Hot Water Bottle Safety Information
How to fill a hot water bottle
Hold the hot water bottle in an upright position, fill the hot water bottle two thirds full, gently squeeze the hot water bottle until water appears at the aperture.
Replace the stopper until finger tight.
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.
The leading expert and hot water bottle manufacturer Fashy recommend a maximum temperature of 80º Celsius on their thermoplastic hot water bottle.
Sänger, manufacturer and expert on rubber hot water bottles recommend 50º Celsius.
Avoid filling from a domestic hot water system as the impurities can shorten the life of the hot water bottle.
The preferred method is to use water from a kettle that has boiled and been allowed to cool.
Fill the hot water bottle slowly to avoid splashing back and when done ensure the funnel is empty.
For those that have never used a hot water bottle before will find with regular use you will find that perfect heat that is right for you.
Do not heat the hot water bottle in a microwave or in a conventional oven.
Parental supervision is advised with children.
Do not overfill
Two thirds is the maximum fill, do not overfill the hot water bottle.
Overfilling can draw the stopper inward locking it solid or even burst the hot water 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 hot water bottle when adding hot water, this will helps avoid any burns.
For the unsteady hand there is a hot water bottle safety stand making it easier to pour and help avoid spills and splash backs.
Tighten carefully
When tightening the hot water bottle 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.
Avoid twisting the body of the hot water bottle below the neck when tightening the stopper, twisting motion adds pressure on the neck joints, if twisted continually it may damage the structure.
If the hot water bottle stopper is loose replace with new, always replace like for like.
Care for elderly and children
They are ideal to warm up the bed or area, best practice is to remove the hot water bottle before the person gets in.
Place the hot water bottle in the bed 30 minutes before to warm up the area and remove it from the bed, this helps avoid any accidental burns to vulnerable people or children.
Do not lie or sit on a hot water bottle?
Never sit, lie or roll on top of a hot water bottle.
To avoid burns and the risk of bursting never place any weight on top of the hot water bottle, sitting or lying over it can cause a hot water bottle to burst and spill especially if it is an old hot water bottle nearing the end of its life or if the hot water bottle stopper is worn.
If using a hot water bottle without a cover avoid prolonged skin contact.
Do not use the hot water bottle if the heat level is uncomfortable.
Folding over the hot water bottle to wedge in place causes damage to the structure, placing any pressure for long periods reduces the life of the hot water bottle.
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?
Do not allow the hot water bottle to make contact with hot surfaces, oil, grease and keep the hot water bottle away from direct sunlight.
Keep the hot water bottle well away from sharp objects including pet claws and teeth.
When storing the hot water bottle drain completely, always remove the hot water bottle stopper and store in a cool dark frost-free place.
Before using the hot water bottle make a thorough visual check, remove any cover so you see all the way around the hot water bottle.
Do not use boiling water and always hold the hot water bottle by the neck when taking the hot water bottle stopper on or off.
The normal life of a hot water bottle is 2 years, a well-cared for hot water bottle can last 3 years or more.
British Safety Standards
Look for the British Safety Standard BS1970 mark and check if the manufacturer has independent verified testing.
TÜV independent testing for branded hot water bottles will exceed British Standards.
Latest British Standard update is BS1970.
Visual checks
If your old hot water bottle is showing signs of wear and tear replace with a new one.
Check the hot water bottle for colour discolouration, crease marks, scuffs, abrasion, splits, brittleness or perishing and ensure the hot water bottle stopper is working and a good fit.
Remove any covering when checking to view whole of the hot water bottle, if in doubt test with cold water first.
How often should it be replaced?
It is recommended to replace a hot water bottle between 2 to 3 years from first use, a good quality hot water bottle will last 2 years depending on usage and handling.
Always check the hot water bottle before use, DO NOT rely on daisy wheel/production date, same as car tyres they do not have a use by or sell by date.
British Standard recommend a visual check, same as car tyres to ensure safety, production date is for batch tracing only, for information direct from manufacturer read Hot water bottle daisy wheel – fact versus fiction.
Warning
A hot water bottle may lead to burns, therefore avoid prolonged direct contact with skin.
Hot water splashes can cause burns to occur, the advice from health professionals is to cool the area with lukewarm water allowing a minimum of 10 minutes.
If you are unsure on how to treat a burn or if the injury becomes worst please consult with your local NHS and seek treatment.
Care should be taken with children, adult supervision is recommended when in use.
