Ever feel a cold breeze brushing past your ankles even though every door looks closed?
That unwelcome chill usually isn’t “just winter”—it’s cold air sneaking in through tiny gaps you might not even notice. The good news? You don’t have to wait for a handyman to restore comfort. With a few quick fixes using everyday items, you can block drafts immediately and keep your home warm in the meantime.
Quick Ways to Stop Cold Drafts—No Tools Required
Find the Source First
Before fixing the problem, locate it. Run your hand along the bottom and edges of doors to feel for cold air. A candle or lighter can help too—if the flame flickers, air is moving. Gaps wider than about ¼ inch are usually enough to let in a noticeable draft.
Roll and Block
A rolled towel, blanket, or even a sweatshirt pressed against the bottom of a door creates an instant barrier. Make sure it spans the full width of the doorway. For larger gaps, secure the ends with rubber bands or ties so it stays in place.
Make a Simple Draft Snake
Turn old clothes or fabric into a reusable draft stopper. Cut a long strip, fill it with rice, sand, or crumpled newspaper, then tie the ends. Lay it along the door base for a surprisingly effective seal.
Use Pool Noodles or Pipe Insulation
Cut a pool noodle or foam pipe insulation to the width of your door, slice it lengthwise, and slide it underneath. It blocks cold air while still letting the door open and close smoothly.
Temporary Weatherstripping
Self-adhesive foam tape is inexpensive and quick to apply. Clean the door surface, stick the tape along the edges or bottom, and enjoy immediate relief until permanent weatherstripping is installed.
Add Layers for Insulation
Place a thick rug or mat in front of drafty doors to trap cold air near the floor. Hanging a heavy curtain, blanket, or even a spare comforter over the door adds another insulating layer.
Tape It Shut (Briefly)
Painter’s tape or duct tape can seal gaps in a pinch. While not the prettiest solution, smoothing tape along cracks or seams can stop drafts instantly when comfort matters more than appearance.
Create an Emergency Barrier
For large gaps, cardboard, foam board, or bubble wrap cut to size and taped in place can make a noticeable difference, especially overnight.
Rearrange What You Already Have
Placing a chair, small table, or bookshelf near a drafty door won’t stop airflow completely, but it can slow it down and reduce how cold the room feels.
Push Warm Air Where It’s Needed
Turn on the heat and use a fan to direct warm air toward drafty spots. This helps counteract incoming cold and keeps temperatures more even.
Patch Existing Weatherstripping
If weatherstripping is cracked or peeling, temporarily reinforce it with tape or sealant until it can be replaced properly.
Use Draft Stoppers That Move With the Door
Flexible or double-sided draft blockers attach to the door itself, maintaining a seal even when the door opens and closes.
Get Ready for Permanent Repairs
Take photos, measure gaps, and note where drafts are strongest. This prep work helps your handyman fix the problem quickly and correctly when they arrive.
Conclusion
You don’t have to shiver while waiting for repairs. Simple, temporary DIY solutions—like rolled towels, homemade draft stoppers, or foam insulation—can dramatically improve comfort, reduce energy loss, and keep your home cozy through cold weather. A little creativity now buys warmth, savings, and peace of mind until permanent fixes are in place.