Stay warm with our smart cold tricks

DON’T get left out in the cold as a massive freeze sweeps across the country over the weekend.

With snow forecast and plummeting temperatures, you could be dealing with foggy windshields, rising heating bills and even chapped skin.

Thankfully, common problems can be solved with simple tips using everyday household items. Grant Rollings reveals the best.

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It does not need to freeze between the plates. Put rice or dried beans in a small pillowcase and tie the ends together. Warm them up in a ventilated cabinet or on a radiator, then tuck them under your blanket.

Want to prevent the wind from getting in under the door? Simply slide a piece of pipe insulation foam underneath them.

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Even double glazed windows lose heat. Line your existing curtains by placing old towels behind them, this will help prevent condensation. If you really want to block the cold, put blankets in front of the window. Hold them using Velcro on the frame – they may be too heavy for the curtain rod.

No double glazing? Spray a small layer of water on the windows, then carefully press the bubble wrap onto them. Or stick the clear film on the panels with double-sided tape then secure it with the hot air from the hair dryer.

Also, keep your curtains closed at night and open them when the sun is shining – it will make a difference.

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Place a layer of tin foil between the radiator and the wall. It helps to reflect heat back into the room, increasing the capacity of the radiator while preventing heat from seeping into the masonry.

Cut pieces of felt and tuck into shoes or sandals to prevent your toes from turning blue.

To prevent your feet from getting wet from the rain, apply clear candle wax to the surface of the shoe, then dry it with a hair dryer until it melts to create a waterproof layer.

Avoid chapped skin by wearing cotton gloves after moistening your hands. A warm bath and plenty of hot water will also help.

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Cover your car windshield wipers with socks to prevent them from re-sticking overnight. Take them off in the morning – the ice or snow will fall off.

Prevent fogging on your windshield by filling a sock with clay and placing it on the dashboard to absorb moisture. Spray three parts vinegar and one part water on the outside of the glass to prevent ice from forming.

Unlock the locks on the garden shed using hand sanitizer spray.

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Don’t let the tape cover the path. Add one teaspoon of liquid laundry detergent and one tablespoon of rubbing alcohol to a quart and a half of water, then pour it over the aisle.

When it’s cold like the fridge outside, put the mini fridge in the garden without plugging in to keep food and drinks cold while still saving energy.

If you light an open fire, the orange peel will help fuel the fire with the oil in the orange peel.

Rats seek out heat at this time of year. Using a caulk gun, seal any gaps.