Applying yogurt on windows as a means to reduce house temperature? Possible or just a summer oddity?
In an unexpected turn of events, researchers at Loughborough University have found a surprising solution to combat soaring summer temperatures in Britain – applying full-fat Greek yoghurt to windows. The experiment, led by Dr Ben Roberts and PhD student Niloo Todeh-Kharman, was conducted in May 2025 using two identical test houses.
The yoghurt, once dried, forms a thin white film that reflects a portion of the sun's rays, reducing solar gain. This innovative method, while not yet a mainstream recommendation, has shown promising results in reducing indoor temperatures. During peak conditions, the Greek yoghurt used in the experiment reportedly achieved cooling results of up to 6.3°F (about 3.5°C).
However, not everyone is convinced about the effectiveness of using Greek yoghurt as a cooling solution for homes. Jade Oliver, a product specialist from Express Bi-Folding Doors, warns that using Greek yoghurt on windows could potentially damage window seals, attract pests, and leave a sticky residue. Joseph Holman, CEO of Green Doors, raises ethical concerns about using food products during a cost-of-living crisis.
Despite these concerns, the "yoghurt house" was, on average, 0.6°C cooler in some rooms compared to the untouched house over a month-long period. The use of Greek yoghurt as a cooling solution stands as a symbol of climate adaptation in a warming Britain, representing a blend of scientific insight and heatwave improvisation.
Yet, there are alternative, more sustainable, and practical solutions to keep homes cool during heatwaves. These methods focus on passive and sustainable strategies that do not involve perishables or potential damage. Key options include cross-ventilation, whole house fans, thermal curtains and window shades, shade from landscaping, replacing hardscaped areas with plants or permeable materials, water features, and radiant cooling ceilings.
These alternatives rely on airflow, shading, passive design, and sometimes mechanical aid that is reversible and clean. They require little to no consumable resources and avoid creating waste, making them more sustainable and practical for heatwave improvisation.
Experts estimate that thousands of excess summer deaths in the UK are linked to heat-related illness each year, and keeping homes cooler could help reduce this number. Dr Zoe De Grussa, research manager at the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), states that any intervention to block sunlight from entering homes can be beneficial in reducing indoor temperatures.
In conclusion, while the Greek yoghurt method might introduce problems like spoilage, smells, and potential window damage, the alternatives focus on airflow, shading, passive design, and sometimes mechanical aid that are clean, sustainable, and practical.
- Although Greek yoghurt has shown promising results in reducing indoor temperatures, experts are exploring more sustainable and practical solutions for keeping homes cool during heatwaves.
- Cross-ventilation, whole house fans, thermal curtains and window shades, shade from landscaping, replacing hardscaped areas with plants or permeable materials, water features, and radiant cooling ceilings are some alternatives to the Greek yoghurt method.
- These alternative methods rely on airflow, shading, passive design, and sometimes mechanical aid that is reversible and clean, leaving no potential window damage or sticky residue like the Greek yoghurt method.
- Scientifically, blocking sunlight from entering homes can be beneficial in reducing indoor temperatures, as seen in the experiment with Greek yoghurt on windows.
- Experts estimate that thousands of excess summer deaths in the UK are linked to heat-related illness each year, making it crucial to find means of keeping homes cooler.
- Jade Oliver, a product specialist, has raised concerns about using Greek yoghurt on windows due to potential damage to window seals, attraction of pests, and a sticky residue left behind.
- In a research study, Dr Zoe De Grussa from the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) stated that any intervention to block sunlight from entering homes could be beneficial in reducing indoor temperatures.
- The solar heating design and environmental science communities are focusing on long-term solutions to combat climate change and reduce the need for unconventional cooling methods like Greek yoghurt on windows.
