How to check your hot water bottle is safe

Assuming your hot water bottle is in date, here are a few more tips on how to minimise the risk of burns...

Filling the bottle

Do:

• Fill with a mixture of cold and hot water - Boil half the water needed and add cold water to the kettle or jug before filling the bottle.
• Fill the bottle over the sink - Pour water into the bottle carefully to avoid spills.
• Squeeze as much air as you can out of the bottle before stoppering it. If there's air left in the bottle, the water can heat the air, meaning it expands, which may burst the bottle.
• Screw in the stopper until hand-tight - Ensure the stopper is securely in place.
• Check the bottle for leaks - Regularly inspect the bottle to ensure it is in good condition.

Don't:

• Don't use if cracked, worn, or leaking - Ensure the hot water bottle is in good condition before use.
• NEVER fill with boiling water - Using boiling water can cause damage and lead to the bottle bursting.
• Don't use the microwave or oven - Avoid heating the hot water bottle using these methods.
• Don't use hot water from the tap - Copper from pipes can affect the rubber's strength.
• Don't fill more than two-thirds full - Unless the bottle is designed to be fully filled, avoid exceeding this limit.

Using the bottle

• Don't place in direct contact with your skin, always have a cover, towel or clothing.
  
• Don't put pressure or weight on the bottle, it's not designed for you to sit or lie on it.
• Don't sleep with the bottle in bed overnight, remove it once the bed is warm before you go to sleep.    

Storing the bottle

• Empty the bottle and hang it upside-down to drain. Make sure it's totally dry before storing it.
• Store the bottle with the stopper removed.
• Store it in a cool, dry, dark place.
• Either hang it upside down or lie it flat to store it.
• Don't place anything on top of the bottle while it's being stored.