard for a portable unit to beat a wall-mounted one when it comes to quiet and clutter-free operation. The downside is that a fitted option is more expensive to install and can’t be moved from room to room. You’ve also got to have an indoor and outdoor unit permanently installed too.

How our Sleep Editor keeps cool at night without an AC

'I swear by the best linen bedding all year round, but this breathable fabric is especially important during high temperatures. It’s perfect for combatting hot and humid British heatwaves. My Duux Whisper fan, available at Amazon has also seen me through five years of hot summers in my south-facing bedroom - I love its natural breeze setting.'

Amy Lockwood, Sleep Editor

I'm signing off now to head upstairs and open up my bedroom windows now the air's a little cooler – I'll also blast my fan to try to shift some of the hot air and allow fresh airflow through the house. On really hot nights, I forgo my duvet altogether and opt for a top sheet instead. And in this heatwave I have one more trick up my sleeve – I fill my hot water bottle with cold water (and a couple of ice cubes from this ice cube tray) and pop it into my bed five minutes before I climb in.

With Amazon Prime Day kicking off tomorrow, our Editor Becky Knight will be back bright and early shortly after 7am with a stock update and to share any deals that have dropped overnight. We predict any bargains will sell out fast, so if a portable air con is top of your wishlist, bookmark this page now and we'll see you in the morning!

Morning, we're back for another day of helping you to find where you can still buy a portable air conditioner or a fan alternative to help you through the heatwave. I'm Becky Knight, Editor on Ideal Home, and this is my third year of tracking down portable air conditioners and fans before they sell out. I've become a pro at where to look online for hidden stashes of stock and where to go for the quickest delivery, too.

Right now, the temperature in London, where I'm based, is already 20 degrees, and set to soar into the 30s. So to help you survive the heat until you can get your hands on a portable AC, our team of experts will also be sharing their top cooling tips, and heatwave buys you can snap up on Amazon in the Prime Day sales this week.

To kick things off we've tracked down a Dreo Portable Air Conditioner at Amazon. Our portable AC expert reviewer, Sarah Handley, has been testing this model over the last couple of weeks and a full review is coming soon. However, right now it's one of the best tried-and-tested portable AC's we've found in stock.

Rare deal alert!

This portable AC from Morphy Richards is currently reduced by £100s in the Amazon Prime Day Sale. We haven't tested this particular model, but reviews on Amazon say it looks good and keeps a room cool, but they do all warn that it is very loud.

Portable Air Conditioners still in stock at Amazon

Today marks the kick-off of Amazon's biggest sales event of the year, Amazon Prime Day, but you'll be extremely lucky to find any portable ACs on offer this week. However, you can still benefit from the Prime membership with free delivery on any of these portable ACs that are still in stock at Amazon.

• DREO 7500 BTU Portable Air Conditioner, £399
• JUMMICO 12000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner, £449 (15 left in stock)
• ELECCI 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner 12000 BTU, £449
• Morphy Richards Flexifreeze Portable Air Conditioning Unit, Was £499, Now £399
• Belaco 9000 BTU Air Conditioning Unit, £699 (arrives 25th June)
• Temprium Air Conditioning Unit - 12000 Btu Portable Air Conditioner, £499

How to keep a room cool during the day without an AC

'I have a south-facing bedroom that gets absolutely scorching, so I’ve been keeping my thermal curtains closed during the day. I always thought thermal curtains worked best in the winter, but they’re just as effective for keeping rooms cool during the summer months, too! I have the Blake Thermal Curtains from Dunelm and swear by them.'

Lauren Bradbury, Floorcare and House Manual Content Editor

I'm signing off now and handing over to Molly Cleary, our Kitchen Appliance expert who will be keeping an eye on portable AC stock levels and deals on fan alternatives, plus sharing her top tips for keeping cool in the kitchen.

Morning! I'm signing on to keep track of where top-rated portable ACs are still in stock so that you have the best chance of buying one.

As Ideal Home's Kitchen Appliances Editor, my first order of the day when it's this hot is making an iced coffee – a task that's made much easier with my favourite XL ice cube tray (£9.99 at Amazon). Let's see where we can find some in-stock cooling must-haves.

Spotted at Amazon!

The Shark Turbo Blade fan (which our reviewer awarded 4.5 stars to in her review) is a perfect match for partners who don't agree on fan settings, as each side can be customised. It's sold out at most other retailers but we've found a stash at Amazon.

Shark ChillPill 3-in-1 Fan on sale

You can get £10 off this handy personal fan today thanks to Amazon Prime Day. It's been on my wish list since it came out but now seems like the best time to invest, especially for those hot days on a commute.

Our reviewer Sarah said that it had 'put an end to her heatwave anxiety' when she awarded it 4.5 stars recently.

How our News Writer has been keeping things cool

'I've been using the Salter Slushie Maker (£179 via Amazon) to make ice cold smoothies and slushies to help cool me down.

I also hang a damp bedsheet over my bedroom window to help make it a more comfortable place to sleep. I’ve never been bothered by the heat before but these extreme temperatures this year have convinced me to save up for a portable AC.'

Kezia Reynolds, News Writer

I'm handing over to Heather Young now, Ideal Home's Editor-in-Chief, who has the latest on portable AC stock and where you can find it as well as must-have deals and advice.

Hi, I’m Heather, Ideal Home’s Editor-in-Chief and I’m taking over the reins of the live blog for the next couple of hours, sharing details of our best-rated portable ACs that are still in stock, along with other brilliant products and top tips to help you stay cool over the heatwave.

I know it’s not strictly a product for your home, but I just snapped up this portable neck fan for my other half while it’s discounted on Amazon – he doesn’t deal with the heat well and this is my attempt to minimise the moaning so really it’s a selfish purchase!

Need to cool down fast? Get your portable AC by tomorrow

Here's where you can still snap up a portable AC with next-day delivery to beat the heatwave:

• Appliances Direct: delivery options from tomorrow
• AO.com: free next-day delivery within a four-hour time slot
• Argos: the last few Bush air conditioner units are available for next-day delivery
• Amazon: free delivery for Prime members – and this is model with a next-day delivery option

Spotted at Argos!

Our News Writer just alerted me to one of the last remaining portable ACs in stock at Argos, and it’s rated five-stars. With stock of well-rated models dwindling at an alarming rate, it's a rare find. We think this is going to sell like hot cakes (sorry, couldn't help myself!) so if the reviews impress you as much as they have us, I'd snap this one up straight away.

Cooling sleep hacks when you don't have AC

I'm always swayed by a first person recommendation, and our Senior Digital Editor Jenny McFarlane just told me how much she loves her Meaco Sefte fan so I'm eyeing it up right now. She uses it alongside some other trusted cooling sleep solutions (she hasn't joined the portable AC club yet).

'I have my Meaco Sefte fan blowing in my bedroom, sleep on a silk pillowcase (more for my crazy hair) and I take an ice-cold face cloth for my head for bedtime that I have prepped in my freezer,' she says. 'If I wake up during the night, I switch it out for a fresh one. I do the same for my littles. It’s also very 2023, but I use my massive Stanley cup and pack it with ice and cool water to stay hydrated.'

That's my shift done for now, and I'm handing over the baton to the very capable Lauren Bradbury, our House Manual Editor. She'll keep you bang up-to-date with the latest stock updates on top portable air conditioners and high-performance fans, along with her tips and tricks for keeping cool while the mercury soars.

Thanks, Heather! I’m next up to help you beat the heat on this hot Tuesday. I’ll be keeping you updated on any fan or portable AC deals that I spot along the way, and helping you weed out the real deals from the duds.

As I’ll be stuck at my desk for the next couple of hours, I’m using my GoodHome Remote Controlled Table Fan to keep me cool while I’m typing away. Sadly, It’s not available for delivery, but you can collect this £39 bargain in-store at B&Q in as little as 15 minutes.

Stock check!

I’ve just spotted that the Meaco Sefte Pedestal Fan that our editors love has already sold out at Argos - but it’s still available on Amazon, and could be with you on Thursday if you order within the next few hours.

It’s not on sale unfortunately, so it might not suit you if you have a smaller budget. But if you want a highly rated fan that’s height-adjustable and has a night mode for easier sleep, I’d suggest snapping it up before it sells out everywhere else.

Fans vs air-purifying fans

I may be biased as Ideal Home’s resident air purifier expert, but I think every home should have one of the best air purifiers. And if you’re searching high and low for a fan deal right now, it’s well worth considering whether air-purifying fans are worth it - as branching out can solve many of your heatwave problems.

After all, the summer months aren’t just hot and sticky. They’re also a hotbed of airborne pollutants such as pollen, dust, dander and even smoke from BBQs. This can then have a knock-on effect on your health and your sleep. However, an air-purifying fan allows you to reap all the cooling benefits of a fan while also utilising the purification qualities of an air purifier to make your home as healthy (and pollutant-free) as possible.

Some air-purifying fans also go the extra mile by offering a heating element, so you can use them year-round without needing three separate appliances. This saves on purchase costs and storage space in smaller homes. Our tester particularly loved the Blueair ComfortPure T10i Air Purifier when she reviewed it, and I’ve just spotted it on sale for Amazon Prime Day!

That’s me for today! The ice cream van is calling, so I’ll hand you over to our Senior Digital Editor, Jenny McFarlane, who will keep you updated on the portable ACs and fans still in stock.

I’ll be back tomorrow, as long as I don’t melt before then. Fingers crossed for my ice cream, too...

Thanks, Lauren! I’m next up to help you tackle your hot weather woes. I’ll be keeping my eyes peeled and sharing all the best fan or portable AC deals that I spot. I'll give you advice on how to choose the best AC and any alternatives that you can get your hands on now to beat that heat without spending a fortune.

I've currently got my trusty Meaco Sefte table fan blowing on my desk, and I can't recommend it enough. It's whisper-quiet, versatile and portable, so it can be used indoors and out. It comes with a handy carry handle and bag so you can easily take it on picnics, camping trips and to the beach!

How to choose the best portable air conditioner for your home

With the best portable air conditioners flying off the virtual shelves every time a heatwave hits, it's worth doing your homework before you buy one. At Ideal Home, our reviewers have tested portable ACs in real homes and know the right model can transform a sweltering room, while the wrong one can leave you with higher energy bills and no real respite from the heat.

As I've tested a few in the past, here's what I'd recommend you always check before buying:

• BTU rating: Match the cooling power to your room size, because, believe it or not, bigger isn't always better.
• Noise levels: This is particularly important if it'll be used in your bedroom or home office. I learnt that the hard way.
• Portability: Look for wheels and handles, as most units can be heavy!
• Extra features: Dehumidifier modes, sleep settings, timers and WiFi controls are all super handy additions.
• Window kit: These kits are essential for venting hot air outside and getting the best performance from your AC.
• Running costs: Choosing the correct size and an energy-efficient model will help keep bills in check, so look for the wattage and find out how much it costs to run an AC before hitting the 'buy' button.

Air coolers are a seriously clever alternative to an AC, and here's why

If you've been trying to buy a portable air conditioner right now, you've probably noticed that stock is disappearing fast! The good news is that air coolers are a brilliant stopgap. Models like the Midea 5L Air Cooler use evaporative cooling, blowing air over cold water and ice packs to create a much fresher, cooler breeze than a standard fan can offer. They're also cheaper to buy, quieter to run and don't require a window hose, making them ideal for bedrooms, home offices and smaller living spaces.

While an air cooler won't lower your room temperature as dramatically, it can make you feel significantly more comfortable during a muggy UK heatwave. If you've missed out on buying an AC or simply want a budget-friendly way to stay cool, an air cooler could be the sweet spot this summer.

Here are a few alternative picks I've found that are still in stock.

That’s me for today! I'm about to head to my patio with my Shark outdoor misting fan, which is just one way you can keep your patio cool in a heatwave.

I’ll hand you over to our Managing Editor, Thea Babington-Stitt, who will keep you updated on the portable ACs and fans still in stock.

So stay cool, stay hydrated, and I'll be back with more heatwave tips and deals this time tomorrow, assuming I haven't turned into a puddle by then. But before I go, here's a great deal on another portable, indoor/outdoor fan from a brand we trust, Morphy Richards.

Over and out.

Thanks, Jenny – great point with the air coolers, I think they’ll be most people’s best bet right now. I’m hopping in now to keep an eye on any deals (or, let’s face it, available) cooling products that I spy this evening.

I’m desperate for a Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo and miraculously it is still in stock on Amazon. That said, it’s not discounted for Amazon Prime Day and some colors are actually more expensive than I’ve seen them before – a timely reminder to make sure you’re not paying over the odds!

How to position a fan for maximum cooling power

Finding the right spot for your fan can make just as much difference as the model you buy. Here are some tips to make sure you’re getting the most out of yours this heatwave.

Face it towards an open window: If the air outside is cooler than indoors (usually early morning or late evening), positioning a fan to help push hot air out of the room can encourage better airflow and help flush out built-up heat.

Create a cross-breeze: If you can open windows on opposite sides of your home, use a fan to help move air between them. This creates a cooling breeze that feels far more effective than simply circulating stagnant air.

Don't tuck it into a corner: Fans need space around them to move air efficiently. Placing one behind furniture or in a cramped corner can limit airflow and reduce its effectiveness.

Avoid pointing it at heat sources: Positioning a fan near sunny windows, radiators or heat-generating appliances can simply circulate warmer air around the room rather than helping you feel cooler.

Use height to your advantage: Warm air rises, so elevating a fan slightly or angling it correctly can help move hot air away and improve air circulation throughout the room.

Premium fan deal worth a look

If you're after something a little more design-led than a standard pedestal fan, I've spotted a deal on the Dimplex FlexBlade Bladeless Fan at Amazon.

We haven't tested this model at Ideal Home, but its feature list is certainly impressive. Unlike most tower fans, the FlexBlade can pivot between vertical and horizontal positions, while its dual vents can direct airflow in two different directions at once – a clever feature if you're trying to cool a larger living space or more than one person. It also promises quiet operation from 36dB, making it a potential contender for bedrooms.

That's me done for today! I'm off to panic order either some reflective film or foam to help offset the direct sun into my flat and lower the temperature – I'll update with the results.

I'll hand you over to our Sleep Expert, Amy Lockwood, who'll no doubt be letting you in on all her trade secrets of how to get some shut eye in this heat, as well as tracking which cooling products are still in stock.

I'll be back tomorrow with more cooling tips, stock updates and heatwave-friendly buys.

Until then, stay cool!

Thanks, Thea! And yep, in my opinion, the very worst part of any heatwave is the hot and humid nights, so as we head into the evening, I'm here to share some sleep-expert-approved tips and tricks for cooling down at night.

Alongside that, I'll also be keeping an eye out for any cooling fan and AC stock alerts that you need on your radar.

First up, I have to share this Duux Whisper Flex fan deal on Amazon. I have the older version of this pedestal fan, and it's singlehandedly helped me survive sleeping in my *very* hot bedroom during the past five years' worth of heatwaves.

Yes, it's expensive, but it really is worth the money compared to other fans. Firstly, because the air it expels does actually feel cool when it hits your skin, unlike so many others I've tested, which simply move about hot air. And secondly, because it totally lives up to its name and is whisper quiet, so it's perfect for cooling you down whilst you sleep.

I also find a pedestal fan is your best bet for a bedroom, as it's the right height to hit your body with the breeze, and there's no need to faff about finding a surface to sit it on.

Ditch the duvet.

Next up, when it comes to how to beat the heat, I recommend ditching the duvet. My bedroom is currently over 30°C, and it's absolutely too hot for even the lightest and most breathable summer duvet.

I've found that this Bedsure Cooling Blanket or a muslin throw, like the 100% Cotton Muslin Throw from Bedsure are good duvet alternatives for hot weather. You can also sleep under a flat linen sheet, like this linen-blend option from Piglet in Bed.

But if you don't have another option to use right now, don't worry. Simply take your duvet cover off your duvet and sleep under the duvet cover without the insert. If you have a cotton or linen duvet cover, choose these breathable natural materials over a polyester or polycotton cover, which will trap the heat.

Freeze your pillowcase.

For a quick blast of coolness that can help you drift off to sleep faster, pop your pillowcases in the freezer about an hour before bed.

This works best with a cotton pillowcase that you could also dampen slightly, and you could freeze your bedsheets too (although this is a bit of a faff).

I've also tried both this Silentnight Cooling Gel Pillow Pad and the larger Silentnight Restore Cooling Gel Mattress Pad, which work well for that quick hit of cool, but they do take up more room in your fridge and freezer, plus you have to store them when they're not in use.

Embrace the ice.

If you have access to a freezer, I also swear by these reusable ice packs during a heatwave. You can snap up various types at Amazon for not that much money. Pop them in a pillowcase and take them to bed to stay cool.

Or, if you have a hot water bottle, you can also fill that with cold water and ice cubes to cool down your body in bed.

I'm about to sign off for the night and attempt to get some sleep myself, but if you're awake and googling cooling fans, I'll leave you with one last star buy before I disappear.

Meaco makes some of *the* best cooling fans I've tested. They're powerful, quiet, easy to use, and sturdily built. I've owned the older and currently out-of-stock Meaco 1056 Air Circulator for the past five years and still absolutely love it. However, it's now gone to live at my parents' house to keep them cool in the heatwave, so I'm going to invest in the newer Meaco Sefte Table Fan.

I'm expecting models to start selling out fast as the heatwave continues, but the Meaco Sefte fan is currently still in stock at Amazon, and John Lewis has several versions of the Meaco Sefte that are battery-operated, so you can use them anywhere in the room without needing to be near an electrical socket.

Do your best to stay cool and calm during this hot night, and we'll see you in the morning for more heatwave-busting updates.

Welcome back!

Hi, I'm Becky, the Digital Editor at Ideal Home, and I'll be helping you track down any portable AC still in stock and the best fan alternatives this morning. Today's is about to get seriously hot, with red weather warnings across the UK, and temperatures set to hit 34 degrees this afternoon! I've left my home to take shelter in the air-conditioned office, but to ensure I don't come back to a baking hot house, I've left all my curtains closed to keep as much of the heat out as possible.

Arrives ASAP

I'll kick things off with an air conditioning unit you can buy now and have by Friday 26th June. The Belaco 9000 BTU Air Conditioning Unit is currently £699 on Amazon. It is on the expensive side for a portable air conditioner but it includes fan and dehumidifier moders and a window kit for easy set up. We haven't tested this model, but it has been well reviewed by customers.

Portable AC stock update

The stock of portable ACs has been decimated across many retailers. Argos is now down to only one portable AC still left in stock, and at Amazon, you now have to wait a couple of weeks to get your hands on some of the best portable ACs still available. Appliances Direct still has a healthy level of stock, but they have now sold out of the electriQ portable AC we were recommending yesterday. They are still offering delivery from tomorrow on many of their models.

Keep cool on the go

'I want to stay cool wherever I am, and I loved the Shark ChillPill portable fan when I reviewed it. It comes with three different heads that offer three different cooling experiences - fan, mister, and my favourite, the cooling plate that is designed for direct contact with the skin. It’s deliciously cool!'

Sarah Handley, Reno and Home Energy Editor and cooling expert

Portable AC alternative: Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo ProFan, £127 at Amazon

If you can't afford any of the portable ACs still in stock right now a misting fan is an ideal alternative and I love the Shark FlexBreeze. It is rechargeable so you can use it inside and outside. This week it's been following me around the house.

That's everything from me today, I'll be handing you over to Molly Cleary, our Kitchen Appliance Editor, who will be sharing her tips for keeping cool in the kitchen and the latest updates on portable AC and cooling fans you can still find in stock. Keep cool!

Thanks, Becky! I’m staying hydrated today with my supersized water bottle whilst also trying to avoid cooking wherever possible.

As Ideal Home’s Kitchen Appliances Editor I get to test a huge range of gadgets and one of my favourites year-round (but especially in a heatwave) is a rice cooker. You can cook entire meals in one Nigella-style – no standing over a hot stove necessary.

I managed to keep cool last night with my trusty Dyson fan (£449 via Amazon) which I got many years ago but still works as well as the day I unboxed it – so if you’re wondering whether a Dyson fan is worth it, my answer is definitely yes. It also doubles as an air purifier which means it gets plenty of use in the winter months too.

Here are some other places I’ve found Dyson fans still in stock:

Amazon: find top-rated models of all sizes available to buy

John Lewis: shop the Hot+Cool fan, which you’ll be thankful for in the winter, too

AO: shop desk and tower Dyson fans, all in stock now

In-stock portable AC: DREO Portable Air Conditioner, £399.99 at Amazon

Our review of Dreo's still-in-stock portable AC just went live and it's won a wholehearted recommendation from our expert Sarah.

The headline speaks for itself with this top-rated, Ideal Home approved buy: 'My home office gets unbearably hot in the summer, but this surprisingly quiet Dreo portable air conditioner has been an utter gamechanger.'

If you've been on the fence about buying one of the remaining air conditioning units in stock, a read of Sarah's review might just win you over.

On my search to find fans still in stock (which was quite the challenge) I saw that Amazon is one of the only places to have Shark’s TurboBlade Fan (£249.99) available.

You can twist its vents in order to cool two places at once and it’s very sleek, so it’s easy to hide at home. Our expert Lauren said it’s perfect for couples who run at different temperatures in her review.

That brings an end to my shift as I pass over to Sara Hesikova for more updates on where you can find those invaluable portable air conditioning units in stock.

Thanks Molly! Hi everyone, I'm Sara, Ideal Home's Room Decor Editor. I'm taking over the live blog for the next couple of hours. I'll be sharing tips on how to stay cool during this ridiculous heat and I'll be updating you on any stock changes on fans and ACs, as well as on any deals I find.

Even in this heat I want to keep my home looking stylish and I've realised that none of my living room throws are heat-appropriate. That's why I'm adding this chic cotton muslin throw from Yard to my basket as it's currently on offer with 31% off at Amazon. The only thing left to figure out is what colour to go for...

This Morphy Richards fan is rated as the best desktop fan in our best fans guide. And not only that Amazon still has it in stock, it's currently on offer with 17% off.

Fitted air conditioning vs portable AC

These super hot summers are likely to become increasingly common, so before pouncing on a portable AC it might be worth considering a longer-term solution like fitted air conditioning. Our fan and AC expert Sarah Handley, had air conditioning installed in her living room last year and hasn't regretted it for a minute.

'I absolutely think fitted air conditioning is worth it. I had mine fitted through BOXT, and I'm so glad I did. I work from home and have a dog so being able to have a room where we can escape excessive heat and still be able to function at work has been very beneficial,' she says.

However, she does point out there are downsides. 'It's not a feasible option for those who rent, due to the changes needed to install the kit. It's understandably going to add to your energy bills too, ' she says. 'Plus, you do have to compromise by having a permanent unit installed both inside and outside. They're not pretty by any means, but for me, being cool is worth the sacrifice.'

I've been talking about investing in linen bedding for ages as it's known to keep you cool during hot summer nights. But I'm finally doing it since my favourite linen set from La Redoute - which also comes highly recommended by Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, Amy Lockwood as one of the best linen sheets she's tried - is currently on sale with 44% off if you use code BOOST at checkout.

That's it from me! I'm handing over to our House Manual Content Editor, Lauren Bradbury. She'll keep you updated on AC and fan stock levels and deals. And she'll be sharing her clever cooling and air quality tips, too.

Afternoon all! I’m taking over the reins for the next couple of hours, and I am absolutely MELTING as it’s 34°C where I am right now.

So, I’m finally going to bite the bullet and order a portable air conditioner for myself before they sell out completely (although they're not far off). This is the model I have my eye on, and it should arrive on my doorstep on Friday.

It’s my job to test air purifiers at Ideal Home, and I also get to test air-purifying fans. The next model on my to-do list is the Dyson Find+Follow PC3 Cool Air Purifier (£549.99 at Argos). This is Dyson’s newest release, and the Find+Follow air projection tracks you as you move around your room so you always have direct cooling purified airflow flowing towards you. Pretty nifty, right?

As I haven’t tested it yet, I can’t give you my full recommendation, and I'd advise you to review the specs to see if it’ll work in your home. But so far, the reviews are pretty good. One wrote, ‘Low noise, very efficient at keeping air clean, and makes a tremendous difference to the air in the room.’

However, if you’d prefer one that I have reviewed, I’d suggest the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool HP1 Purifying Bladeless Tower Fan (£549 at Very) instead. I gave it a 4.5-star review when I tested it.

How to get more from your fan

Whether you’re snapping up a fan deal this week or you’re just looking for tips on how to get more from the fan you already own, I’m here to remind you that cleaning is key!

Fans rely on clean filters, blades and grills to efficiently circulate the air in your home, so it’s well worth taking some time today to wipe them all with a clean cloth to remove any lingering dust or debris. You could even use your vacuum’s dusting tool to make it easier.

Regularly cleaning fans can prevent unnecessary motor strain and ensure consistent cooling. So, make sure you grab your microfibre cloths add it to your to-do list - but always turn it off before you start cleaning.

That’s all from me, folks! I'm off to buy this SONGMICS Countertop Ice Maker from Amazon, because my ice cube trays just can't keep up with the amount of cold drinks I'm guzzling this week.

But I’m passing the baton to our Senior Digital Editor, Jenny McFarlane, who will be keeping you up to date on the latest AC and fan news.

Thanks, Lauren! I'm back on shift and keeping a close eye on all things cooling as the heatwave continues. Whether you're trying to work from home or stop your bedroom from becoming a greenhouse, I'll be sharing the best deals and nifty ways to stay comfortable during the hottest days we've had so far this year.

One product I've got my eye on is the Duux Mist Air Cooler. Unlike a standard fan, it combines a cooling air flow with a mist to help take the edge off. What I really love about it is that it's portable and powerful enough to use outdoors.

So if you're planning on spending some time on the patio or balcony this week (hats off to you), it's a smart cooling buy. It also looks way easier on the eye than some of the other chunkier models I've spotted. With some money off it right now on Amazon, I'd recommend snapping this one up quickly.

External shade can keep a room cool during a heatwave

When temperatures soar, we all focus on keeping our homes cool from the inside with fans and air conditioners. But one of the most effective ways to keep a room cool is actually to stop the sun's heat from getting in the first place.

Creating external shade can make a noticeable difference to the temperature of a room, especially if it faces south or west. Simple structures such as a large parasol, pergola or shade sail, like this waterproof triangle shade sail from Amazon, positioned outside sun-facing windows or patio doors, can help you block direct sun before it hits the glass.

If you're looking for a quick fix, I've picked out a few easy shade options that are easy to fit and can make an immediate difference during the hot weather.

Air coolers vs portable air conditioners and fans

With portable air conditioners becoming increasingly hard to come by during this week's heatwave, air coolers are emerging as an affordable alternative when we're all slowly melting. While they won't lower a room's temperature in the same way a portable AC can, they use cold water and ice packs to create a cooler, more refreshing breeze than a standard fan.

For the UK's short-lived heatwaves, I actually think they're a nice option for cooling you down during the day and overnight when you need quick relief. Aside from their affordability, they're easy to set up and store away when temperatures return to normal, making them a space-saving solution for occasional bursts of hot weather. Fitted air conditioning is the creme de la creme of home cooling, but if you don't have this set up this time round, these coolers could help you through the worst sleepless nights.

That's all from me for now. I'm off to find the coolest spot in the house and keep testing cooling gadgets in the name of journalism, or better yet, I'm tempted to just stick my head in the freezer.

Speaking of which, these cooling face masks are on offer right now and might be a slightly more practical way to cool down before bed. I'll leave you in the very capable hands of our Managing Editor, Thea, who'll keep you updated with more heatwave tips, cooling buys and deals this evening. Stay cool out there!

Thanks Jenny!

I've spent the past few days experimenting with every cooling trick I can find. My latest test? Applying reflective insulation foil to my bedroom and living room windows before heading into the office this morning.

The theory is that it should reflect solar heat before it enters the room, helping to keep indoor temperatures lower. Whether it actually works is another matter entirely, but I'll be reporting back when I get home this evening.

In the meantime, I'll be sharing the cooling products worth your attention, the ones I'd skip, and plenty of expert-approved tips to help make this heatwave a little more manageable.

If the few remaining portable AC feels a little out of budget, I've spotted a great priced Air Cooler at Amazon.

If you're struggling with the heat and want something more effective than a standard desktop fan without stretching to the cost of a portable air conditioner, this could be a useful halfway-house solution.

Can a dehumidifier help cool a room?

With ACs thin on the ground, it’s time to get creative with how to cool a room, and I’ve had more than one person ask me if their dehumidifier could be of any help. The answer is yes – but probably not in the way you're hoping.

A dehumidifier doesn't actually lower a room's temperature like a portable air conditioner. Instead, it removes excess moisture from the air, which can make a room feel more comfortable, particularly during humid weather.

Before relying on a dehumidifier to beat the heat, here's what I'd keep in mind:

It tackles humidity, not heat: A dehumidifier won't produce cold air or actively cool a room, but reducing humidity can make sticky conditions feel much more manageable.

You may feel cooler even if the temperature doesn't change: High humidity makes it harder for sweat to evaporate from your skin. By removing moisture from the air, a dehumidifier can help your body's natural cooling process work more effectively.

Running costs are relatively low: Most dehumidifiers use far less energy than a portable air conditioner, making them a cheaper option if humidity is your main issue.

It can work well alongside a fan: Combining a dehumidifier with a fan is often more effective than using either appliance alone, helping air feel fresher and less stuffy while improving airflow around the room.

If your home feels damp, sticky or tropical during a heatwave, a dehumidifier could help. Just don't expect it to replace an air conditioner if your goal is to lower the actual room temperature.

That's all from me for this evening.

I'm heading home to what is hopefully a slightly cooler flat thanks to the reflective foil I've attached to my windows. If it has genuinely made a difference to the indoor temperature, you'll be the first to hear about it when I'm back on the blog tomorrow.

For now, I'll hand you over to our Sleep Editor, Amy Lockwood, who'll be taking you through the evening with her expert advice on keeping cool at night.

Until then, keep those curtains closed, stay hydrated and make the most of any evening breeze that comes your way.

I'll report back on the window foil experiment tomorrow!

Fingers crossed you get home to a cool flat, Thea! And yep, we have another hot and humid night ahead, so I'll be sharing some ways to stay cool(er) as we head into the evening.

But first up, a stock watch report. As predicted, with most portable air conditioning units in the country now very nearly sold out, fans are the next cooling device to start disappearing from the shelves. However, there is still some fan stock available if you know where to look. I'll share some of my 'secret finds' in my next few posts.

First up, the Meaco Sefte Pedestal Fan. After testing multiple Meaco products for Ideal Home's guide to the best fans, best portable air conditioners, and best dehumidifiers, I think Meaco is one of *the* best air quality brands in the UK. So no one was sadder than me to find that its bestselling pedestal fans are now almost out of stock.

But, there is still one place to shop for the Meaco Sefte 10" Pro 3-in-1 Pedestal Fan, and that's Amazon, where you can still get delivery by Saturday, 27 June. Yes, that means it will be delivered after the hottest peak of the heatwave, but I have a feeling the heat will return, whereas more fan stock may not (or at least not for a few months, perhaps).

Plus, you can also pre-order the Meaco Sefte 10" Pro 3-in-1 Pedestal Fan at John Lewis, with delivery from 29 June 2026.

Next up, a cooling brand you may never have heard of: EcoAir. Well, I hadn't heard of it at any rate, that is, until I tested the EcoAir Kinetic Fan for Ideal Home's best fans guide a few years ago and was super impressed by its build quality.

Yes, this fan is heavy and bulky and doesn't have the stylish good looks of other models, but it's also robustly built, *very* easy to use (unlike so many high-tech versions which I found super fiddly), very quiet (thanks to its DC motor), extremely energy efficient, and has powerful cooling performance. It's also still going strong and in regular use three years after I first tested it.

The EcoAir Kinetic Fan now appears to be out of stock at most places except EcoAir itself, where, handily, it also has a nice discount, reducing it from £129.99 to £99.99. But there's now also the more affordable EcoAir Equinox Fan to consider, and this is available at a few more retailers, including via Amazon.

And finally, I've found some more Meaco cooling gems. Alongside the pedestal fan mentioned below, Meaco also offers a great range of table-top fans. But, alas, these too have flown out of stock overnight at most retailers.

However, I have found some remaining in-stock units, both direct from Meaco's own website, and via Meaco's Amazon storefront. Depending on which retailer you shop at, you can choose from the compact bedside-table-friendly 6" model, the larger 8" desk top version, or the sizeable 10" fan.

I'm logging off now to go open some windows and look for a cool breeze on the other side. But, as a reminder, if you're in need of an artificial breeze to get you through this heatwave, these are the three in-stock fans I recommend snapping up tonight before they become out-of-stock fans. Sleep well.

Prep your home now to keep cool this evening

Welcome back to another seriously hot day! I'm Becky, the Digital Editor and while I'm waiting to get my hands on a portable AC to make sure I don't suffer another hot sleepless night I'm prepping my home this morning with the following tricks:

• Opening windows for an hour this morning while it's still cool outside
• Positioning my fans in my bedroom and kitchen to help create a wind chill effect to cool the rooms down
• Finally, I'm closing all the windows and curtains in my house from 8 am onwards to keep the heat out.
• Popping my cooling Avene water spray (available on Amazon) in the fridge to spritz all over myself when it heats up later today.

Sleep easy tonight

If you're having trouble sleeping in the heat right now, it might be worth trying the Silentnight Restore Cooling Gel Mattress Pad, £30 at Amazon. It is a larger version of Silentnights Gel pillow, £11 at Amazon, both of them work by absorbing excess body heat. You can use it straight out of the box, or you can pop it in the fridge for half an hour before bed for a cooler sleep. However, our sleep editor, who has tested out the gel pads and was impressed, warns that straight from the fridge, these pads are truly ice cold!

AC for next-day delivery spotted!

Portable ACs have now vanished from more popular retailers such as Argos and John Lewis, but I've spotted the DeLonghi PAC EM82K in stock for £799 at Marks Electrical with next-day delivery!

Too early for an ice cream break?

I've just prepped two tubs of ice cream with my Ninja Creami to enjoy later today to keep cool. Speaking of which, I'm now handing over to Molly, our Kitchen Appliances editor, who has tested some of the best ice cream makers, so she has all the lowdown on the ultimate frozen treat makers to keep you cool during the heatwave. So, alongside all the latest updates on where to find a portable AC and fan still in stock, expect some cooling kitchen tips.

Thanks, Becky! I resorted to the trusty ice cubes in front of my fan hack last night which worked a treat for my sleep.

This morning I’m going to be checking across the board to try and find some portable ACs that you can buy online as the weather seems set to continue for the next few days at least. I'll also be sharing all of the ways I'm avoiding turning on my hob in this heat.

Lakeland Mini Rice Cooker: £34.99 at Amazon

It might seem superfluous but once you use a rice cooker at home, there's no going back. And it's an appliance that really comes into its own when it's this hot, as there's no standing over a hot stove required and you can make entire meals in one.

This mini Lakeland one I've tried is just perfect if your kitchen is already packed quite full.

Lidl's air conditioner lands in stores today

You can shop Lidl's £149 portable air conditioner in stores from today but that's only if you can find one in stock. The Lidl website has a handy availability check tool so you can pop in your postcode and see what your chances are of snagging this bargain AC unit.

If you're not able to get to a store, then I think the best alternative AC you can buy online that we've tested is this one from Dreo. I've tried a few of this brand's air fryers and always find them to be of great quality for the price point. Our expert reviewer Sarah put this one through its paces in her review.

Lakeland's Freeze Pods: £7.99 via Amazon

Another thing that's saved me throughout this heatwave is having a freezer stacked full of leftovers that are easy to reheat in the microwave. That's thanks to these Lakeland Freeze Pods which I've been testing, which are an ultra-affordable alternative to Souper Cubes.

They're made from silicone, so the pre-portioned meals are so easy to pop out and defrost. Or, if you make something like a lasagne in them you can just put the entire pod straight into the oven and feed the whole family.

That's all from me today – I'm off to make another iced coffee and restock my freezer with ice cubes from this supersized silicone tray (via Amazon for £9.99).

I'm handing over to Heather Young, Ideal Home's Editor-in-Chief, who always has the best tips and tricks and will be finding all of the cooling must-have products still left in stock.

The last air con on Wayfair for next day delivery

Thanks Molly! I’m jumping straight in because I've just spotted an AC still in stock at Wayfair with next-day delivery available. While we haven’t tested this one ourselves, it gets a very good 4.6 star rating with positive comments including ‘powerful cooling for my little room. In few minutes you can feel it.’ and ‘great for cooling a small room or taking the edge off the heat in a larger room.’ Plus it costs under £200 which makes it a more affordable option.

I can see that Wayfair also has a decent stock of fans too, so could be the perfect time to upgrade your cooling system!

Pre-order now so you're prepped and ready for the next heat spike

With air con stock at such low levels, options for next-day delivery limited, and the temperatures predicted to drop over the next couple of days, it's time to start thinking ahead and prepping for the next heatwave.

Avoid the panic-buying stress next time (plus save yourself hot, sleepless night), and get the best portable air con and fans pre-ordered now. Our top-rated pedestal fan is currently on pre-order at John Lewis with delivery from Monday so you don't even need to wait that long.

Meaco is one of our favourite air treatment brands, and while all the air conditioners in the Meaco range are currently out of stock, we have intel that 'coming soon' means a July restock, so bookmark them now.

If predictions of more regular heatwave events are correct, should we actually be considering taking the plunge and getting fitted AC installed? The biggest factor when considering fitted vs portable AC is the cost and the aesthetic impact on your home. But you swerve some of the disadvantages of portable ACs, such as venting and the bulky size.

Ideal Home's Deputy Art Director Emma Jackson is feeling pretty smug right now, having had AC fitted to her new-build home when she moved in with her young family (see her living room below). I can say that she looked considerably fresher than me in our video call yesterday! And our Renovation & Home Energy Editor Sarah is still loving her fitted AC one year on. Definitely something to seriously consider.

I'm passing the live updates over to the brilliant Holly Cockburn, our Kitchens & Bathrooms Editor, who'll keep you updated on AC and fan stock levels and share her genius tips for staying cool without an AC.

Over the heatwave I've been going to bed with a hot water bottle filled with cold water and ice cubes (I use this ice cube tray from Amazon, which is designed to make cubes that fit in water bottles), and I've just upgraded it from a nighttime cooling hack to one to use during the day while I'm wfh. I'm hugging it right now and it's definitely making me feel a little more comfortable!

Thanks, Heather! Hi everyone, I'm Holly, Ideal Home's Kitchens and Bathrooms Editor. My focus is on making these practical areas of our home as pretty and functional as possible - so I'll be sharing tips on how to handle the heat with style in mind. I'll also be keeping an eye on fan and AC stock levels, as well as any deals I find.

Just like Becky, I have suffered through five London summers now in a top-floor flat of a Victorian terraced house, so I've had to find some nifty tricks to cool down that can be easily stored.

I'm counting down until I can whip out the GreenPan Frost Ice Cream Machine this evening - I have been testing it for a few weeks now and I've just about perfected my vanilla soft serve recipe. It makes sorbets, milkshakes and slushies in just 30 minutes too, so it's a no brainer for this heatwave.

At this stage in the game, there aren't many fans left in stock with next day delivery, but this won't be the last heatwave, so it's a good opportunity to get ahead and buy one of the best fans now.

I invested in a DREO tower fan when I first moved to the city, and every summer I'm so glad I did. When positioned next to my bed, it does an excellent job of cooling the room so that I can still sleep with a duvet on (I know it's weird, but I always want a duvet).

You might think it's too big to store in a small home, but I find it easier to tuck away in a corner or a cupboard than a standard desk fan, as it's long and slim.

This model is an upgrade on the one I own, but I'm considering investing purely for the WiFi capabilities. By selecting fast delivery you could have this in your possession by Saturday, so it's not too long to wait.

I don't make a habit of discussing the merits of ice cube trays as a conversation starter - so you can guarantee it's good when I do. The whole Ideal Home desk got hooked on these Nespresso ice cube trays last summer, and it's been the highlight of my morning every day this week.

There's nothing I hate more than struggling to get ice cubes out of a tray, but the silicone case makes it so simple. They're also larger than a standard ice cube tray, so you only need a few in a cold drink.

I've been pairing it with my Nespresso Iced Coffee Tumbler - it's available on Amazon if you want it quickly but you'll find it £11 cheaper direct from Nespresso. I was complimented on mine on my journey into the office this morning, which will make sense once you see how cute it is!

While my London flat doesn't have any outdoor space, I'm lucky enough to escape to my partner's house in the countryside at the weekend - don't tell him, but the main pull is the ice bath that he's recently bought for the garden.

I've been a fan of hot and cold water therapy for a while now - the benefits of saunas and cold water dips are huge. Trust me, it's not just a wellness fad; the endorphins you feel after a cold plunge will be enough to prove otherwise.

Not only is it a great way to start your day on the right foot, it also doubles up as a handy plunge pool in a heatwave. If this weather has encouraged you to try out the trend, then this Amazon Ice Bath Tub is a great place to start - it's only £37.99 in the Prime Day Sale and miraculously, still in stock!

If you already know and love ice plunges, I would recommend one that can be used with a chiller, like this Lumi ice bath from John Lewis. This keeps the water at the desired temperature even when the weather is warm, but you can supplement the Amazon option with a hose and ice to get you started.

On that note, I'm passing over to the lovely Sophie King, Ideal Home's Gardens Editor, for all of her top tips related to our outdoor spaces.

Thanks, Holly! I’m Sophie, Ideal Home’s Gardens Editor, and I like to spend as much time outside as I can – even in a heatwave!

For the next couple of hours, I’ll be sharing my top tips for staying cool outdoors, so you can enjoy the summer weather without overheating. Plenty of water, shade and sun cream is a must, of course – but since it's so hot, even under cover, I'll be taking a closer look at the more advanced measures you can take to keep your garden cool.

I’m thankful for the loquat tree in my garden, which is not only providing us with plenty of fruit right now, but also lots of shade. When the sun moves, though, we’re back to square one – so to make up for it, I’ve got my eye on this Habitat 2m Water Repellent Garden Parasol, which is currently 20% off at Argos.

The trouble with this weather is that there’s little relief anywhere outdoors. It's breezy today, but the shaded parts of my garden are still toastier than ever.

After searching for ways to keep my patio cool, I discovered that some air coolers work outdoors – and that’s exactly what the Shark FlexBreeze Pro Mist Indoor and Outdoor Pedestal Fan does. With a range of up to 20 metres, you can either use it as a dry fan, or make the most of the misting setting for an even cooler experience (especially if you add ice!). Plus, once the day is finished, you can bring it indoors.

At the moment, I’m making do with ice packs from my housemate’s food delivery – so I’m very close to adding a Shark FlexBreeze to my basket.

Keeping you and your plants cool

I’d never considered a misting system as a way to keep a garden cool in a heatwave, but you can actually buy patio mister system kits from Amazon which allow you to customise a cooling network around a pergola or parasol, for example.

I’m keen to try one – I bet it’s really refreshing – but I’m also won over by the fact that it’s a brilliant way to keep plants cool, too. My pea plants have been struggling in this heat, and I've been thinking about investing in a small irrigation system to keep them hydrated.

It would certainly make watering my crops easier – and with a timer like the GARDENA Water Control Select, my plants would stay happy while I'm on holiday, too!

I’m logging off for the day – time to settle down with an ice cream and an ice pack! I'm actually thinking about switching out my housemate's food delivery ice blocks for a FlexiKold Ice Pack so I'll have a cold lap blanket while I work from home.

Hopefully, things will cool down a little this evening. Stay hydrated, and as cool as you can, and I’ll be back with more garden cooling tips tomorrow afternoon.

For now, I’m handing over to Thea, Ideal Home's Managing Editor, who’ll be sharing more ways to navigate the heatwave indoors.

Hi, I'm back again! With temperatures remaining high, I'm continuing my quest to find the cooling products, hacks and deals that are actually worth your time and money.

Over the past week, I've become slightly obsessed with finding ways to keep my flat cool without resorting to buying a portable air conditioner. Between strategically positioning fans, keeping my blinds closed and opening windows at precisely the right time of day, I've tried just about every expert-approved trick in the book.

I've found a surprisingly effective way to keep my flat cooler

As someone without air conditioning, I've spent this heatwave testing every cooling hack I can find. The one that's impressed me most so far? Reflective insulation foil on my windows.

I bought a roll on Amazon and installed it on Wednesday morning, covering the large south-facing windows in my bedroom and part of a west-facing window in my living room. The foil works by reflecting the sun's rays away from the glass, helping to prevent solar heat from building up indoors.

I fitted mine inside the windows (I'm on the third floor and didn't fancy leaning out), although it's generally considered most effective when installed externally.

While it hasn't transformed my flat into an ice box, I noticed a genuine difference overnight and again this morning. The biggest endorsement came when a friend popped round today. After climbing several flights of hot stairs, they immediately commented on how much cooler my flat felt than they were expecting.

You'll definitely still need fans and other cooling measures, but for a relatively cheap and quick DIY fix, I'm impressed so far.

Not just for iced coffees…

Portable air conditioners might be flying off the shelves, but plenty of air coolers are still in stock. And if you're using one to get through the heatwave, I've spotted a deal that could make it work even harder.

Many air coolers perform best when they're filled with very cold water or ice, helping to create a cooler-feeling airflow as warm air passes through the unit. That's where this countertop ice maker comes in…

That's all from me for today.

Before I sign off, one product that's caught my eye is the new Meaco Sefte Pro 10-inch 3-in-1 Pedestal Fan, which is currently available to pre-order at John Lewis. Meaco fans have built up an excellent reputation among our team over the years thanks to their strong airflow, energy efficiency and quiet operation, so it's definitely one I'll be keeping an eye on as reviews start to come in.

For now, though, I'm handing over to the rest of the Ideal Home team. Whether you're relying on a portable air conditioner, a trusty fan or every cooling hack you can find, I hope you're managing to stay comfortable in the heat.

I'll be back tomorrow with more stock updates, cooling advice and heatwave-friendly finds.

Stay cool, stay hydrated, and don't forget to make the most of those cooler evening temperatures while they last.

Wow, just when I thought it couldn't get any hotter, it got hotter.

The good news is temperatures look set to drop after tonight (at least a little). However, in order to make this evening as bearable as possible, I'm here with some sleep expert-approved tips for lowering your body temperature tonight.

I've also rounded up the best of the in-stock fans still available. No, they won't arrive in time to help us out tonight, but who knows what the rest of the summer holds, so I think they're definitely worth investing in now while stock is still available.

After testing multiple fans for Ideal Home's best fans guide, I always recommend investing in a fan with a DC motor rather than an AC motor.

A DC motor will generally be more expensive, but the cooling effects are far greater. Plus, DC motors are generally super quiet (in contrast to the loud whining you have to endure with a cheaper AC fan), and they're very energy efficient, which means that although the upfront cost to buy the fan is greater, the cost to run the fan is far less.

I've rounded up some of my top-rated in-stock recommendations below.

But how to sleep if you don't have a fan or air con? First up, cool your body.

In order to cool down your body before bed, sleep experts recommend taking a lukewarm (but not cold) shower, or at least dampening your feet and hands to cool down your extremities.

'In a heatwave, I recommend people spray their hands and feet with water before bed,' says Sam Sadighi, sleep therapist at Get Laid Beds and founder of Easy Sleep Solutions. 'This trick is effective because it simulates sweating. As the water evaporates, it cools you down and helps to pull the heat from your core.'

'Alternatively, you can put your hands and feet under cool water without drying them off before you get into bed,' says Sammy.

Or, for the full effect, 'a lukewarm shower before bed can help lower your core body temperature without the shock of cold water,' advises Kerry Davies, aka The Sleep Fixer from The Fine Bedding Company.

However, don't sleep naked.

Of course, you're free to sleep however you like in the privacy of your own home, but if you're considering ditching all covers and sleeping naked to combat the heat, sleep experts advise against it.

As Natalie Pennicotte-Collier, sleep therapist and resident sleep expert at MattressNextDay, explains, 'sleeping without a cover can actually make us sweatier and stickier throughout the night, causing us to wake up'.

'Removing or sleeping on top of your duvet may feel like a logical decision in a heatwave, but the problem is when you replace it with nothing,' says Natalie. 'As body heat and sweat build up during the night, moisture can sit directly against the skin and mattress instead of being absorbed and released through breathable fabrics.'

'I advise replacing your duvet with a lightweight, breathable layer instead of sleeping completely uncovered,' says Natalie, and these breathable layers are just what the sleep expert ordered.

It's nearly time for me to log off and go investigate what today's hot winds have done to my poor garden plants (or maybe I shouldn't look).

But I'll leave you with three of my personal top buys for sleeping cooler below. It may be controversial, but I'm choosing to use one of these under £10 Amazon buys instead of turning on my portable air con unit during this heatwave.

These gel packs freeze quickly and stay frozen for much longer than your average freezer item. But if you don't have an ice pack on hand, a bag of frozen peas will do the trick. Just pop it in a freezer bag and a pillowcase to cool down your bed and body. A hot water bottle filled with cold water and ice cubes works as well.

Do your best to stay cool, and we'll see you tomorrow morning for some more heat-busting tips.

Morning, I'm Becky, Editor at Ideal Home, and I'm here to help you not only track down any last remaining portable ACs, but also help you decide if you should hold off and wait to invest in one of the best portable AC's when stock has been replenished.

Today in London, where I live, temperatures are set to hit another scorching 34 degrees around midday. I'm currently airing out my home this morning, using a fan to circulate the hot air out and cooler air inside. Over the heatwave this week, the Duux Whisper Fan, which I've had for four years, has been my best friend. It felt like a splurge buying a fan over £100 four years ago, but the super quiet and powerful fan has been worth every penny! Right now, you can pick up the latest model, the Duux Whisper 3 Ultra Quiet Pedestal Fan for £139 at Very.

One thing that the Ideal Home team has not been able to live without in this heat has been ice-cold drinks. I've lost count of the number of iced lattes and iced matchas I've consumed this week. Even Sara, our Room Decor Editor, who loves the heat, says homemade iced drinks are her non-negotiable.

'I don’t get bothered by the heat all that much. But one thing that I need in the heat is for my drinks to be icy cold. For that, the Nespresso Barista Ice Cube Tray has been a gamechanger as is the Nespresso Travel Tumbler, which lets me take my iced drinks everywhere I go.' - Sara Hesikova, Room Decor Editor

To wait or not to wait?

I have yet to invest in a portable AC myself, but with the hot summers becoming more common in the UK, I'm planning to invest in one. However, rather than rushing to buy one this week, I'm waiting for the Meaco Cirro® 12000 BTU Super Quiet Smart Portable Air Conditioner to come back into stock later this summer. We didn't get a chance to test this brand-new Meaco model before the heatwave. Still, it promises to be twice as quiet as our current top-rated portable air conditioner, the MeacoCool MC Series Portable Air Conditioner. Noise is one of the biggest issues with ACs, so this is a huge selling point.

Appliances Direct restock!

Appliances Direct has remained the retailer with the healthiest stock levels throughout the heatwave. Yesterday, they were down to three portable ACs in stock; however, this morning, a range of alternative models has been re-added to their lineup. You can now find a range of models, including DeLonghi and Woods, starting at £499 for the Woods 12000 BTU Smart Quiet Portable Air Conditioner with HEPA Air Purifier. However, alongside the caveat that we haven't tested any of the available models, for many of the newly restocked ACs, you will need to wait four weeks for delivery. However, the AKAI Slimline 7000 BTU Small Portable Air Conditioner, £649, is still offering delivery from tomorrow.

That is everything from me today! I've just ordered a couple of water mists on Amazon, to pop in my handbag and in the fridge to keep me cool while out and about. I'm now handing over to Molly, our Kitchen Appliances editor, who will be helping you through the next couple of hours of heat and will be keeping you up to date on where you can still find a powerful fan or portable AC in time for the weekend.

Morning! It's a little cooler where I am today but I've never been so grateful for my linen bedding over the past few nights – I've been sleeping with this flat sheet from Piglet in Bed (which is over 50% off right now in all sizes).

I know how thin on the ground stock of air con units is right now as I'm looking to pick one up for a relative, so I'll be right there with you trying to source one. For now, I've set my alerts for when sold-out ones become available to buy again – I've found you can do that very easily at AO, John Lewis and Dunelm. It pays to be prepared for when the next heatwave strikes!

Shark TurboBlade Bladeless Tower Fan: £249.99 at Amazon

This clever multi-directional fan from Shark is still in stock over at Amazon, though the delivery is delayed until at least the 11th of July. But, it'll stand you in good stead for the next heatwave is our expert Lauren's review is anything to go by.

If you're not perusing the Specialbuys every time you pop to Aldi, can I recommend that you make a special exception next week? They have more cooling solutions landing in store from Thursday 2nd of July and I predict they'll be very popular. You can't buy them online, but on the website you can see when you'll be able to buy them in-store.

Our News Writer Kez has written about the supermarket's £40 air cooler, but there will soon be an even cheaper £14.99 version which is perfect for your desk.

I was lucky enough to test out all sorts of frozen treat makers last year during a very hot summer and I can tell you they're a great thing to have on hand for some light relief during a heatwave. This one from Cuisinart is absolutely perfect if you don't want to do any prep before you get stuck into making soft serve ice cream – you can do so in under 30 minutes.

That's all from me today as I hand over to our Content Editor Holly Cockburn who's going to be looking out for all the cooling buys still in stock that you can snap up.

Thanks, Molly! Hi everyone, I have to say I'm really missing the office aircon today as I struggle through the heat in my kitchen.

While I'm parked next to my DREO tower fan right now, I'm looking ahead to this evening when I travel up to Birmingham to see Lily Allen perform. While it's bound to be a fun night, train travel in this heat is no joke, so I'm wishing I had thought ahead and bought a neck fan.

Ideal Home's Content Director, Lindsey Davis, recommends this neck fan from Amazon for under £35. She bought it for her partner and noted not to use it when chopping onions, but at least that means it works!

I will have my trusty John Lewis handheld fan with me, so hopefully that will be enough to keep me cool.

Get ahead for the next heatwave

If the last few summers have taught us anything, it's that these heatwaves will become the norm. While you might have been caught out this time by the very extreme weather, you can get ahead by signing up to be emailed when some of the best portable ACs become available.

John Lewis has one of the easiest methods I've seen to keep on top of stock levels - you can create an account and then easily hit 'email me when available' next to the model you're interested in.

The MeacoCool MC Series Portable Air Conditioner is included in John Lewis' AC line-up, which comes with a best-in-class rating from Sarah Handley, Ideal Home's pro cooling-tech reviewer.

Yesterday, I was waxing lyrical about Nespresso Barista Ice Cube Tray that has everyone on the Ideal Home team hooked. I don't see myself parting ways with it anytime soon, however, I've got my eye on an upgrade.

This nifty, and very cute, ice cube maker is in the same colour palette as my beloved Nespresso tray and cup, so it would fit perfectly into my kitchen. It also has a genius push-down mechanism that releases the ice automatically into the tray beneath, leaving you with an abundance of ice whenever you need it.

I like how this option doesn't take up too much room, as I have a small kitchen. It's also only £14.99, so I don't even feel the need to wait until payday.

I'm about to pass over to one of our cooling tech experts, Lauren, who has reviewed countless fans in her time on Ideal Home.

Before I do, I wanted to remind you that while many air conditioners are out of stock now, there are some fans still available to buy. We haven't tested it, but this tower fan from Amazon has almost 100 4 star reviews and is available for delivery tomorrow. Tower fans are super effective and I would definitely be investing if I didn't already have one.

Thanks, Holly! I’m taking over for the next couple of hours, keeping you updated on the best cooling deals and tips to beat the heat.

This week has taught me that I just can't cope with temperatures like this in my hot Victorian home any longer - especially at night - so I’m going to snap up this affordable DREO 7500 BTU Portable Air Conditioner (£399 at Amazon). Our Cooling Expert, Sarah, gave it a 4-star review when she tested it.

As portable AC stock is basically nonexistent right now, it won’t be delivered for a couple of weeks. But I know future me will be very grateful that I’m thinking ahead.

I don’t know about you, but the last thing I want to do in this heat is clean my house. And with summers set to get even hotter as the years go by, my hot-weather hack is to invest in cleaning tools that do the work for you. My top pick? A robot vacuum!

I’ve tested the best robot vacuums out there, and I can honestly say that this hands-free appliance is a godsend when temperatures soar. And instead of getting hot and sweaty vacuuming or mopping my floors, I just let my robot do it for me. In fact, I haven't lifted a finger this entire week...

The good news is that some of my top-rated models are now also on sale, so it's well worth snapping up a deal before they go back up to full price.

My home office is HOT today, but thankfully I have my trusty Russell Hobbs Bladeless Tower Fan on to help me stay cool while I type away.

It’s actually an air-purifying fan, which means it has a filter to combat rising pollen levels, dust, and even odours. And I’ve just spotted it’s available at Amazon for delivery to your door by Tuesday or Wednesday next week. For now, anyway...

That’s me done for the day! I’m going to go and stick my head in the freezer for a few minutes, but I'm handing you over to Ideal Home's Gardens Editor, Sophie, who will be helping you (and your garden) stay cool this weekend.

Thanks, Lauren! It’s another scorcher today, and as I work in my very hot kitchen (which, unbelievably, is one of the coolest rooms in the house), I’m back for the next few hours to share some more outdoor cooling tips.

Before I start nattering on about the garden, though, I need to celebrate the fan that’s been keeping me cool indoors. So far, nothing is topping the Vornado Compact Whole Room Air Circulator Fan I inherited from my old housemate. It’s a brilliant desk companion, and I can’t imagine working from home without it!

We can water our plants all we want, but they're often just as vulnerable to high UV levels as we are – and if your beds, borders or containers are positioned in full sun, there’s a good chance that they’ll struggle this week.

Enter, plant shades: the unsung heroes of a summer garden. They’re the plant equivalent of our parasols, blocking out the day’s strongest sun rays. Products like this Seedzbox plant shade netting make brilliant windbreakers, too. You’ll just need to remember to remove them during the milder parts of the day to make sure they’re receiving enough sunlight.

There are lots of other ways to protect potted plants in a heatwave, too, from using pot feet for increased airflow to adding watering spikes for extra hydration.

Here’s something interesting I learned this week: a pond can actually cool your garden down.

Garden ponds already have so many benefits, attracting a huge range of insects, amphibians and other wildlife to your space. According to experts, the evaporation process cools the air around a pond– so if you’ve been thinking about adding one to your garden, now is the perfect time to position one by a seating area.

You can buy preformed ponds like this Pisces Modena Preformed Rigid Garden Pond to make installation easier, or even hop on the micro pond trend and make one in a bucket. Apparently, adding moving water with a fountain (this LAWOHO Solar Fountain Pump is an eco-friendly option) can boost its cooling effects.

Who knew?!

Right, that’s me finished for the day! Time to go and lie down next to my fan, I think. I’m tempted by a handheld one that I can take with me on the train next week (everyone in the office is talking about this John Lewis one)…

I’m handing back to the lovely Thea, who will be continuing heatwave-talk for the next couple of hours.

Thanks Sophie!

If you were following along yesterday, you might remember me as the girl who covered her windows in reflective foil in the name of journalism. (Spoiler: I'm still testing the results but it’s looking good!)

With another hot evening ahead, I'm back on cooling duty, hunting down the fan and portable air conditioner deals that are genuinely worth your money, keeping an eye on what's still in stock, and putting more heat-beating hacks to the test.

If there’s one item I genuinely cannot imagine surviving hot weather without, it’s the John Lewis Handheld Foldable Desk Fan.

I first picked it up because I wanted something small enough to throw in my bag during hot commutes, but it's quickly become one of those products I use almost every day when temperatures climb. It's not going to cool an entire room, of course, but if you're looking for affordable personal cooling, this is one of the products I've genuinely used and would recommend to friends and family.

The coolest spot in your home might not be where you think

If you're anything like me, you've probably spent the last few days chasing the coolest seat in the house. But it turns out every home has its own natural cool-down corners – and knowing where they are can make a surprising difference during a heatwave.

In general, north-facing rooms tend to stay cooler because they receive less direct sunlight, while rooms on the ground floor are often noticeably cooler than upstairs, where heat naturally rises. Areas away from large windows or direct afternoon sun can also offer a welcome escape when the temperature peaks.

Sometimes the best cooling solution isn't buying another gadget – it's knowing where to sit.

That's all from me for today!

I'm off to continue my mission of keeping my south-west-facing flat at a vaguely habitable temperature (wish me luck), while handing the live blog over to our Sleep Editor, Amy Lockwood.

Now my final decision is whether to finally buy my dream Shark FlexBreeze or wait until after pay day and hope they come back in stock….

Thanks Thea! And, phew! Where I live last night was definitely the hottest and most humid night yet, and I, for one, am *overjoyed* that we've nearly made it to the point in the week where the mercury drops.

My trusty Meaco Sefte fan definitely deserves a big shout-out for wicking away the sweat as it formed last night and keeping me feeling so much cooler than I would have been without it. It's an investment, but it's been worth every penny.

The 10" Meaco Sefte Tabletop Fan I own is currently sold out at multiple retailers, although you can sign up at John Lewis to get a notification when it's back in stock. However, the smaller £69.99 6" Meaco Sefte and £79.99 8" Meaco Sefte Tabletop fans are still in stock at Meaco, and Amazon still has stock of the powerful £199 Meaco Sefte Pedestal Fan.

If the heatwave has convinced you to invest in air con, then, as well as top-rated fans, Meaco also makes some of the best portable air conditioners on the market.

They're currently all out of stock (of course), but, although Meaco has let us know that there won't be any more incoming stock of its popular Pro Series air con units this summer, the brand says that there *is* stock of the new Meaco Cirro Portable Air Conditioner models coming in early next month.

The Meaco Cirro will be available directly from Meaco as well as the brand's retail partners, John Lewis, Love Shopping, AO, Curry's, and Hughes Electrical.

I'm also planning on looking into ways to shade the exterior of my home ahead of the next heatwave.

Stopping the sun from hitting the windows in the first place is the best way to keep a home cool in the heat, but until the UK catches up with other European countries, such as Spain and Germany, which block out the sun with external window blinds, and France, which uses external window shutters to keep buildings cool, this £39.99 Christow Half Parasol from Amazon with UV 30+ protection looks like just the ticket.

Its flat back means I can push the parasol flush against my south-facing patio doors to keep the inside of the house shady and cool next time the sun is so strong. But for now, I think I just felt the first cool breeze of the week come through my window, so I'm off outside to cool down!

That's everything from us! I hope our tips over the last week have helped you keep your cool in the heatwave and hopefully helped you track down a portable AC or fan. The temperatures look to finally be going down (fingers crossed), and portable AC stock levels should hopefully be replenished in July so you can get your hands on one ahead of the next heatwave.

As ever, keep cool this weekend!

As soon as the warmer weather arrives, so do the flies. But it’s important for UK homes to keep common house flies, fruit flies and drain flies out of the house, as these irritating pests can spread germs and generally cause a nuisance.

Thankfully, it’s my job to test all of the ways to keep flies out of the house, and I’m always on the lookout for new hacks that can get the job done - especially as flies have been buzzing around my own kitchen recently. So, when I spotted a method that uses coffee grounds to get rid of flies, I decided to test it out.

According to @thehitchcockhouse, all I had to do was burn my leftover coffee grounds in the oven for 15 minutes, then leave the smoking remains to work their magic and keep the flies at bay. And while I’m happy to report that it did work, there was a catch.

The coffee grounds fly hack is based on the notion that coffee is a scent that flies hate. Like most animals and humans, they also associate smoke with danger. So, in theory, the burnt coffee grounds should force the flies to flee.

After burning coffee grounds from my own morning brew in the oven for 15 minutes, I was left with a smoking pile of coffee that made my house smell like a café. And within a few minutes of placing it on my kitchen worktop, the flies that had been buzzing around left through a window I’d left open for them.

For the next three hours, my house was a fly-free zone - despite leaving the window open to let the cool breeze into my stifling Victorian terrace. However, the magic wore off after that, and the flies started to return.

This is something that James Copley, Chief Executive Officer of Copley Pest Solutions, expected to happen. He told me, ‘Burning coffee grounds to keep flies out of your home is a widely shared tip that homeowners use. Flies heavily rely on their sense of smell, so the smoke will deter them, but it is not a permanent solution. Instead, the most effective way to keep flies out of your home is to remove whatever attracted them in the first place.’

So, while burning coffee grounds can be a great way to reuse coffee grounds and get rid of flies in the short-term, long-term prevention will always be more effective. This is especially true if you struggle with flies in the kitchen as I often do.

James says that the most important step is to deter flies from food waste bins, as ‘Flies are attracted to food scraps, overripe fruit, dirty bins, pet food, pet waste, and standing water. Homeowners should not just empty their bins regularly but also clean them.’

Regularly cleaning the kitchen, storing food in airtight containers, and removing standing water from kitchens and bathrooms are also key steps to keep flies out of the house.

Physical barriers can also help if you’re struggling right now. Our Senior Digital Editor, Jenny, swears by fly fans like this Zero In Fly Go! USB Rechargeable Fly Repellent Fan (£11.99 at Amazon) to naturally repel the flies, and there are even barriers you can put on your windows and doors to keep these unwanted visitors out.

Jason Peterkin, director and founder of 247 Blinds, says, ‘One of the simplest ways to keep flies out of the house is with a retractable fly screen. They create a physical barrier that helps keep insects out while still allowing in ventilation and natural light, making them particularly useful in kitchens, living spaces and bedrooms where windows are frequently left open during warmer weather.’

Of course, there are also the traditional methods of using citronella candles and even the lemon clove fly repellent hack, where you stick cloves into a lemon half to throw off their senses and leave them no option but to flee your home. But, really, prevention is always better than the cure if you want to keep flies out of the house.

So, while I was impressed by the short-term effects of the coffee hack, I’m not sure I’ll be using it again! And for anyone interested, my coffee machine is the Sage The Barista Express Impress (was £729.99, now £599.99 at Argos).

There aren’t many gardeners who don’t dream of adding a stunning water feature to their outside space, and if you have a small garden, courtyard or balcony, I’m here to tell you that your dream is in fact a possibility. I’m seeing patio ponds (£24.99, Thompson & Morgan), also known as micro ponds, everywhere this summer - and they’re perfect for supporting wildlife and creating a relaxing water feature in a small space.

Wildlife-friendly gardening has been one of the biggest garden trends of the year, and a micro pond is one of the easiest (and prettiest) ways to encourage wildlife to a small garden or urban outdoor space.

If you’ve been dreaming of adding a water feature to your garden, but lack the space to commit to a pond, micro ponds are the space-saving alternative that birds, bees and butterflies will love, too.

The micro pond trend

‘Patio ponds are growing in popularity as more people look for simple ways to support local wildlife, even if they only have a small outdoor space. They offer many of the benefits of a traditional garden pond without requiring a large garden or significant investment,’ comments Tom Douglas, Senior Gardening Buyer at Cherry Lane Garden Centres.

‘As well as attracting wildlife, patio ponds can transform the feel of an outdoor space by creating a calming focal point. The combination of water, movement and reflection helps bring a sense of tranquillity to gardens, patios and balconies, while adding visual interest throughout the year.’

This garden pond idea offers an affordable way to add a water feature to your space (especially if you build your own patio pond like our Editor in Chief, Heather Young). They offer many of the same benefits as a traditional pond, but are more compact and less maintenance to take care of.

‘Patio ponds are a great idea, especially for wildlife! They become a mini-ecosystem beneficial for pollinators and birds, and they’re such a great way of maximising a small space. They add character to a garden, and they’re a stylish alternative to a traditional pond, which can be high maintenance but also expensive to install in the first place,’ adds James Ewens, wildlife and gardening expert at Green Feathers.

‘Not only do they add some visual interest to a patio, but they’re also functional, which is right on brand for how we’re using our gardens in 2026. They support biodiversity, providing drinking water and bathing water for birds, and a safe breeding ground for wildlife.’

The benefits of micro ponds

The most obvious benefit of a patio pond is, of course, giving an urban garden wildlife-friendly features. However, if you do plan on your pond being somewhere that local wildlife can bathe, make sure you add a small ramp in and out of the pond to make it accessible.

‘Patio ponds are a great option for anyone looking to make their outdoor space more wildlife-friendly without undertaking a major garden project. They’re relatively inexpensive to install, straightforward to maintain and can have a real impact on the variety of wildlife visiting your garden,’ says Tom.

‘For people with limited outdoor space, they’re an easy way to create a thriving mini ecosystem while adding an attractive feature that can be enjoyed year-round.’

While low-maintenance, just bear in mind that you have limited space, so don’t go overboard on buying the aquatic plants.

‘I’d say patio ponds are low maintenance, especially compared with larger ponds structured into your garden. Just make sure, especially in summer, you’re keeping your pond topped up with fresh water, clear away any excess debris and occasionally just trim back your aquatic plants so they don’t start taking over,’ says James.

‘In a small pond, you run the risk of overloading it - whether that’s with fish or too many aquatic plants. Stick to small oxygenating plants to keep the water fresh, and avoid large marginal plants like yellow flag iris or bulrushes as they take over small spaces. Fish, while a lovely addition, belong in a larger pond. Fish secrete more waste than you’d think from a small body, so it’s best to keep them from polluting the pond!’

Stylish, environmentally-friendly and relaxing to look at, what’s not to love about patio ponds?

Now that summer has arrived, we’re leaving the windows open and making the most of our gardens. But with this comes the nuisance of wasps, and if you want to keep wasps away from your home, you need to understand what’s attracting them. And these are five unusual household items inadvertently attracting wasps to your home.

I’d wager most of us want to know how to get rid of wasps. These buzzing pests not only have a nasty sting, but can sometimes behave aggressively and are a phobia to many. So, if you want to avoid a home and garden full of wasps, you need to address the things that attract them.

While there are many ways to deter wasps, including using scent or even fake wasp nests, let’s address the root cause of what's attracting them to your home in the first place.

1. Sweet candles and diffusers

In summer, more often than not, the best candles and reed diffusers we choose for our home have a sweet, fruity scent. While gourmand vanilla or floral rose smells amazing to you and me, unfortunately, wasps are a huge fan of these fragrances, too.

‘Fruity or floral scented candles and reed diffusers are one of the most overlooked wasp attractants in the home. Wasps are drawn to sweet smells in the same way they are drawn to ripe fruit, and a diffuser pumping out mango or tropical scents near an open window is essentially a welcome sign. Swap to more neutral or citrus-based scents, which are less attractive to wasps and actively repellent in the case of citronella,’ explains Mosh Latifi, co-owner of EcoCare Pest Management.

If you’re looking for a citronella candle that deters pests but also smells good to the human nose, I swear by Neom’s Complete Bliss Citronella Outdoor Candle (£55 at LookFantastic), which doesn’t smell as overpowering as other citronella candles and is wonderfully fresh.

2. Outdoor cushions

I’m sorry to say it, but your outdoor cushions are attracting wasps to your home, and it’s all down to the nesting potential that cushions provide.

‘This one isn't a major attractor, but outdoor cushions can sometimes provide sheltered spots for wasps to investigate, particularly if they're left outside all season. In some cases, worn or damaged furnishings may also provide fibres that certain species can use when building nests. Storing cushions away when they're not in use and replacing badly frayed items can help minimise the risk,’ says Luke Newnes, gardening expert at Hillarys.

To stop wasps from making your outdoor cushions their home, store them in a vacuum-sealed bag (such as these for £11.39 on Amazon) to prevent any creepy-crawlies making their way in.

3. Bags for life

Yep, the bag for life you picked up from the supermarket and currently have stashed in a cupboard, drawer, or even your car could be attracting wasps to your home - especially if you haven’t cleaned it before storing it.

‘Reusable bags that have carried groceries and not been washed regularly can retain food odours that attract wasps, particularly if stored in a warm car boot or shed. Give bags a regular wash, especially during summer, and do not store them near entry points to the house,’ says Mosh.

4. Standing water and leaky taps

You should check your garden and home for any leaky taps or stagnant water, as this can also attract wasps to your home.

‘Like most insects, wasps need water, particularly during hot, dry weather. Dripping taps, water collecting in plant trays, bird baths or other damp areas can become regular drinking spots. Fixing leaks and removing unnecessary standing water won't prevent wasps entirely, but it can make your garden less attractive to them,’ says Luke.

If you have a bird bath and want to continue to support birds in hot weather, you don’t have to remove it. Simply position it a bit further away from your home to reduce the distance from you and any wasps. You could also consider planting plants that wasps dislike, to deter them from coming near the area.

5. Pet food

Last but not least is pet food, which can also attract wasps to your home if left out after your pets have finished eating.

‘Cat and dog food left in bowls outside, or even inside near an open door or window, attracts wasps looking for protein as much as sugar. Wasps actively seek protein sources in summer to feed their larvae, and pet food is an easy target. Remove pet bowls as soon as feeding is finished rather than leaving them down all day,’ says Mosh.

Get rid of wasps

I’d have never guessed that a few of these items would attract wasps to my home - especially my bag for life! But now we know the unusual things that attract wasps, we can ensure we don’t leave them lying around. Prevention is better than a cure, after all.

Seeing that energy bills are set to increase by 13% on average from 1 July, and the temperature is starting to rise, I'm sure, like me, the cost of running any cooling appliances is on your mind. If you’re looking for cheap ways to cool a home during a heatwave, you’re in luck, as I spoke to several energy experts for their three simple hacks.

As much as I adore summer and warm weather (who doesn’t?)My flat often feels like a furnace when temperatures soar. While the best portable air conditioners are one of the best ways to stay cool, they can be expensive investments, costing hundreds of pounds for a unit.

So, if you want to cool a home on a budget and offset rising energy costs, here are three hacks you should try this heatwave.

1. Keep your curtains and blinds closed

One of the easiest (and completely free) ways to help keep your home cool is by keeping your blinds and curtains shut during the hottest parts of the day. This is because it blocks sunlight streaming into your home and increases the temperature.

‘Windows are one of the main sources of heat gain in a home. When sunlight passes through glass, it turns into heat and gets trapped inside. Closing blinds or curtains during peak sunlight hours can reduce this ‘greenhouse effect’, helping interiors stay noticeably cooler without relying on energy-intensive solutions like fans or air conditioning,’ says Yvonne Keal, product expert at Hillarys.

‘With energy prices still a concern following the latest Ofgem announcement, passive cooling methods like this are a smart way to cut costs. By keeping rooms naturally cooler, you can reduce the need for electric fans or portable air conditioning units, which can cost anywhere from 2p to over 30p per hour to run, depending on the appliance.’

Blackout blinds (such as this £14.40 option at Dunelm) and thermal curtains (£26.66 at Argos) can be particularly effective at keeping heat out. This is because they are specially designed to stop heat from escaping in winter and to stop heat from filtering into your home during summer.

2. Turn off heat generating appliances

It turns out that it’s not just sunshine making your home feel too hot. Left-in plugs can also generate excess heat. So, you should ensure you’re switching off all plugs when not in use to reduce temperature and save money on your energy bill (because vampire appliances will add to your bill even when not in use). If you’re someone who often forgets to turn off plugs, it’s worth investing in smart plugs (£29.99, Argos) so you can control your plugs from your phone.

‘Anything that plugs in and warms up, such as ovens, dishwashers, tumble dryers, gaming consoles, or even phone chargers left plugged in, can add a surprising amount of heat to a room. Try running dishwashers and washing machines early in the morning or late at night, and air-dry clothes outside or on a rack rather than using the tumble dryer,’ says Sam Carter, home heating and cooling expert (HVAC) at Appliances Direct.

‘Also, swap oven cooking for salads, cold proteins or microwave meals during the hottest part of the day. You’d be amazed at how much cooler a kitchen feels when the oven hasn’t been on. Switching to ‘no cooking’ meals costs nothing and saves energy too.’

3. Hang a damp sheet over your window

This free hack turns bedding into an air conditioner. All you need to do is hang a bed sheet, which has been dampened in cold water, over your window, and the air will cool as it passes through.

‘As the warmer air enters your home, the moisture on the sheet helps to lower the temperature, creating a cooler, more refreshing breeze. Make sure that the room is well ventilated so that the evaporated water has somewhere to escape to,’ says Ruth MacEachern, ventilation specialist at envirovent.

‘Keeping your home well-ventilated during a heatwave is key to preventing temperatures from rising too much. Small changes can have a big impact, helping to keep your home cool and manageable during warmer periods.’

Stay cool

If you're still struggling to beat the heat, a portable air conditioner really can make a world of difference. If you've been wondering if portable air conditioners are worth it, experts say they cost between 20p and 68p per hour to run, in line with the most recent Price Cap.

Remember, portable air conditioners are already selling out fast across different brands and retailers. Now is the time to buy if you want one.

Rising energy bills can cause stress for any household. Using free cooling hacks where you can will help, but you should reach out to your energy supplier for support if you're stuggling to pay your bills.

Garden experts have revealed a quirky method to deter pests from a garden and all you need is a handful of discoballs (just like these £8.89 hanging ornaments from Amazon).

Disco style may certainly be in fashion for 2026, and when it comes to your garden, it can be a really useful tool for deterring garden pests. If you want to deter wasps and flies and keep pests off your plants, a glittering mirrorball can be helpful.

The light that reflects off a disco ball can disrupt how flies and other insects navigate, in turn putting them off coming near your plants. It’s a harmless deterrent, but one that will also make your garden glitter like Studio 54.

The disco ball hack

Before you head off and make your veg patch glimmer like the ‘70s, it’s important to understand how the hack works, and luckily, the answer is simple. It’s all about using reflected light to disturb pests' navigation paths.

‘Gardeners can use disco balls to deter pests as insects like flies rely on light and reflection when navigating, and their sense of direction can be affected by the reflections cast by a disco ball spinning in direct sunlight. This will not harm them, but can be annoying enough that they may start to avoid the area,’ says Richard Barker, horticultural expert and commercial director of LBS Horticulture.

‘The reflections cast by the disco ball can interfere with pests' sense of direction, as they can be reliant on light and reflection to navigate. In order for this to work, the disco ball needs to be in direct sunlight with some wind to make it spin.’

As Richard explains, placement is really important for this hack to work. You need to put the disco balls where they can catch a breeze, and of course, near the areas you want to deter pests from.

‘For disco balls to be most effective, they must be hung where they will get maximum direct light and be able to catch any breezes to make them swing or spin. They also need to be placed close to where they are most needed to deter pests. For example, to keep gnats, flies, wasps or mosquitoes away from seating or eating areas, hang them over outdoor furniture, around patios etc, etc., says Lucie Bradley, garden and greenhouse expert at Easy Garden Irrigation.

‘If you have problems with gnats or flies near your bins, then this is also a good place to suspend disco balls. Or places where there is lots of footfall, such as next to gates or entrances. If you want to use them to deter birds from your fruits or vegetables, then place them closer to where they are growing, hanging them from trees, from shepherds crooks or basket brackets, as long as they are not in the shadows and not totally sheltered from the wind.’

Is this a good hack to use?

While the prettier of pest control hacks, it is best to use the disco ball hack alongside other forms of pest control such as attracting natural predators, companion planting and even sticking forks in your veg patch.

‘Although it can be a good method to use, the weather conditions may not always be reliable enough to supply enough direct sunlight and wind for it to be effective. If there is no wind to spin the disco ball, it can also potentially become a fire hazard if light reflects onto a dry, flammable surface for a prolonged period of time, such as brittle grass,’ says Richard.

‘The hack will also not work at night, so it is best paired with other methods of pest control that genuinely work, such as fly traps. You should also avoid things that attract pests in the first place, such as leaving food uncovered or leaving bins open.’

Lucie agrees, however, points out that the disco ball method is a cost-effective one and one that doesn’t rely on chemicals. Again, she recommends it with other methods as part of a multi-pronged approach to tackling pests.

‘To make them last as long as possible, keep them out in your garden only in spring and summer and then store them through autumn and winter to protect them from the worst weather. Ideally disco balls with blown plastic cores will be better than those with polystyrene centres as they will be better at resisting wet weather conditions,’ she adds.

Would you try this glittering garden hack?

The Y2K revival charged back into fashion during lockdown and has shown absolutely no signs of slowing down since. And the latest outdated trend to become cool again? Turquoise. Although experts say this hue never actually goes out of fashion, provided you know how to style it well.

Blue was always destined to be one of the biggest colour trends of 2026, but I never expected that particular hue to be turquoise. But I’ve been seeing this bold, summery shade everywhere, from the racks of my favourite clothes stores, to the homes of my favourite influencers online.

This retro colourway is perfect for the summer months. It’s striking and refreshing, while offering some early 2000s nostalgia. Here’s how you can make it work in your home in 2026.

Why is turquoise trending?

If you’ve been seeking new blue bedroom ideas or blue living room ideas, turquoise is the curveball shade you should consider if you’re looking for a paint shade that packs a punch (and delivers on nostalgia). You probably remember turquoise’s last reign of popularity back in the 2000’s, but it actually has its roots in mid-century design.

‘The trend for turquoise dates back to as early as the 1950s, where a bathroom drenched in the shade was a common sight, as tiles, basins, sinks and baths were all blocked in colour. The shade was also common for kitchen appliances and accessories to add a pop of colour to more muted backdrops,’ explains Donna Taylor, colour and design manager at Johnstone’s Paint.

‘Last in the limelight in the late 2000s, the hue plays on nostalgia trends for Millennials and older Gen Z who are looking to decorate their first homes, with a 100% increase in Pinterest searches for turquoise colour inspiration in the last month alone.

‘This nostalgia movement, paired with the ongoing popularity of maximalism, has put turquoise back at the top of the wish list for those looking to redecorate this summer. The colour carries a playfulness and packs personality with its warm tone that blends blue and green to reach a vibrant middle ground,' Donna continues.

‘The Y2K movement is seeing people reflect on the 2000s and bringing back old trends. Capturing the essence of revisiting your inner child, turquoise is a fun, vibrant shade, and that’s why people love it!’

How to style turquoise in 2026

If your inner child is itching to add a splash of colour to your home, we say go for it. Turquoise will not look dated if you style it via a 2026 lens. Period. For this, it works best as an accent colour. You can even use it as your own ‘red thread’, adding pops of the colour throughout your home for a cohesive look.

‘Today, we're seeing turquoise used in ever more sophisticated and versatile ways. From colour drenching to feature walls and painted furniture, to using as an accent to rooms painted in warm colours like gold, clay red and pink shades,’ says Marianne Shillingford, creative director and colour expert at Dulux.

‘And for those looking to make more of a statement, turquoise can also be paired with sunny yellows, like Pale Citrus, or orange tones, such as Copper Blush, to create a vibrant, summer holiday-inspired palette.’

Donna agrees, again stating that turquoise performs well as an accent colour in modern homes. However, she does say it pairs well with lighter blues and cool pinks, such as Johnstone's Pink Cadillac (£18, Argos).

‘Turquoise often works well as an accent rather than the main colour in a room. This could be a feature wall, or to brighten up furniture like coffee tables, bookshelves or sideboards to add some personality,’ she says.

‘If you’re not sure how turquoise will fit into your home, start with some cushions and a throw to get used to it at first, before you start getting the brushes ready.’

Shop the turquoise trend

I personally think the turquoise trend is perfect for summer, bringing holiday vibes to the comfort of your own home. And by carefully using it as an accent colour in your home, you’ll extend its lifespan long after the holiday season ends.

Smeg's retro kettle and toaster have become something of a homeware icon. You'll find Smeg's instantly recognisable small appliances on the worktops of the most stylish of kitchens, and we've even given the kettle one of the best kettle top spots - it's a beautiful design that is just as easy to use.

And while the current colours of Smeg's small appliances are timeless, a new trend-focused tone has entered the scene and with it comes a fresh perspective. The retro style has always leaned more traditional, but Smeg's new Moonlight collection has a contemporary look to blend into sleek, minimalist kitchens.

Moonlight, the new matte colourway from Smeg, is 'designed to bring softness, warmth and balance into the home,' says the brand. It reflects a growing trend towards neutral shades, away from classic white or cream, and calmer palettes in our homes.

Typically, small appliances put practicality first. Often in stainless steel or black plastic, aesthetics weren't high on the agenda. Smeg started to change this with their retro kettle and toaster which came in a variety of vintage-themed colours, from cream to pink and blue.

While this has allowed us to be playful with appliances and use them to add to an overall kitchen colour scheme, the statement shades didn't offer much scope for people who favour a more understated design.

The texture also differs from the classic shiny small appliances from Smeg - it has a smooth matte finish which is perfect for hiding fingerprints and allowing your small appliances to sit subtly in the background of your kitchen.

'Smeg's kettle and toaster range is already the height of refined luxury, but this new sophisticated neutral shade is tailor-made for anyone who wants to add a warm colour to their kitchen without committing to a bold colour,' explains Molly Cleary, Ideal Home's Kitchen Appliances Editor.

'The matte finish is not only bang-on-trend but has the benefit of being easier to keep looking clean too. As someone with a white Smeg toaster, I can tell you it needs a lot of maintenance to keep looking fresh. I'm very tempted to invest in a kettle in Moonlight and make them mix and match instead for those reasons!' she adds.

If you love the shape and overall design of the Smeg appliances but haven't found a colour to suit your kitchen then the Moonlight collection is one to try - particularly if you want a fuss-free option that escapes fingerprints.

Shop the Moonlight collection

If you're a Smeg fan like we are on the Ideal Home team, these discontinued Smeg appliances straight from their HQ will inspire your dream retro kitchen.

Sage green is one of the most popular paint shades for a bedroom, and with its soft, calming tones, it’s easy to see why. This classic colourway has earned a reputation for being a ‘safe’ choice, but it's a classic for a reason. Millie Mackintosh’s sage green bedroom is proof that this timeless paint shade can be both calm and characterful.

Sage green is one of the best shades of green for a bedroom. It’s calming and grounding - exactly what you’d hope to achieve when creating a sleep environment. But due to the popularity of this green bedroom idea, many now avoid the safe choice, for fear that it comes across as boring.

If Millie Mackintosh’s bedroom proves anything, it’s that safe doesn’t equal boring. Opting for a soft sage shade and matching Chinoiserie wallpaper, Millie’s bedroom is the perfect balance of comfort and character.

Millie Mackintosh's sage green bedroom

I love the opportunity to have a snoop into celebrity homes, and Millie Mackintosh’s was definitely a treat for the eyes, as the Made in Chelsea star is not scared to embrace colour. Millie frequently shares glimpses of her homelife and motherhood via TikTok and Instagram, and it was here that I spotted her stunning green bedroom.

‘Green has been an incredibly popular choice in interiors for a few years now, and it’s definitely not going anywhere. What we’re seeing is a shift towards more nuanced, sophisticated tones, like earthy, muted greens and warmer, nature-inspired shades, so the colour still feels fresh but also timeless. Millie’s bedroom is a great example of how green can feel both calming and elevated,’ explains Victoria Robinson, style and trend expert at Hillarys.

‘What I particularly like about her space is how layered it feels. The combination of painted walls with wallpaper adds depth and interest, which is key when working with a single colour family. It stops the room from feeling flat and instead creates a really cocooning, considered look which is perfect for a bedroom.’

Millie’s bedroom has been colour-drenched in the soft sage, which gives a cocooning feel that’s perfect for relaxing. I’m also a fan of the freshness of the tone, which maintains an airy look. Green remains one of the biggest colour trends of 2026, but Millie’s bedroom looks more timeless than trendy.

‘The soft chalky sage green used in Millie’s bedroom is a particularly timeless choice. Botanical greens such as Dulux Heritage’s Sage Green and Waxed Khaki have a wonderfully grounding quality, helping spaces feel relaxed, restorative and supportive of our wellbeing. They also sit right in the middle of the visual spectrum, which is part of what makes them so balanced, versatile and easy to live with in our homes,’ says Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director and Colour Expert at Dulux.

‘What I love most about this room is how naturally it brings the outdoors in. The soft sage green decorated with delicate Chinoiserie patterns creates a calm, restful space that's full of character while still feeling light and relaxed. The Chinoiserie effect and colour work beautifully together because they complement each other so stylishly. The pale sage green and delicate floral pattern create a look that feels tranquil, elegant and full of character.’

How to get the look

Here, sage green’s reputation as a ‘safe’ shade works in your favour. It is considered safe because it is so easy to use, and the end result is always so beautiful.

‘This bedroom is a wonderful reminder that a calming, neutral backdrop doesn't have to mean white, grey or beige. Green can work in much the same way, bringing a sense of peace and relaxation while adding more depth and personality to a space,’ says Marianne.

‘Green is one of the easiest colours to live with because it feels so familiar and reassuring. This room shows how this colour and pattern can be layered together in a way that feels uncluttered, inviting, characterful and restful, proving that embracing a little more colour doesn't have to come at the expense of calm.’

The key to achieving a bedroom such as Millie’s is to ensure that your paint shades, wallpapers or furnishing match and at the very least complement each other.

‘The wallpaper and paint work well together here because they sit within the same tonal palette. That said, achieving this balance can be tricky. If the undertones don’t quite match, it can clash rather than complement. The easiest way to get it right is to choose shades that have a similar base, for example, pairing warm greens with other warm greens, and always test samples in the space before committing,’ explains Victoria.

‘If I had one note, it would be to ensure there’s enough contrast to keep the scheme feeling dynamic. When everything sits very closely in tone, you risk losing definition, so bringing in different textures or slightly lighter and darker accents can really help.’

Shop sage green

Millie Mackintosh’s bedroom is proof that sage green is more than a safe option. When used well, it can create a calming sleep space that is packed with character and style.

Developing new habits, even when it comes to something like saving money by eating more leftovers, is all about incremental changes. That's a lesson I've learned in the last few weeks with my adoption of Lakeland's inexpensive Freeze Pods (which will set you back £8 via Lakeland).

My problem with freezing leftovers has historically been with portion sizes. If I have a batchload of chilli, for example, I rarely have enough food containers to break it down into lunch and dinner sized portions and sometimes have to put the whole amount into one container. That makes it a real struggle to properly siphon off a share for a single person.

Enter: these nifty Freeze Pods, which not only provide the perfect lunch or dinner sized portion (depending if you use the 2 or 3 sectioned version) but are also ready to be used in your oven or even the best air fryer for reheating. Here are three reasons I'm telling everyone I know to buy a set.

1. They're easy to use

The thing that makes the use of these Freeze Pods so seamless is the silicone material. As with using a silicone ice cube tray over a plastic one, it so much easier to pop the contents of a singular pod out without disturbing the other two than it would be with a harder material.

The 3-segmented version contains space for 250 gram portions, which I've found ideal for lunches. I've been pairing leftover pasta with a side salad for a summertime lunch.

I've found the Freeze Pod with two sections is better suited to dinners, with the square size owing itself to full meals like a lasagne. Though the base is made of silicone, the pod has a hard plastic top, which means you can stack the two together neatly within your freezer.

2. They're cooking safe

These pods are microwave, oven and air fryer safe – music to my ears! While I love my microwaveable stainless steel food containers for food prep and storing leftovers in the fridge they can only be used in the microwave for 2 minutes at a time. So if you want to defrost something heavier, the Freeze Pod is a much better choice.

If you're serving lunch for two or three people, you could put the entire Freeze Pod into the microwave too. That means you only need to portion food out once in the entire cooking process and any time you can save on the washing up is a big win for me.

I'm not the only one who loves the versatility of these handy pods. On Lakeland's website you can find that both of these products currently have a 4.5 out of 5 star rating with customers praising the quality and value of each.

One reviewer nicely summed up why they work for them, saying 'Great sizing and even better for popping out blocks to wrap and stack in the freezer. The larger ones are perfect for individual lasagnes, cottage pies etc. The smaller ones are perfect for portions of rice, mash, beans and any other side you want to freeze. I absolutely love them.'

3. They're affordable

I've written before about my enthusiasm for Lego lunches, which rely on these modular-style freeze pods in order to create leftovers that are varied rather than boring.

Up until Lakeland released these Freeze Pods, the other alternatives on the market for this kind of food container were very pricey indeed. In the US the brand Souper Cubes (which you can buy in the UK via Amazon) is very popular, with its huge range of materials, sizes and colours and John Lewis has a range made in collaboration with chef Deliciously Ella too.

In my mind Lakeland's pods are your best bet if you prioritise affordability and quality, but I've listed some alternative shapes below in case they suit you better.

It might seem counterintuitive at first to splash out money on containers to help you meal prep, especially if your aim is to limit your spending on lunches and dinners, but I've found it's the right products that can make all the difference. Could you see the benefit of Freeze Pods for your kitchen?

It wouldn’t be British summertime without unpredictable weather forecasts. One minute it’s hot and humid, and the next it’s pouring with rain. Not only does this make it difficult to plan summer days out, but it also leaves our home at an increased risk of summer mould.

That’s right, summer mould thrives in moist and humid conditions. So it’s no wonder that many of our homes are set to become a hotspot for mould this summer.

Finding an effective method for getting rid of mould can be tricky, and it’s even trickier to keep it away. But these £10 disposable dehumidifiers from Amazon are my secret weapon for keeping summer mould at bay in my home.

Mould thrives in areas of the home that are damp and poorly ventilated. While it’s an issue all year round, mould can become surprisingly present during the summer months. ‘We tend to associate mould with cold, damp winter conditions. But mould is a naturally occurring fungus that’s always present in the air,’ explains Emma Mannion, cleaning expert at Astonish.

‘Mould only becomes visible when it finds the right conditions to grow: moisture, warmth and a suitable surface. During the summer months, higher humidity levels inside the home can provide exactly that,’ she adds.

In fact, humidity is one of the main causes of summer mould. ‘In the summer, excess moisture combined with poor airflow is what causes mould,’ explains Andy Ellis, founder of Vidalux. ‘Although you may have the windows open in the summer, it could be that on really hot and humid days, you’re letting in more moisture rather than reducing it.’

With this in mind, the best dehumidifiers are a no-brainer for reducing the presence of damp and mould within the home. However, they often come with a price. So, I’ve found the next best thing from Amazon – disposable dehumidifiers.

Disposable dehumidifiers work to absorb moisture in your home, just like electrical dehumidifiers do. But, rather than plugging them in and finding space for the bulky appliance, disposable dehumidifiers can slot seamlessly into your space and still do the job.

Simply place the box in the area of your choice and remove the foil from the top of the box. Then you can leave it to work its magic. Filled with hydrophilic crystals, each dehumidifier absorbs up to 3 times its weight in water as it draws excess moisture from the atmosphere.

At just £9.99 for a pack of 10, you’re free to place multiple dehumidifiers in different spots throughout your home. Or, keep the spare boxes on hand as replacements for when your current dehumidifier fills up. Mine typically last me a month.

Disposable dehumidifiers come in many forms, like hanging bags or moisture absorbing balls. But I first discovered the handy dehumidifier boxes a few years ago when I was living in university accommodation. I noticed that my clothes were starting to smell a little musty, so I popped one in my wardrobe, and the problem went away in no time, while the box rapidly began to fill with water.

Since then, I've used the disposable dehumidifiers regularly in areas that might benefit from them. I have one tucked away by my kitchen window, one in my bedroom and multiple hidden behind plant pots, sofas or bookshelves throughout my home. I love how discreetly the dehumidifiers fit into my space, doing their job without distracting from my decor or style.

Summer mould will be rife in areas that are naturally higher in moisture, so consider placing your boxes here. ‘Everyday activities like cooking, showering and drying clothes indoors all release water vapour, and during warmer weather, the air is able to hold more of that moisture,’ explains Emma.

‘Problems start when that humid air has nowhere to go. If it comes into contact with cooler surfaces, for example overnight when temperatures drop, it can form condensation – this leaves surfaces damp enough for mould to grow,’ she adds.

And while these disposable dehumidifiers are a great starting point for reducing the risk of summer mould, they likely won’t be enough on their own to get rid of it altogether. For instance, sometimes larger rooms can benefit from bigger, electrical dehumidifiers.

‘Having a dehumidifier is a great solution for preventing mould, especially in rooms that feel stuffy, bathrooms without good extractor fans, and rooms prone to condensation. But it’s important to note, if you have an existing mould issue, a dehumidifier alone won’t fix the underlying cause of the mould,’ says Andy.

But, if you’re looking for a preventative measure before temperatures rise further, these disposable dehumidifiers will do the job just fine.

Get rid of mould

If mould has already settled on your surfaces, try these products to remove it with ease

Haven’t you heard? Lidl is launching a £14.99 ice cream maker, and it’s arriving right on time for the latest bout of hot weather set to hit the UK.

The best ice cream makers enable you to whip up delicious, cooling and even healthy ice-creams and sorbets from the comfort of your own kitchen. Back in December, a new generation of ice cream makers sparked by the now cult Ninja Creami and Slushi's popularity led kitchen experts to agree that ice cream makers were the ‘it’ appliance set to take over from air fryers.

While some ice-cream makers such as the Cuisinart Frost Fusion offer no pre-freezing, they are fairly pricey appliances. Even the Ninja Creami which requires you to freeze the ingredients 24 hours before will set you back £170 at Ninja. What Lidl is offering is an affordable introduction to the world of ice cream makers. Here’s everything you need to know.

At first glance, the Lidl Silvercrest Ice Cream Maker looks very similar to Lakeland’s digital ice cream maker, which is also one of the most affordable models on the market at £44.99. Landing in stores on Sunday (21 June) is arriving bang on time for the latest heatwave.

The Silvercrest Ice Cream Maker is a small, compact appliance, meaning it will not dominate space on your kitchen worktop. This is ideal for small kitchens, where space is limited, and chunkier appliances such as the cult Ninja Creami take up too much space.

The ice cream maker can make up to one litre of ice cream or sorbet, and comes with a small booklet of recipe suggestions to get you started. To use, simply pre-freeze the bowl, then add your desired ingredients through the opening in the lid. This can even be done when the machine is in use.

The beater and lid can be washed in the dishwasher, making clean up easy, and the ice cream container has practical handles for ease of use. Lidl has not listed the machine’s dimensions. Lakeland’s digital ice cream maker also has a one-litre capacity, and our review found the container took up a larger chunk of their freezer drawer, so you should bear this in mind.

To use the ice cream maker, you will need to pre-freeze the included bowl. Again, Lidl hasn’t stated online how long this process will take, but for similar models, this is around 12-hours.

While I haven’t tested Lidl’s ice-cream maker, based on the price, we can expect it to be a fairly basic model. However, I don't think this is a bad thing for those who want to try out an ice cream maker without spending a fortune.

If you are looking for a superior ice cream maker that has multiple functions here are three more models we’ve tried and tested.

An ice cream maker is a perfect summer appliance, helping to keep you cool and offer a sweet treat, too. Would you try Lidl’s or have you got your sights set on a higher-end appliance?

If you have a courtyard, a small garden or simply a garden that lacks green space, it can be easy to assume that you won’t be able to attract birds or wildlife. However, I’m pleased to say this is not the case, as experts have revealed five plants you can grow in pots that will attract birds to your outdoor space.

Container planting is one of the best courtyard garden ideas, as well as being an excellent choice for small gardens and patios, as it allows you to fill your garden with plants when you lack border, bed and lawn space.

If you want a thriving wildlife garden, there are ways to adapt small, urban gardens so they are suitable for local birds and other critters. Planting these best plants for birds in pots is one easy way to invite local birds to your garden.

1. Sunflower

It’s so easy to grow sunflowers in pots, and not only will they attract local wildlife, but their tall stems and striking yellow heads will give your garden plenty of height and colour.

‘Sunflowers are a fantastic way to attract birds into your garden. They’re summer personified, and birds love them - win-win! Once the flowers have finished blooming, they produce seeds that birds like finches, sparrows, tits and cardinals love to eat. Leaving the flower heads standing will provide a natural food source and give birds a reason to keep visiting,’ says James Ewens, bird expert at Green Feathers.

‘Sunflowers are surprisingly plant-pot friendly as well. You can actually find dwarf and patio varieties which have been bred specifically for pots, making them ideal for both gardens and terraces! Because they grow quickly and produce large flowers in a single season, sunflowers are a great option for gardeners looking to make an immediate impact while supporting birds.’

Where to buy sunflowers

• Sunflower SunBelievable™ 'Brown Eyed Girl', £13.99, Thompson & Morgan
• 3 x Sunflower Patio Sunflower Vegetable Plant - 9cm Pot, £13.49, B&Q
• Sunflower 'Dwarf Yellow Spray' - Seeds, 99p, Thompson & Morgan

2. Common Knapweed

Pretty, purple knapweed is frequently a part of the best wildflower garden ideas, with the ability to turn your garden into a beautiful meadow. The good news is that this plant can also be grown in pots, so you can give your courtyard or balcony a bird-friendly upgrade.

‘Don’t underestimate the power of a simple, wild-looking flower. Common Knapweed is a fantastic, long-flowering perennial that’s perfect for a container and a huge hit with the birds. Its purple blooms are loved by pollinators in summer, and its seeds are highly sought-after food sources for Goldfinches,’ says Victoria Parkinson, Garden Expert at Arctic Cabins.

‘A pot of these brings a touch of the wildflower meadow to your patio, providing a super-easy, reliable source of seeds for small birds that is right at their level.’

Where to buy common knapweed

• Centaurea Nigra - Common Knapweed, £7.99, Gardening Express
• Centaurea nigra, £19.99, Thompson & Morgan
• Centaurea nigra, £7.99, Crocus

3. Lavender

Not only is lavender one of the best Mediterranean plants for pots, but birds love it, too. You also consider how wonderful it smells in summer - perfect for transforming your outdoor space.

‘Lavender is a favourite, not only does it look and smell gorgeous, it’s perfect if you have limited space and still want to create a bird-friendly garden. Lavender draws bees, hoverflies and other insects, making it a very pollinator and bird-friendly choice. This will provide generous amounts of food for insect-eating birds like robins, wrens and tits. The dense stems can also provide temporary shelters for smaller birds in harsher weather conditions, so it’s also multi-purposeful,’ says James.

‘Lavender also works miles better in plant pots, as naturally it prefers free-draining conditions and often performs better in pots as opposed to heavy garden soils. Lavender is drought-tolerant, so it’s low maintenance and doesn’t even need much watering. It’s compact, so suitable for patios, small gardens, and even balconies, making it an accessible option even for urban gardens to be bird-friendly.’

Where to buy lavender

• Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote', £7.99, Crocus
• Munstead Lavender Outdoor Shrub Plant Lavandula Angustifolia 2L Pot, £23.75, B7Q
• Lavender Duo, £13.99, Thompson & Morgan

4. Teasel

Teasel is one of the best plants for attracting birds to your garden. Its spiky heads will add plenty of structure to your garden, while local birds will love the seeds it produces.

‘This impressive biennial is the absolute favourite of Goldfinches, who are drawn to the spiky seed heads. Watching them delicately insert their beaks to extract the seeds is one of autumn’s greatest garden spectacles,’ says Victoria.

‘Teasels adapt brilliantly to containers - their dramatic, spiky silhouette makes a fantastic statement piece, and they are a wonderful way to provide winter interest and food without taking over borders.’

Where to buy teasel

• Dipsacus fullonum, £7.99, Crocus
• Teasel - Wildlife Garden Seeds, £2.49, Sutton
• Teasel - Wildflower Seeds, £1.69, Thompson & Morgan

5. Rowan

Not only are rowan trees one of the best trees to plant for autumn colour, but birds can also rely on their winter berries for food when food is scarce during the colder months.

‘Rowan trees have long been associated with wildlife-friendly gardening thanks to their clusters of bright cherries that are highly attractive to birds. Bright cherries lure blackbirds and thrushes, and not only are they visually appealing, but they’re also highly nutritious. They’re basically a superfood for birds - an easily digestible form of Vitamin C, antioxidants and energy. Birds especially need energy sources that are easily accessible in summer months, so it’s a great option,’ says James.

‘Although the general assumption is that trees need a large amount of garden space to grow, compact and patio-sized rowan varieties can be grown successfully in a plant pot. This allows gardeners with limited space to enjoy the benefits of a berry-producing tree while also adding dimension and visual interest to their outdoor space.’

Where to buy rowan trees

• Sorbus Aucuparia - Rowan Tree - Circa 220-250cm Tall, Was £79.99, now £59.99 at Gardening Express
• Olympic Flame Rowan Tree Ornamental Sorbus Ulleungensis 12L Pot 1.5m - 1.8m, £162.99, B&Q
• Sorbus pseudohupehensis 'Pink Pagoda', £44.99, Crocus

Not only are these pot-friendly plants great for attracting birds, they will also fill your garden with colour and add structure, too.

When I bought my first home with a garden, I immediately started having visions of summer movie nights outside, and Aldi has finally given me the means of making those dreams a reality with their £50 projector.

This month, Aldi has launched all the kit needed to make an outdoor cinema: a £50 projector and a £60 inflatable movie screen. The launch also comes just in time to get your friends round and watch the World Cup on the big screen without squeezing into an already rammed pub.

Both items are sold separately, but work as a dream team together if you have space for the large inflatable structure. Since I'm working with a small garden, it was the petite £50 projector that caught my eye, a fraction of the price of many other projectors, such as the Aurzen Roku TV Smart Projector, £200 on Amazon.

The small portable projector can fit a screen size from 40 to 130 inches and is powered by Android 11 OS to stream directly from your favourite apps. It has a built-in speaker to deliver sound and promises an easy setup.

It's a small stand that allows for easy adjustment to cast the image in the right place in your garden; however, you will need to manually adjust the focus. It's the compact style that won me over, as I can easily move it around my home, from the bedroom to the garden.

Of course, for £50, this projector is going to have some drawbacks compared to more expensive versions, such as the Aurzen Roku TV Smart Projector, £200 on Amazon. This projector isn't as dinky or neat as Aldi's, but it is well-reviewed for being simple and easy to use with access to streaming apps like iPlayer and Netflix. It also has auto focus and keystone adjustment, along with a higher resolution than the Aldi projector.

However, if you're dipping your toe into the world of projectors and plan to use it occasionally, Aldi's version is a good starting point before upgrading.

If you want to complete the experience, Aldi's inflatable movie screen has already drawn alot of fans. It has a built-in air pump for easy set-up and stands at 8ft tall when inflated. The white screen is attached with velcro to the black structure to create a massive 108-inch screen.

When not in use, the whole screen folds down into a bag not much bigger than a small tent or sleeping bag. Personally, this screen is too large for my garden, and I'd be much more content to use a plain white wall or a hung-up bed sheet. But if you have the space, the inflatable screen will be the centre-piece of any World Cup viewing party.

Alternatives

Unsurprisingly, the projector and outdoor screen are already proving a hit with shoppers. If you've not been able to track one down in store, here are three alternatives you can buy online with stellar reviews.

I always thought weeding the lawn was a boring, strenuous task, but then I got my hands on the GARDENA Weed Puller – and it swiftly proved me wrong.

If you’re looking for ways to get rid of weeds in your lawn, I can’t recommend this tool enough. It’s a robust, long-handled weed puller that’s super easy to use, and it targets stubborn, tap-rooted weeds like dandelions right at the root, removing the entire thing in one swoop. At £40 from B&Q, it’s a little pricier than other weed pullers out there, but having tried it in my own garden, I’d absolutely pay more for a durable piece of kit that makes light work of tough weeds.

My lawn was covered in weeds, and it’s really hard and compacted, so I thought it was going to be a long road to tackling them all – but the GARDENA Weed Puller halved the amount of time I expected it to take, and actually made the task really fun.

If I had to rank garden tools by ease of use, I think I’d put the GARDENA Weed Puller in S tier. It’s a simple design: long, with a comfortable handle grip on the end, and light enough to use comfortably over longer sessions.

What struck me, though, is that those ‘longer’ weeding sessions weren’t that long at all. The weed puller is really easy to use – you simply push the sharp end of the tool over the centre of the weed, using the footrest to push it in as far as you can, and then twist the handle 180 degrees before pulling the tool (and the weed) out from the lawn. I thought it would be tricky to dig the blades all the way in because my lawn is so dry and in need of revival, but they’re so sharp that it didn’t take nearly as much effort as I expected.

There’s also a built-in ejector mechanism that you simply slide to push and release the weed from the weed puller. It’s so easy to use and allows you to quickly clear each weed before tackling the next.

The GARDENA weed puller successfully retrieved each weed (in its entirety – tap root and all!) 99% of the time. The other 1% was just down to my positioning the weed puller wrong, so it’s a really accurate tool. I had some huge dandelions in my lawn, but it was no more difficult to remove those than the smaller weeds out there. It’s also really satisfying to pull the whole root system out of the soil, rather than pluck the leaves from the surface like other weeding tools tend to do.

The only thing that alarmed me, at first, was the holes the weed puller leaves in its wake. They’re sizeable enough to notice, especially once they’ve removed larger weeds – but I like to think of it as a form of lawn aeration (which my compacted lawn absolutely needs!)

Reviewers agree that the GARDENA Weed Puller ‘makes weeding the lawn so much easier,’ with another noting that it’s ‘an amazing back saver and so efficient and quick.’ One reviewer mentioned that it can ‘get into the hardest soil,’ too, which I can vouch for, because my lawn is dry, hard, and stony in places.

Other weeding tools we rate

The GARDENA weed puller is well worth the investment if you're looking for a robust weeding tool that can tackle even the stubbornest weeds in your lawn.

Nutribullet just unveiled its first ever ice cream maker and it looks to be the ideal solution for those battling for space in small kitchens. Yep the shiny, new Nutribullet Chill, which is available to preorder now via the brand's website for £199.99, is the perfect compromise if you're looking for a sweet treat maker that won't overrun your worktops.

Its design upends what we've seen from the most popular ice cream makers of the last few years, including the Ninja Creami (which we've reviewed), by adopting build that's more like a Nutribullet blender than anything else.

This not only makes the Chill look streamlined and ready to pop into a cupboard when not in use, but also solves what I'd argue is the most pressing problem that Ninja Creami fans have: it's not an easy machine to clean. Here's how the Nutribullet Chill aims to solve that.

This ice cream maker, like most out there, requires pre-freezing. That means you'll need to prep your ingredients in the included tubs the night before you want to make ice cream and then freeze them. Most ice cream makers of this type require 24 hours of waiting time unless you want to opt for something like the Cuisinart Frost Fusion, which we recently reviewed, and allows you to make soft serve in under 30 minutes.

Like the ever-popular Ninja Creami, the Chill also uses a rotating blade to cut through your mix and creamify it in order to create a dessert-like consistency. The big difference with the Chill, however, is that the blade is stored within a countertop-friendly base.

This is very good news for those looking to save space in their kitchen. The Ninja Creami is, whilst incredibly impressive in its performance, a very difficult appliance to store on a kitchen countertop as it's very tall. At almost 43 centimetres in height, it didn't fit under my kitchen cupboards. Compare that to the base of the Chill, which is 27cm tall (without the tub attached) and you can see which would be best if you're short on worktop space.

Another issue that long-time fans of the Creami often have is that the blade can be hard to clean, as it's contained within the upper unit of the appliance. Nutribullet aim to solve this with the Chill by making the blade element totally removable and dishwasher-safe. The parts pop out the top of the base in order to be cleaned, as you can see below.

With purchase of the Chill, you'll receive the appliance itself alongside two 450g tubs and matching lids for whipping up whatever kind of sweet treat you like. As with the Creami, a big part of the allure with this machine is that you have complete control over your ice cream ingredients – a must if you have dietary requirements or you want to make healthier family-friendly puddings.

If I'm being fussy, I would say that I'd love this new Nutribullet to also feature a Slush mode – but appliances that can make ice cream and slush are rarer to find. If that's exactly what you're looking for you might want to hold out until the release of the much anticipated Dualit Ice Cream Maker instead.

With more hot weather on the way, I can guarantee you that a frozen-treat maker like this will fast become your favourite kitchen appliance if you choose to take the plunge. You'll get more use out of yours than you'd think!

Alternatives

How early is too early to start celebrating Halloween? 10 years ago, I’m sure the general consensus would have been that it is way too early to start celebrating Halloween pre-October. But times have changed, and George Home’s new ‘Summerween’ collection is proof of that.

This spooky, kooky and downright summery home decor trend hasn’t come out of nowhere, as George Home has reported shoppers are searching for Halloween decor as early as August. In response, they dropped a 36-piece collection you can shop online right now.

I’ll admit, the Ideal Home office is a little less convinced about the Summerween trend. On the one hand, the upcoming Summer Solstice is the perfect excuse to display whimsical decor. On the other hand, spooky decorations in highlighter pink shades aren't exactly what you'd call classically tasteful. So, I asked interior design experts how to decorate for Summerween tastefully, and this is what they said.

Summerween at George Home

As you can see, the George Home Summerween collection is a glitter bomb of bold colour, disco balls and statement prints. It’s perfectly in line with the popular disco pumpkin and Pinkoween trends that have been incredibly popular over the last couple of years.

It’s fun and a little tongue-in-cheek, but not exactly what I would call chic. And while great fun to deck your home out with for a party, it’s not exactly decor I’d want adorning my home every day.

‘New search data shows interest in ‘Summerween’ has surged by 200% in the past month, with a further 50% increase week on week. That shift suggests it’s moving beyond being a bit of an internet in-joke and into something people are actually bringing into their homes,’ says Victoria Robinson, trend expert at Hillarys.

‘From a trend perspective, I think it’s a fun one, but like a lot of social media-led trends, it can easily tip into feeling gimmicky if you go too literal with it. Bright orange pumpkins and heavy Halloween décor can feel out of place in summer if they’re not styled carefully.’

How to style the Summerween trend tastefully

According to the experts, the key to tasteful Summerween decor is opting for softer colours and going by the principle that less is more.

‘I enjoy the idea of taking familiar autumnal motifs and reimagining them through a lighter, more playful summer lens. The key is balance. When done well, it feels whimsical and creative rather than kitsch or overly themed,’ says Kunal Trehan, interior designer and founder of Touched Interiors.

‘Swap traditional orange and black for softer combinations such as terracotta, coral, dusty peach, sage green, sand and cream. This creates a more elevated seasonal look. Decorate with woven lanterns, rattan accessories, driftwood, ceramic pumpkins and dried florals rather than plastic decorations. The result feels far more sophisticated.’

Forget gaudy, in-your-face decor such as bright orange pumpkins. Instead, incorporate a pumpkin hue into your existing decor with items such as the M&S x William Morris at Home Pure Cotton Wild Tulip Bedding Set (£70), which uses moody orange tones for a whimsical effect. Or, an orange velvet cushion (£18, Dunelm) can add a pop of autumnal colour to a sofa.

‘Texture also plays a big role. Natural materials like linen tablecloths, woven accessories and rustic ceramics help ground the look and stop it from feeling overly themed. You can then layer in gentle nods to Halloween, things like candlelight, atmospheric lighting or understated motifs, rather than anything too costume-like,’ adds Victoria.

‘It works particularly well outdoors. We’re seeing a big shift towards people making better use of their gardens and outdoor spaces, and Summerween lends itself perfectly to that, things like relaxed tablescaping, soft lighting, and layered textiles that create a slightly moody but still summery feel.’

‘The most successful Summerween interiors don't look like Halloween arrived early. Instead, they capture the mood and magic of the season while remaining stylish, relaxed and appropriate for summer living,’ concludes Kunal.

The choice is yours. Will you go bold with George Home, or opt for something a little more subtle?

If you’re looking to improve your garden’s hosting capabilities, budget retailer The Range has just dropped a load of stylish new garden shade ideas that are perfect for ‘zoning’ your garden - but it is the Birchtree Metal Pergola that caught my eye. I can’t believe it’s only £162.99.

A pergola is more than just a garden shade idea. While an effective way to combat blazing sunshine and keep you cool, the garden structures can also be used to create a dedicated hosting zone, providing an elevated space to entertain, dine and relax.

Alas, pergolas can be expensive investments. So, when such an affordable option appears on the market, it is worth shouting about. If you’re looking to achieve your pergola ideas on a budget, here’s everything you need to know about The Range’s latest affordable garden buy.

If you’ve been considering building a pergola, you’ll be aware that it requires a lot of time and effort. You’ll need to consider potential planning permissions, location, material and whether it’s worth shelling out for a professional to fit it for you.

What The Range’s Birchtree pergola offers is a non-permanent, affordable solution to this problem. Just like with the viral IKEA HAMMARÖN pergola, this pergola can be popped up (and taken down) anywhere in your garden. This is ideal for small gardens where you may want the option of shade during summer, and then tidy the pergola away during winter.

The Birchtree Metal Pergola is available in two neutral colourways - grey and beige. Its powder-coated steel frame is not only durable, providing a strong core for long-term use, but it’s unimposing, meaning it won’t dominate your garden.

The canopy is 285x200cm, making it a great option for a smaller space, and it is both weather-resistant and UV-resistant, so it can withstand rain, too. However, during windy, adverse conditions, it is advised to take the pergola down.

The Range claims this pergola is both easy to assemble and ‘only takes a minute to set wherever you need a shaded area’. They also state it is designed for long-time use.

As the product is so new, it hasn’t received any reviews yet. However, I do think it is an affordable option worth trying. Alternatively, here are a few more affordable options you can shop online (and are rated well).

If you’ve been dreaming of a pergola, but don’t have the time or cash flow to build one yourself, The Range’s Birchtree Metal Pergola is an excellent, affordable option. Would you choose it for your garden?

Leaving a pan to soak is not something I enjoy. Not only does it extend washing up time but it makes my whole sink area unsightly and kind of gross, which is something I'm always trying to avoid.

So when I saw the chatter online about Fairy's Skip the Soak spray (£3.86 at Amazon) I was intrigued but also healthily skeptical. I've tried a whole host of cookware cleaning products that never quite cut the mustard, with my bank account suffering the consequence.

After giving this spray a whirl I have to say I'm a convert. Not only is it fabulous for saving you the mess of leaving baking trays and pans to soak, it also works on those awfully-hard-to-clean air fryer trays and on surfaces too, for a little added bonus. You can even use it before you pop things into the diswasher if you feel like they need a helping hand. Here's how I've used it to keep my sink area ship-shape all the time.

The way this spray works is simple: if you think that a pan or tray is about to cause you trouble when washing up or in the dishwasher, then scrape any excess food into the bin and spray this directly onto the surface.

It's important you don't rinse whatever you need to clean first as this spray won't work so well with water added into the mix. This is a mistake I made at first, but you really want this spray as concentrated as possible.

A few days after I picked this spray up I made the mistake of getting distracted while putting my treasured Le Creuset Round Cast Iron Casserole on the hob to pre-heat. A few minutes later and my pan was looking seriously worse for wear.

Luckily these burn marks are just cosmetic and the enamel surface wasn't affected, but I was still anxious to get them off once I'd finished cooking. I made my pasta as carefully as I could around the marks and left the pan to totally cool. This step, which requires a little patience, is essential with any pan to protect the surface and keep it working in your kitchen as effectively as possible.

Once cool, I liberally applied the spray to the areas I knew would cause me the most aggravation when scrubbing. Remember, you don't want to rinse before you apply – just get rid of any food you can scrape away.

I got on with my other cleaning tasks and returned to the burnt-on pan a few minutes later. In my impatience (before I had time to snap a picture!) I tried to scrape away the worst affected part with my sponge and was amazed to find it came right away with no effort at all.

So far, so impressed. I then proceeded to wash the pan as normal, armed with my trusty Scrub Mommy (£7.49 at Amazon)and found that those dark burnt on sections came off with very minimal effort.

There was a very small speck that still wouldn't budge even with a scrub, so I had to call in reinforcements which in my house is always (always!) my Magic Sponge (£3.99 for 10 via Amazon).

Once I knew that this spray actually worked, I set about tackling a task that I always seem to be just getting around to: deep cleaning my air fryer. I'm a strong believer in scrubbing my air fryer trays every time I use it, but the grime builds up so easily even if you miss one cleaning session.

It's for the purposes of research that I expose myself with evidence of the gross air fryer basket below.

While I was waiting for the spray to work its magic, I did notice the quite strong smell coming from the sink with the trays in it. So if you're sensitive to strong cleaning smells, it might be best to vacate the kitchen for a few minutes before rinsing the spray off.

After rinsing the first round of spray off, my air fryer tray was looking in much better shape. The worst areas, including the middle section and the parts around the rubber inserts, did still need some TLC with the Scrub Mommy but the bulk of the dried-on grime was banished. Next time around I'm going to leave the spray on for even longer to see if it can affect those worst-affected parts too.

If it's not already obvious, this reasonably priced spray is my new kitchen saviour and I'm plotting exactly what I can use it on next. After reading Amazon's reviews of it (where it has a 4.6/5 star rating from over 300 reviews to date), I've been inspired to try it out on my oven too. Can you see yourself getting use out of this spray for your cookware or air fryer?

If you have limited outdoor space, a shed is not always a practical option for garden storage. If this applies to you, I have good news, because garden cabinets are the stylish, space-saving alternative that is becoming more popular.

The key to a tidy garden is, of course, good garden storage ideas, and more often than not this consists of making sure your shed ideas are up to scratch. But what do you do if you don’t have space for a shed?

You get a garden cabinet, of course. Not only do these handy cabinets offer extra space for storing garden tools, pots, toys and furniture, but they look miles more stylish than a standard shed, too. Here’s everything you need to know.

The garden cabinet trend

I first became aware of this small garden storage idea, having spotted the now viral IKEA KOLBJÖRN cabinet online. Offering a sleek, urban look, it proved a brilliant storage solution for a small outdoor space. Since then, I’ve seen a range of new garden cabinets at The Range, including this green wooden storage cabinet with a hinged roof (£92.99) and the wardrobe-esque tall grey storage cabinet (£159.99).

I’ve even seen a number of stylish patio cabinets, which look just like a sideboard you’d find in the home. Perfect for hosting, examples such as B&Q’s Patio Storage Cabinet (£139.95) and Cox & Cox’s Malmo Outdoor Storage Cabinet (£450) provide an extra layer of storage to your small garden whilst allowing you to express your home decor style, too.

‘Garden cabinets have grown significantly in popularity over the last few years, and it is largely driven by the rise of smaller urban gardens and the increasing focus on how outdoor spaces look as well as function,’ explains Jamie Bloomfield, co-founder and director of Eden Landscapes.

‘People want their garden to feel like an extension of the home, and a traditional shed can work against that ambition. A well-designed garden cabinet stores the same essentials but takes up a fraction of the footprint and can look genuinely attractive as part of the overall garden scheme.’

Of course the biggest downside to a garden cabinet is that it doesn’t have the same space as a traditional shed. A well-organised shed can often store everything to your lawnmower to your best garden furniture. But if you are short on garden space, a well-placed cabinet can make a big difference. I would recommend investing in a cabinet over shed if you have a small courtyard or even balcony space. Plus, if your upping your hosting this summer, a stylish patio courtyard is a great place ton stach extra glasses and servingware ahead of your guests arrival.

‘For a small urban garden where space and aesthetics both matter, a garden cabinet is often the better choice. For anyone with more garden to work with and more to store, a properly designed garden building, summerhouse or garden room gives significantly more flexibility and adds more value to the property. It is not one size fits all. The right answer depends on the size of the garden, what needs to be stored and what the homeowner wants the space to look and feel like,’ concludes Jamie.

Shop the look

Are you about to become a garden cabinet convert?

If fungus gnats and fruit flies are plaguing your houseplants, Amazon is selling a £2.99 fly trap to keep flies off your plants - plus, this Amazon bestseller has thousands of reviews to back it up.

There’s nothing quite as irritating (or gross) as flies lurking in your home, especially when they’re buzzing around your houseplants. Luckily for you, there are plenty of ways to keep flies off houseplants, and this includes adding sticky, non-toxic traps to your pot to catch and kill them.

These Amazon fly traps, in particular, have a proven track record at getting rid of flies, having racked up thousands of positive reviews from happy plant parents online.

If your best houseplants are being plagued by flies, you'll need to know how to get rid of fungus gnats. Attracted to damp soil and decaying plant matter, these flies can be a real pain. The best way to tackle them is to not overwater your plants, and repot them with fresh soil and horticultural grit (£12.60 at B&Q); however, if you're faced with an infestation, using sticky traps can also be an effective way to get rid of flies.

Amazon’s Sticky Fruit Fly and Fungus Gnat Traps come in packs of 12 and are incredibly easy to use. All you do is push the base of the trap into the soil of the pot, and the trap will do the rest. The yellow hue acts as an attractant and traps flies using a sticky glue, which immobilises pests.

To dispose of, simply pull the trap out and put it in the bin. These paper traps are highly effective as yellow is the favourite colour of most pests, including flies and fungus gnats. The glue is also odourless, so you don’t have to worry about it making your home smell.

The trap won’t harm your plants, and it is safe to touch, although you will want to wash your hands after touching the glue. It can be used on outdoor plants as well as indoors, as the trap is waterproof and UV-resistant. The manufacturer even states you can use it in your fruit bowl, too. They last up to three months, and you don’t need to replace the trap until it is covered in bugs.

‘I had some very small flies in the soil I brought. So my home was full of tiny flies. These sticky sticks did the trick. They were covered in these flies in days. Easy to use, just stick it in the soil, job done. Good value for money as they actually work. Good size and sturdy enough. No smell,’ said one of the thousands of good reviews.

‘These yellow sticky traps have worked well for catching adult fruit flies and fungus gnats. They’re very easy to use, simply place them in the soil near affected plants, and they start working quickly. I noticed a clear reduction in adult gnats once they were in place,’ said another.

‘I also like that they blend in reasonably well with houseplants. The bright yellow is intentional for attracting insects, but the shape is simple and unobtrusive, and they don’t look out of place in plant pots.

‘It’s worth noting that these traps only deal with adult insects, so they work best when used alongside other methods that target the lifecycle in the soil. Used as part of a broader approach, they’re effective and practical. Overall, I’d recommend them for managing gnat problems in indoor plants.’

As the reviewer mentioned, it is best to use these traps alongside other methods, such as scent deterrents and general cleanliness, to keep flies out of your home. But at just £2.99, these yellow sticky traps are definitely worth a try.

I've become an expert when it comes to bagging a deal in the Amazon Prime Day sales after writing about it for the past six years. As a homes journalist, my job involves tracking sales prices and the stock levels of home appliances all year round, so I know exactly what products to buy in the sale and what to hold off on.

The Amazon Prime Day sale kicks off next week, one of Amazon's biggest sales events of the year. I would typically recommend waiting until then to invest in a high-ticket home appliance, but the last two years of covering the event have taught me there is one appliance you absolutely should not wait until Amazon Prime Day to buy: a portable air conditioner.

The best portable air conditioners have shot up in popularity over the last few years, thanks to a series of exceptionally warm summers. But stock levels aren't quite matching the demand, especially during a heatwave.

This means two things if you're in the market for a portable air conditioner:

1. It is incredibly unlikely you'll find a major deal on a portable air conditioner in a summer sale like Amazon Prime Day.

2. They sell out exceptionally fast.

Over the last two years, I've seen firsthand how fast they can sell out. I've had to launch 'stock watch' feature on portable AC's during the last two Amazon summer sales events to track down any remaining units online.

This year, thanks to the heatwave at the end of May, stock levels on portable ACs are already depleted, and if you want to get your hands on one for the summer, I wouldn't wait even a week, let alone for a sale, to click buy.

‘Thanks to an unseasonably toasty end to May, the demand for portable air conditioners has already seen some models sell out before summer even hits,' explains Sarah Handley, Ideal Home's Renovation Editor and portable AC expert who has been monitoring this years stock levels.

'While I’ve spotted that brands like Meaco are due to replenish their stock at the beginning of July, others may not be restocked at all this summer. All is not lost though and there’s still a decent number of options available. But all it takes is another heatwave and they could sell out quick, so if you want one, definitely snap it up when you see it in stock.'

‘I’ve been testing the Dreo 318s portable air conditioner, which is still in stock on Amazon, which I would recommend,' adds Sarah. 'I’ve also spotted options from household names like Morphy Richards and Bosch also in stock on Amazon. Appliances Direct is another option that seems to have a steady stock supply of portable air conditioners, even when a heatwave hits.’

If you want to beat the heat this summer and invest in a portable AC over the best fan, then I'd buy now, or regret later, especially with another heatwave on the way.

Portable air conditioners in stock

The rumour mill has been buzzing with talk that underfloor heating is going to be banned in the UK. But is there any truth to the gossip?

While not every home has underfloor heating, it is an increasingly popular choice for those looking for even heat and clear walls. While wet underfloor heating tends to only be installed as part of a new build or extension project, electric underfloor heating is much easier to install in an existing home.

But under new Government rules, some electric underfloor heating systems could be removed from sale. This is everything we know so far.

Is underfloor heating going to be banned in the UK?

No, underfloor heating isn't going to be banned in the UK. Rumours of a ban instead stem from Government proposals to ensure that inefficient heating systems are phased out.

Stricter energy efficiency standards that the Government wants to introduce will mean that electric underfloor heating systems that are deemed inefficient will no longer be available to buy. This will only impact new products and not those already installed in homes, with inefficient models phased out by 2027.

As part of it's wider initiatives around energy security and Net Zero targets, the Government is proposing to update the minimum energy performance standard for local space heaters, like electric underfloor heating as well as things like electric radiators and towel rails as well as gas stoves and radiant heaters.

'Homeowners shouldn't be alarmed by headlines suggesting that underfloor heating, heated towel rails or gas fires are set to be banned,' explains John Klee, heating technology expert at BestHeating. 'The proposals currently being discussed relate to the efficiency standards that new heating products must meet before they can be sold in the UK, rather than the systems already installed in people's homes.

'The aim is to encourage the development of more energy-efficient products, often through improved controls such as thermostats and timers, helping households reduce energy consumption and lower running costs over time.'

According to the consultation document on the new rules, electric space heating in domestic properties accounted for 4% of all electricity demand in the UK in 2024. 'It is therefore essential to make sure these local space heaters are as energy efficient as possible,' the Government says.

Under the proposals, Ecodesign regulations for local space heaters in the UK will be updated to be in line with the EU. That means that higher performance requirements must be reached before the products can be sold in the UK.

The proposals also introduce requirements for these products to come with controls and low-power modes to help people use them more efficiently and reduce unnecessary energy wastage.

Furthermore, the proposals introduce 'right to repair' measures, which mean manufacturers will need to supply spare parts, like controls, thermostats and heating elements, for a minimum of 10 years. This is to cut waste and emissions from manufacturing and disposal.

As a result of these measures, almost half (48%) of electric underfloor heating systems currently available will be removed from sale.

What about wet underfloor heating?

Wet underfloor heating isn't going to be banned either, as Matthew Powell, founder of WarmZilla, explains: 'What’s happening is a wider shift in building regulations and net zero policy that affects how heating systems are designed and installed, especially in new builds. Recent proposals and commentary have included tighter efficiency rules and a push away from high carbon heating systems, but underfloor heating itself is not being targeted for removal.

'In fact, underfloor heating is generally considered a compatible low temperature heating method that works well with heat pumps, which are being encouraged as part of the UK’s transition to lower carbon homes. Some confusion comes from discussions around Future Homes Standard rules and efficiency requirements that favour low temperature systems, but this is about improving performance standards, not banning UFH.'

What does this mean for those who want or have electric underfloor heating?

If you are thinking about installing electric underfloor heating at home, then it's worth asking your chosen retailer or installer about the most energy efficient option. Inefficient models will be phased out over the next six months, so you won't be able to buy them.

The new rules will mean that any electric underfloor heating system you buy will be more energy efficient, and therefore, will have a positive effect on your energy bills.

However, it also means that you may have to pay more to buy the electric underfloor heating in the first place. 'The immediate impact will be on the upfront cost for heating appliances, with manufacturer efforts to create more innovative and energy-efficient designs likely to result in increased costs being passed on to consumers, with fewer budget-friendly options remaining on the market,' says Anton Neike, Energy Expert and CEO at Taupia. 'However, the Government argues households will be better off in the long term through lower running costs.

'On the other hand, once more efficient underfloor heating systems with smarter controls become more readily available, running costs may become more predictable for consumers who’ll have more control over how much their system is used.'

If you already have electric underfloor heating, you won't be impacted by the changes until you want to replace your existing system. 'When it comes time to upgrade, homeowners may benefit from newer systems that incorporate enhanced efficiency features and smarter controls,' adds John Klee. 'However, for now, those with existing installations can continue using them as normal, confident that these proposals are focused on future product standards rather than current heating systems.'