How to fill a hot water bottle
When filling do not use boiling water, very hot water is fine but boiling water can cause splits or leaks that will shorten the life of the hot water bottle. Avoid filling from a domestic hot water system as the impurities can shorten the life of the bottle. The preferred method is to use water from a kettle that has boiled and been allowed to cool down. Fill slowly to avoid splashing back and when done ensure the funnel is empty. For those that have never used one before will find that with regular use you will find that perfect heat that is right for you. Do not heat in a microwave or in a conventional oven.
Do not overfill
Three quarters is the maximum, do not overfill. Overfilling can draw the stopper inward locking it solid or even burst the bottle, filling to the correct level will give out plenty of heat and work just as well. Expel excess air from the hot water bottle by lowering it carefully onto a flat level surface until water appears at the opening.
Take care when filling
It may help to use a towel to cover the bottle when adding hot water, this will helps avoid any burns. For the unsteady hand there is a PVC or TPU hot water bottle with a much wider neck opening making it easier to pour and help avoid spills and splash backs.
Tighten carefully
When tightening the stopper make sure it is on correctly, finger tight should be adequate, overtightening can cause the seal to crack/leak and jam the stopper inside. Keep one hand on the neck and hold the hot water bottle in an upright position to undo the stopper. Never twist the body below the neck when tightening the stopper as a twisting motion adds pressure on the neck joints, if twisted continually it will split, the joints are designed for inner strength and not against twisting motion. If the hot water bottle stopper is loose replace with new, always replace like for like.
Care for elderly and children
Use the hot water bottle to warm up the bed or area and remove before the person gets in. This helps to avoid any accidental burns to vulnerable people or children.
Can I lie or sit on a hot water bottle?
Never sit or lie on top of a hot water bottle. This may sound like obvious advice but it does happen! To avoid burns and the risk of it bursting never place any weight on top, sitting or lying over it can cause it to burst and spill especially if it is an old hot water bottle or the stopper is worn, never worth taking a risk.
Can I use a hot water bottle with an electric blanket
If using an electric blanket never use a hot water bottle at the same time. Use one or the other but never the two together. Mixing water with electricity is risky and not worth taking a chance. Overheating can also cause problems if using both, a good quality hot water bottle will give out plenty of heat.
How can I make my hot water bottle last longer?
Avoid contact with hot surfaces, oil, grease and direct sunlight. Keep well away from pointed and sharp objects including pet claws and teeth. When storing drain completely, remove the stopper and store in a cool dark frost free place. Always make a thorough visual check when using again. Do not use boiling water and always hold the hot water bottle by the neck when taking the stopper on or off. Twisting it unsupported will weaken the shoulders and eventually tear.
British Safety Standards
Look for the British Safety Standard BS1970 mark and check if the manufacturer has independent verified testing. TUV independent testing for branded bottles will exceed British Standards. There are low budget products that fail to meet standards with many product recalls from cheap imports. Not worth taking a chance on a hot water bottle that has to work safely each and every time. Latest British Standard update is BS1970.
Visual checks
If your old bottle is showing signs of wear and tear replace with a new one. Check for splits or perishing and make sure the stopper is a good fit. A good quality hot water bottle used correctly will last 3 years, budget ones may only survive one winter season. Often a budget bottle will suffer leakage problems with poorly sealed stoppers. It is worth replacing every 3 years, always choose from a reliable supplier, over its lifetime it will cost far less to replace than a budget product.
How often should a hot water bottle be replaced?
It is recommended to replace between 2 to 3 years, a good quality hot water bottle will last 2 years depending on usage and handling.
Warning
A hot water bottle may lead to burns, therefore avoid prolonged direct contact with skin. Care should be taken with children, adult supervision is recommended when in use.
Download Instructions
pdf Hot water bottle safety instructions.
FAQs
Rubber deteriorates over time so old hot water bottles can break and cause serious burns. It is advised to regularly check for signs of wear and tear and not use hot water bottles that are more than two years old. This flower symbol, found on hot water bottles, indicates exactly when it was made.
How safe are hot water bottles? ›
Rubber deteriorates over time so old hot water bottles can break and cause serious burns. It is advised to regularly check for signs of wear and tear and not use hot water bottles that are more than two years old. This flower symbol, found on hot water bottles, indicates exactly when it was made.
What is the safety mark on a hot water bottle? ›
The Manufacturer's and/or Distributors mark - This should be marked clearly on the body of the hot water bottle, so that in the event of a serious defect with the product the manufacturer/distributor can be located.
How to make a hot water bottle safely? ›
Similarly, do not attempt to heat a hot water bottle using a microwave, grill or oven. Fill the water to no more than two-thirds capacity as overfilling may cause it to burst. Once you have finished pouring the water in, slowly squeeze the remaining air out.
What is the safe temperature for a hot water bottle? ›
The recommended water temperature for your hot water bottle is 80 degrees Celsius (176 degrees Fahrenheit). If you pour water this temperature into your hot water bottle, you will need a cover to protect your skin from the hot water bottle's surface.
Is it OK to sleep with a hot water bottle? ›
Overheating. The purpose of a hot water bottle is obviously to keep us warm but this can be taken to the extreme. Falling asleep with a hot water bottle can cause our bodies to overheat during the night. Rebecca added: “This can cause night sweats and a disrupted sleep.”
What not to do with a hot water bottle? ›
HOW TO USE YOUR HOT WATER BOTTLE
- DO NOT sit, lie on top of or put excess pressure on your hot water bottle.
- To prevent burns from occurring use a cover on your bottle and avoid leaving it in contact with one area of the body for more than 20 minutes.
- Only use a hot water bottle to warm up your bed.
Determining your hot water bottle's age
Unsure about its age? Check the daisy wheel imprinted on its neck or body. The central number indicates the year (e.g., '22' for 2022). The 12 segments around this number represent months. The filled segments mark its manufacturing month.
How do I know if my water bottle is safe? ›
The most reliable way to check whether an item is BPA-free is to consult the plastic identification code number — usually stamped on the bottom of the container. Turn the bottle upside down and look for the plastic resin identification code (often called a recycling code) on the bottom.
What does 15 mean on hot water bottle? ›
This flower symbol, found on hot water bottles, indicates exactly when it was made. The number in the middle is the year it was made, the flower segments represent the 12 months of the year and the dots inside those represent the number of weeks.
A risk assessment should be carried out, recorded and retained (including – Can the person feel the heat? Can the person adjust/reposition? Is the hot water bottle less than 2 years old?) Consideration should be given to potential restrictive practice of denying use of the hot water bottle.
What is the safest material for hot water bottles? ›
Always look for new virgin rubber, these have a natural rubber smell which dissipates during use and is a good insulator therefore retaining heat for longer. Newer thermoplastic or PVC offer latex and phthalate free, ideal for children and people with a latex allergy.
Do you need to let the air out of a hot water bottle? ›
You should always push the air out of your hot water bottle before screwing the stopper on. By doing this, you prevent air from staying trapped inside the hot water bottle and too much pressure from building up. Too much pressure inside your hot water bottle can lead to bursts.
What is the rule for hot water bottles? ›
“If you do use them at all in the home, you should remember two key pieces of information about how to use them safely – never fill them with boiling water and always check the rubber flower symbol found on the neck which shows which month and year the hot water bottle was made.
How long is a hot water bottle safe? ›
The general recommendation is to replace your hot water bottle every two to three years. This is the advice from manufacturers (reiterated by accident prevention charities and medical professionals) and it's likely for safety reasons.
Is it OK to sit on a hot water bottle? ›
To avoid burns and the risk of it bursting never place any weight on top, sitting or lying over it can cause it to burst and spill especially if it is an old hot water bottle or the stopper is worn, never worth taking a risk. If using an electric blanket never use a hot water bottle at the same time.
Is it OK to drink from a hot water bottle? ›
Hot water bottles are safe as long as you fill them, use them, and store them correctly.
How long can a hot water bottle stay hot? ›
The length of time that a hot water bottle stays warm depends on a number of factors, including the size of the bottle, the amount of hot water used, and the quality of the rubber. Typically, a hot water bottle will stay warm for around 2-6 hours, depending on these factors.
Does a hot water bottle need a cover? ›
It is recommended that the water is left to cool for at least 20 minutes once boiled. For young children and those with sensitive skin it is recommended that you do not fill the hot water bottle with water that is above 40°C/104°F and ALWAYS use a cover with the hot water bottle.
