When temperatures climb into the 90s and beyond, with no end in sight, simply stepping outside can leave you feeling overheated in minutes. But life can’t stop just because it’s hot. If you have a day of gardening, a family cookout, or a kid's ballgame on the calendar, this simple DIY cooling rag is worth making before you head out.
The trick combines ice water with one surprising household ingredient: alcohol-containing witch hazel. The ice-cold cloth cools your skin, while the alcohol evaporates
quickly to create an extra cooling sensation. It takes just minutes to put together, and there’s nothing like having a cooling rag on hand when you need it most.
How to Make DIY Cooling Rags
You'll need:
- A small cooler
- Ice
- Cold water
- ½ to 1 cup alcohol-containing witch hazel
- Clean cotton rags, washcloths, or bandanas
Directions
- Fill a small cooler with ice.
- Add enough cold water to cover the ice.
- Pour in ½ to 1 cup of alcohol-containing witch hazel, depending on the size of your cooler. The mixture should have a slight astringent feel.
- Add the rags or bandanas and let them soak until fully saturated.
- When you're ready to cool off, wring out a cloth and drape it around your neck. You can also place it on your forehead or wrists for quick relief.
As the cloth warms, simply return it to the cooler so it's chilled and ready to use again.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
Cooling rags can help you feel more comfortable on hot days, but they are not a substitute for staying hydrated or taking breaks in the shade or air conditioning. If you begin to feel dizzy, nauseated, confused, or develop a headache, move to a cool place immediately and seek medical attention if symptoms do not improve.
If you have sensitive skin, test the witch hazel mixture on a small area first. Avoid using it on broken skin or near your eyes.
No matter what you are doing outside, and we know sweating is probably involved, having a cooler stocked with these DIY cooling rags can make spending time outdoors a whole lot more comfortable.
