The German Trick to Cool the Flat with a Fan, Water and Ice

During spells of extreme heat, many people living in big cities look for ways to lower the temperature indoors without relying on air conditioning. In countries such as Germany, where recent summers have brought higher temperatures, a simple, low-cost trick has become widely talked about: pairing a fan with water and ice to cool a flat while cutting electricity use.

What is the German trick to cool the flat?

This German trick turns an ordinary fan into a kind of DIY air cooler. The method is to place bowls or washing-up basins filled with very cold water and plenty of ice cubes directly in front of the fan, so the airflow passes over a chilled surface.

As the ice melts and the water stays cold, the air pushed into the room can feel noticeably cooler, which helps reduce the perceived temperature. The effect tends to be more noticeable in smaller rooms and in spaces that are at least partly shielded from direct sunlight.

How do you put the German trick to cool the flat into practice?

For the best results, the set-up should be straightforward, safe and suited to the size of the room. Residents report that it takes only a few minutes to prepare and can be repeated whenever the heat becomes uncomfortable, including alongside other ventilation methods.

Here is a basic step-by-step guide to arranging a fan with water and ice in a practical, day-to-day way:

• Choose a desk fan or pedestal fan with strong airflow.
• Set aside one or two sturdy basins, large cups or deep dishes.
• Fill the containers with very cold water and a generous amount of ice.
• Place the containers directly in front of the fan, in line with the air stream.
• Set the fan speed to medium or high, depending on the comfort you want.

What precautions make the trick more effective in hot weather?

To maximise the cooling effect, it helps to limit how much heat enters the flat during the day. In many German homes, blinds and curtains are kept shut during the hottest hours-especially on sun-facing windows-to reduce the warming of indoor surfaces.

It is also worth combining the fan with habits that support airflow and keep the equipment safe, particularly in homes with children or pets:

1. Control sunlight: keep curtains, blinds or shutters closed when the sun is strongest.
2. Use night air: open windows late at night and early in the morning to create a natural draught.
3. Manage airflow: aim the fan into the room so the breeze is not lost straight out of a window.
4. Refresh the water and ice: replace melted ice regularly to keep the air cooler.
5. Avoid heat sources: cut back on using the hob, oven and incandescent bulbs during the warmest periods.

Does the German trick replace air conditioning?

Thermal-comfort specialists note that a fan with water and ice does not provide the same level of climate control as air conditioning, but it can be a workable option in moderate heat and for anyone trying to save money. In well-sealed rooms that are protected from the sun, the outcome is often enough to study, work or sleep more comfortably.

Rather than a standalone fix, this trick sits within a broader set of ways to cope with increasingly frequent heatwaves up to 2026-such as drinking water regularly, wearing light clothing and choosing shaded rooms. Seen this way, it is a practical curiosity: quick to assemble, inexpensive and capable of providing genuine relief in many flats without fixed cooling.