Hot water bottle do's & don'ts

Are hot water bottles safe to use?

Yes, providing they are used and cared for responsibly. All our hot water bottles are manufactured to British Safety Standard BS197 and certain brands offer an additional 1 or 2 year guarantee. Before use, check your hot water bottle ensuring the stopper screws on and stays in place. Thereafter, check regularly for signs of wear, damage and leaks. If you have an concerns about your hot water bottle, do not use.

What does a guarantee cover?

Any guarantee provided on a hot water bottle is against manufacturing defects only. It excludes degradation due to misuse, incorrect storage or accidental damage, all of which can be detected from inspection of a returned bottle.

How full should my hot water bottle be?

For safety reasons, hot water bottles should always be filled by a responsible adult no more than two thirds capacity of water.

Should I fill my hot water bottle from the kettle or tap?

Always fill your hot water bottle with water that has been boiled and left to cool in the kettle (or pan) for a minute or two. Using boiling or just boiled water presents a scalding risk from splash back. It is not advisable to use hot tap water when filling your hot water bottle, as it contains minerals and impurities, expelled during the boiling process, that build up inside the hot water bottle which causes it to prematurely degrade.

What’s the right temperature for my hot water bottle?

Everyone has different tolerance level to heat therefore skin sensitivity should be taken into account when using a hot water bottle, but it should feel nice and comfortable; hot without burning.

Can I use my hot water bottle without a cover?

We strongly recommend that a cover is always used with your hot water bottle, particularly if being used by young children, the elderly or someone with skin sensitivity or lack of sensation.

Can I wash my hot water bottle cover?

Yes, most fitted covers, unless otherwise stated can be hand washed using a mild detergent. Some covers can be machine washed at 40 degrees which will be specified on the product listing page in ‘other details’. We do not recommend 3D covers are washed, just surface cleaned with a damp sponge.

How long should my hot water bottle last?

If used and stored according to recommendations, your hot water bottle should give good service for approximately 2 years; during this time, rubber will naturally deteriorate, therefore it is advisable to replace your hot water bottle to ensure it is compliant with British standards for safe use.

Where 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. Store away from direct sources of heat or sunlight. A cupboard, drawer or wardrobe is ideal but places to avoid include: airing cupboard, boiler cupboard or near a radiator as continued fluctuations in temperature can adversely affect the bottle. Similarly, avoid contact with chemical substances which may degrade the rubber.

Sensible precautions

• DO NOT sit, lie on top of or put excess pressure on your hot water bottle when it is filled.
• DO NOT allow direct contact with one area of the body for more than 20 minutes
• DO NOT allow babies under 36 months or unsupervised children to use a hot water bottle.
• DO NOT use a rubber hot water bottle if you suffer from a latex allergy.