Hot Water Bottle Safety Information

Filling a hot water bottle
When filling do not use boiling water, very hot water is fine but boiling water can cause splits or leaks and will shorten the life of the 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 hot water from a kettle that has boiled and been allowed to cool down.   Fill slowly to avoid hot water splashing back and when done ensure the funnel is empty.   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 the bottle to burst, it will give out plenty of heat and work just as well when filled to the correct level.   Expel excess air from the 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 are PVC and TPU bottles with a much wider neck opening making it easier to pour and help avoid spills.

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 in an upright position to undo the stopper, never twist the body as this puts pressure on the seals and will shorten the life.   If the 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.

Don't sit on it!!
This may sound like obvious advice but it does happen!   Never sit or lie on top of a hot water bottle.

Don't 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 bottle will give plenty of heat.

Take good care
Avoid contact with hot surfaces, oil, grease and direct sunlight.   Keep well away from pointed and sharp objects including pet claws and teeth.

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 product that has to work safely each and every time.   Latest British Standard update is BS 1970:2012.

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.   When storing drain completely, remove the stopper and store in a cool dark frost free place.   Always make a thorough visual check when using for the first time.   A good quality bottle will last 3 years, budget ones may only survive one winter season.   Many of the budget bottles suffer leakage problems with poorly sealed stoppers.  It is worth replacing every 3 years, always choose a good quality product 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 hot water bottle will last 2 years depending on usage and handling.

Warning
Hot water bottles may lead to burns, therefore avoid prolonged direct contact with skin.   If children use the hot water bottle, adult supervision is recommended.

Download Instructions
pdf safety instructions Hot Water Bottle Safety Instructions