Hot Water Bottle Safety Information

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 cause it to burst, 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 and leak.   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 the twisting motion adds pressure on the neck joints, if twisted continually it will split as 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
Always look for the British Safety Standard BS1970 mark.   There are low budget products that fail to meet to the standard 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 BS1970:2012.

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 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.