While the use of a hot water bottle may seem straightforward, here are 5 easy to remember tips that will help you get the most out of yours and keep you safe!
#1 Heat up bed before you enter
Ensure that your bed is warm and inviting by placing the hot water bottle under the blanket 5-10 minutes before you climb in. Remove the hot water bottle before going to sleep and never try to sleep lying on top of one. Never sit, lie or add excessive pressure to a hot water bottle as doing so can make it burst.
#2 Use protective covering to avoid burns
To protect against burns and other injuries, always use a hot water bottle with a cover. If one isn't available, wrap your bottle in a towel. Avoid contact with any part of your skin for prolonged periods.
#3 Fill with safely cooled boiled water
Refrain from using boiling water directly in your hot water bottle. Instead, let any boiling water cool down to a safer temperature before filling. This helps prevent damage to the seams and reduces risk of injuries.
Also avoid using hot tap water directly as it may contain impurities that can degrade the bottle over time. Always read the instructions on your bottle for detailed information.
#4 Store properly when not in use
To ensure the longevity of your hot water bottle, empty it and remove its stopper after use. Store it in cool, dry, dark places, like drawers or wardrobes, away from direct sources of heat or sunlight which might degrade the rubber over time. Also avoid airing cupboards, boiler cupboards or heat sources such as radiators as fluctuations in temperature can adversely affect the bottle.
#5 Regularly replace rubber bottles
For optimal safety and longevity, replace rubber hot water bottles either every two years or as frequently as the instructions recommend. This ensures you always use a product that's in its best condition, as rubber or similar materials can deteriorate naturally over time. You should also replace it if you notice any wear or damage.
Final word
We have put together a short video to demonstrate our tips. You can also read our essential guide here for more information.
We go to great lengths to ensure that all our hot water bottles are easy-to-use, effective and meet the relevant safety standards. You may also find our essential guide useful if you want to learn more about keeping warm safely.
