From slathering POTATO on your car’s windshield to sucking on ginger, keep the cold out with these genius tricks

It’s been a pleasant start to 2022 – but winter is back.

Andy Page of the Met Office said: ‘A cold stream from the north will bring temperatures down for most of the UK over the next few days.

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So curl up and prepare for the cold with our cheap, handy winter coats.

Heat it up a little

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When you’re done cooking, turn off the oven and open the door to let the heat flow into the hob.

You paid for it, you can use it too.

Handy hand gel

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We are all used to carrying anti-bacterial hand gel with us and it is very useful for frozen locks, especially on your car or garden shed locks.

Just put gel on the key, insert it into the lock and it will open.

Potatoes for windshield

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If the temperature is set below zero, cut a potato in half and smear the flesh on your car’s windshield.

According to Farmer’s Report, the sugar in the potatoes prevents ice from forming, which you can then use to rinse off your windshield in the morning.

The right mixture of screen cleaners will help prevent freezing.

Eat spicy

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Dr. Deborah Lee, from Dr Fox Pharmacy, recommends eating foods containing raw ground ginger because it generates heat by stimulating adrenalin production.

You can also try ginger capsules if you don’t like the taste.

Sock it to ’em

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Cover your car windshield wipers with socks to prevent them from re-sticking overnight.

Take off your socks in the morning and the ice or snow will fly away.

Don’t give up coffee

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If you’ve made a “proper” pot, don’t throw away the soil.

You can scatter them on your icy path like a de-icingr.

Hot drinks also help warm the body.

Block drafts

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Don’t have one that excludes dog-sled sausages? Does not matter.

Just roll up a towel and place it in front of the inside door to prevent the heat from escaping and the cold wind from coming in.

Go to class

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It goes without saying that wearing layers will keep you warmer.

You may also want to invest in a thermal jacket and long pants, especially if you work in a cold home all day.

Stay away from alcohol

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According to the British Heart Foundation, you should not drink alcohol before going out in the cold or when outside.

It makes you feel warm because the blood vessels in your skin dilate, but this draws heat away from your vital organs.

Switch using radiator

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If rising energy prices keep you from heating your entire home, heat only the rooms you’re using, such as the kitchen and living room, during the day and the bedrooms at night.

Raise your foot

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The coldest place in the room is the floor (unless you have floor heating), so use footrests when working and pop them on the sofa at night.

Drink more water

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Central heating and exhalation of moist air in the cold mean we are more likely to become dehydrated in the winter.

“Your body’s response to cold is to decrease your thirst reflex, so you may not feel thirsty either, but dehydration can drain your energy,” says Dr. Deborah Lee.

“Try to drink at least 500ml of liquid every three to four hours during the day.”

Back to basics

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Electric blankets will keep you warm, but you can stay warm for a fraction of the price by using a hot water bottle. Put one side of your knee to work from home.

No hot water heater? Pour dry rice into the pillowcase, tie the ends and place on the heater to heat, then place under the blanket.

Move more

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It may not seem appealing during the dark winter months, but getting up and moving will help increase blood circulation and warm the body.

If you’re more adventurous, why not get in your shell and have sex?

Invest in technology

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Rechargeable hand warmers are very useful when you go out.

You can also buy a toe warmer with glue that sticks to your feet and keeps your toes smelling good for 5 hours

Check your home

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Frozen pipes can burst as water expands when it freezes.

British Gas recommends annual boiler maintenance and ensuring that your pipes are insulated.

Keeping your heating low – even outside and nearby – will help prevent problems.

Protect the cold

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Place a layer of tin foil between the radiator and the wall.

It helps reflect heat back into the room, increasing heat dissipation while preventing heat from seeping into the masonry.

Don’t get stuck

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According to tire manufacturer Goodyear, if you’re covered in snow or mud, you shouldn’t put in a lot of gas because the wheels will spin.

Instead, put your car in a higher gear and reverse slowly, this will help the car stick to the road.

Protect your skin

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Amish Patel, Skin Specialist at Intrigue Aesthetic Clinic, recommends washing your towels regularly to remove dirt and germs that cause breakouts.

“It’s tempting to hug a radiator or sit in front of a fire, but these extreme temperatures can lead to chapped and cracked skin,” he adds.

Rearrange your belongings

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According to radiator supplier Best Heating, furniture that covers or blocks the radiator also blocks the flow of warm air.

This in turn makes your boiler work harder and costs more money.