A viral TikTok hack that promises to cool homes during the heatwave could leave homeowners facing electric shocks and invalidated insurance, experts have warned. The popular trick involves placing a bowl of ice or cold water in front of a fan to create cooler airflow, but insurance comparison site Go Compare says water spilling onto electrical components could lead to electric shock, damage the appliance or even cause a fire.
The warning comes as much of the UK swelters in temperatures between 30C and 35C, with the Met Office saying the hot weather is expected to continue into the weekend, with highs of around 28C forecast in many areas. Platforms including TikTok, Instagram and X have become flooded with DIY cooling hacks that claim to lower indoor temperatures without the need for air conditioning. However, insurance experts are warning that some of the viral trends could end up leaving you in danger and out of pocket.
“Viral TikTok hack of placing ice in front of a fan could cause electric shock and void home insurance, Go Compare warns”
If damage is found to have resulted from 'preventable misuse', an insurer could refuse part or all of a home insurance claim, according to Go Compare. Tamzin Metcalfe, home insurance expert at Go Compare, said: "When the weather is truly unbearably hot, it's completely understandable that people will try almost anything to cool down. But you have to use your head, be sensible, and not get taken in by viral trends." She added that homeowners should "never combine water with electronics" and urged people to stick to safer ways of keeping cool instead, such as closing blinds or curtains during the hottest part of the day to reduce heat entering the home without risking damage to electrical appliances or insurance cover.
Consumer charity Electrical Safety First has also raised concerns, warning against attaching frozen towels or other wet items to electric fans, saying moisture reaching the motor could increase the risk of electric shock and damage the appliance. Not every fan cooling trick carries the same level of risk, however. Which? found that placing a bowl filled with ice in front of a fan can provide a short-term cooling effect, although it says the method is only a temporary solution and should be used carefully to avoid spills.
Go Compare also highlighted other viral heatwave trends that could cause problems with home insurance, including leaving windows or doors open overnight, running cheap unbranded electrical coolers unattended, and covering windows with certain materials. With the heatwave set to continue, homeowners are urged to think twice before following social media trends that could prove costly.
