IT'S a sad fact but most of us don't have a home (or an office) with air conditioning to keep cool in summer.

So how do you cool your room when the mercury is in the high 30s?

Here are some top tips for helping you stay comfortable...

Use a fan and a wet cloth: A fan is great but it just recirculates hot air. You can cool the air by hanging a wet cloth in front of the fan. A clothes horse would be perfect for hanging your wet cloth. Sounds crazy - but it really works.

Use a bucket of ice: If you can't find a suitable hanger for your wet cloth just use a bowl of ice cubs. Place the bowl in front of the fan, sit back and enjoy...

Close your curtains during the day: If you have black out curtains - use them - but remember that dark objects absorb more heat than lighter colours. Drawining the drapes will keep a room cooler.

Dress correctly: Cotton will absorb sweat and keep you cool.

Know your cooling spots: Place an ice cube over the pulse points of your elbows or wrists for an instant cool down. Wrap it in a cloth to keep it in place.

Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water and eat lots of fruit...

Finally, if you really can't stand it: Seek out somewhere that's air conditioned - like your favourite shopping centre, the car or even the local cinema.