Is your hot water bottle safe to use? Tips on what to look out for
As the cost of heating our homes continues to rise this winter many of us have dusted off our trusty old hot water bottle and put it to use. After all, we are constantly being told to heat our bodies and not the room. But how do you know if your hot water bottle is safe?
If you can’t remember how long you have owned it then the chances are the bottle has expired and it is time to replace it.
How old is my hot water bottle?
Most modern hot water bottles have a small flower motif, shaped like a daisy wheel, printed on the rubber that can tell us when the bottle was manufactured.
The number in the centre of the flower indicates the year the bottle was manufactured, so a bottle with a 22 was made in 2022.
Around the number are twelve petals which represent the months of the year. Inside the petals are some dots (up to four in each petal). The number of petals filled with dots shows which month it was made. So a flower with seven petals filled with dots indicates the bottle was made in July. The number of dots in each petal represents weeks so you can even find out which week of the month the bottle was manufactured.
How long should I keep it?
If used and stored correctly your hot water bottle should last approximately two years.
How should I store my hot water bottle?
When not in use, your hot water bottle should be completely drained of water and the stopper removed, away from direct sources of heat or sunlight.
Fluctuations in temperature can adversely affect the rubber of the bottle so avoid storing it in an airing cupboard, or near a radiator.
How best to fill my hot water bottle?
Never fill your hot water bottle right up to the top. A maximum of two-thirds capacity is recommended to minimise any risk of bursting.
Always fill your hot water bottle with boiled water that has been left to cool for a minute or two to avoid the risk of scalding.
Hot tap water is not recommended to use as it contains minerals and impurities that build up inside the hot water bottle which may cause it to degrade prematurely.
Always use a cover on your hot water bottle
How best to use my hot water bottle?
Always use a cover on your bottle and avoid leaving it in contact with one area of the body for more than 20 minutes.
It’s also important that you don’t sit, lie on top of or put excess pressure on your hot water bottle, and that you only use a hot water bottle to warm up your bed. You should always take it out before you get in to avoid accidental burns.
Melina - Assistant Editor
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