Buzz
Once more, I’m here to champion a small yet powerful idea: If you’re feeling chilly and lack a space heater, it’s time to explore the myriad ways your hairdryer can come to your rescue.
For years, I’ve relied on this hack, especially during my 20s in some of New York City’s most notoriously unlivable apartments. While I’ve since upgraded to a properly heated home, this week, as part of a grad school study-away program, I’ve found myself in a frigid dorm at 30 years old—and my trusty hairdryer has made a triumphant return.
Warm Up Your Sheets (and Yourself) Using a Hairdryer
Certain spaces, such as dorms, prohibit space heaters, and others may have a justified concern about their safety. Enter the hairdryer—a versatile alternative. There are three methods to harness its warmth, starting with your blankets.
When you settle in for the night, slip under your chilly sheets and blankets. While the initial cold is unavoidable, relief is quick. Hold the blankets open and aim your dryer underneath, targeting the area where you’re shivering. Avoid trapping the dryer under the blankets, as this poses a fire risk. Instead, keep it at a safe distance, directing warmth beneath the fabric. After 10 to 15 seconds, wrap yourself up to lock in the heat. Repeat as needed, and you’ll soon feel cozy.
Warming Your Clothes with a Hairdryer
Hailing from North Dakota, I’ve mastered numerous quirky tricks for staying warm. It wasn’t until I moved to New York at 18 that I realized how peculiar these methods seemed to others. Still, they prepared me for the challenges of apartment living. For example, my mom would place my next day’s clothes over a heating vent overnight, ensuring they were warm and snug when I woke up. (Yes, I was pampered.)
As an adult, I’ve adapted this technique using my hairdryer. Simply lay out your clothes and give them a quick blast of warm air. Whether it’s post-shower, in the morning, or before bedtime, this trick works wonders. Just ensure the dryer’s filter isn’t obstructed, and you can even direct the nozzle into sleeves or pant legs for a few seconds. It’s incredibly effective.
The Bold Approach
In my frostiest apartment, I used to place the hairdryer nearby, letting its warmth surround me as I worked. While you can do the same, safety is key. I no longer recommend setting it down—age has brought wisdom. Instead, hold it facing you or find a way to suspend it. Placing it on a surface risks overheating, and you’ll notice it tends to shift backward, potentially blocking the vent. This is dangerous and reduces airflow, so avoid it at all costs.
Limit the duration of this method. Short bursts of heat are more effective than prolonged use as a makeshift heater. A 30 to 45-second blast provides lasting warmth. If you opt for this technique, ensure your hairdryer is clean. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to remove hair and dust from the vent for optimal performance.
