How should I fill my hot water bottle?

 

Keep the bottle upright and fill it to around two-thirds capacity. Gently squeeze out any trapped air until water rises to the opening, then screw the stopper back on until it's finger-tight, it is important not to over-tighten.

​

​Never use boiling water. While very hot water is safe, boiling water can weaken the material over time, leading to cracks or leaks that shorten the bottle's lifespan. Try to avoid filling directly from your household hot water supply, as mineral deposits and impurities in the system can degrade the bottle faster. Instead, the best approach is to boil water in a kettle and let it cool before use.

​

Whilst filling, it can be useful to use a hand towel or tea towel to cover the bottle in case any water accidentally spills down the sides and onto your hands. Also, pour slowly to prevent splash-back, and once filled, check that no water remains sitting in the funnel or neck.

 

Never heat the bottle in a microwave or conventional oven, and always supervise children when they're using one.

​

How do I get the fill level of my hot water bottle right?

​

Never fill your hot water bottle more than two-thirds full. Overfilling can pull the stopper inward, jamming it in place, or in more serious cases, cause the bottle to burst. Sticking to the correct fill level won't compromise performance and will still provide plenty of warmth and function just as effectively.

​

You should also remove any excess air by carefully laying the bottle down flat on a level surface, letting it settle until water rises up to the opening.

​

How tight should I tighten the bottle stopper of my hot water bottle?

​

When securing the stopper, make sure it's fitted straight and properly seated, then tighten to finger-tight. Over-tightening can crack or damage the seal, causing leaks, and may even jam the stopper in place. To remove the stopper, hold the bottle upright with one hand steadying the neck while you unscrew it with the other.

 

When tightening or loosening, avoid twisting the main body of the bottle below the neck. This kind of twisting motion puts extra strain on the neck joint, and repeated stress here can weaken or damage the structure over time.

​

If you notice the stopper has become loose or worn, replace it with a new one that matches exactly to the original type and size.

​

Am I able to lie or sit on my hot water bottle?

​

No, never lie, sit, or roll on top of a hot water bottle. Putting your body weight on it risks burns and can cause the bottle to burst or leak. This risk is even greater with an older bottle nearing the end of its life, or one with a worn stopper.

​

Always use your bottle with your knitted CHICKPEA cover to avoid it coming into keeping against bare skin. You should stop using your bottle immediately if the heat feels uncomfortable rather than soothing.

 

Try not to fold or wedge the bottle into place to hold it in position as this puts ongoing strain on the material. Any sustained pressure, whether from folding, sitting, or wedging, will shorten the bottle's overall lifespan.

 

Can an elderly relative or child use a hot water bottle?

​

Hot water bottles work well for taking the chill off a bed or a specific area before use, but the recommended approach is to take it out before anyone gets in.

 

Pop the bottle into the bed around 30 minutes ahead of time to let it warm up, then remove it before use. This simple step helps prevent accidental burns, particularly for children or anyone more vulnerable to injury.

​

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.