Life Hack: Three things you need to know before using a hot water bottle
From filling a hot water bottle correctly to storing it in the best way, here's what you need to know
As the weather cools down, more of us will be reaching for the hot water bottle for some cosy warmth as winter approaches. Here are three things you should know to make the most of yours and avoid accidents and injuries.
Did you know hot water bottles have a limited lifetime? As a rule of thumb, hot water bottles are only usable for about two years. After this time they should be replaced to avoid signs of wear and tear and, in some cases, to prevent one from bursting and scalding someone. If you’re not sure when your hot water bottle was made, there is a useful guide on the top of the bottle itself. You’ll spot a flower symbol with a number in its centre. The number signifies the year it was made (22 means the bottle is from 2022) and the twelve petals indicate the month it was made - if three petals contain raised dots then you know it was made in the third month of the year.
You might be tempted to make the most of your bottle and fill it to the top with boiling water but this can cause an accident. After you boil water, wait a few minutes for it to cool before filling it up. Hold the bottle upright and fill it no more than two-thirds of the way up — never fill it to the top. Carefully squeeze the bottle to expel excess air from inside so the water level reaches the top. Screw the stopper tightly to prevent spills.
Lots of people will place the hot water bottle into a bed to warm it up, but avoid sitting or lying on top of it as the pressure could cause it to burst and cause burns. Similarly, if you’re using one without a cover you could burn your skin so make sure to add a cover and never keep it in contact with your body for more than 20 minutes. If you have reduced feeling or sensitive skin, be careful when using a hot water bottle and make sure the temperature is safe. Children should also be supervised when using hot water bottles. When the hot water bottle is not in use, drain it of all the water and store it in a cool, dry place. Do not keep it in the hot press as the changing temperatures there can impact the materials. Store the bottle flat: if you fold it, a crease could develop, weakening the rubber and causing it to burst when full.
