With the UK in the midst of a bitter cold snap, many of us are reaching for hot water bottles to help keep warm around the house.
While an effective and affordable way to keep warm, in 2024 nearly 1,000 people were admitted to burn units in England and Wales due to hot water bottle accidents.
Dr. Richard Anderson, Head of Learning and Development at High Speed Training said:
“Hot water bottles are a fantastic way to beat the chill, and with energy costs remaining a concern, they are more popular than ever. However, like any household item that utilizes high heat, they aren't without risk.”
Check the age
It is recommended that hot water bottles be replaced every two to three years, as the rubber used in their construction can degrade over time, making them more prone to splitting or leaking
You can identify when your hot water bottle was made by finding a flower-shaped symbol, known as the ‘daisy wheel,’ embossed directly onto the neck or body of the bottle. The number in the centre tells you the year it was made, and the twelve petals represent the months of the year. The number of segments with dots shows which month it was produced.
For example, if the symbol has a 25 in the middle, and dots in the first 6 segments, the bottle was manufactured in June 2025. The number of dots in the final (or only) filled section shows which week of that month the bottle was made. So, three dots means the third week of the month.
How to Fill and Use Your Hot Water Bottle Safely
Dr Anderson continues:
“Before filling up, check the bottle for any noticeable damage or wear and tear. Avoid filling the bottle with boiling water. This can damage the internal seams, so it’s best to leave it to cool before filling up. It's also advisable to only fill the bottle about two-thirds of the way full, before expelling any remaining air and ensuring the stopper is tightened securely.
“Always use some type of cover on a hot water bottle, which helps to avoid contact burns on the skin, and avoid sitting or lying on them, as this can increase the risk of the bottle failing.”
“When not in use, drain the bottle and store with the stopper removed in a cool, dry place like a cupboard.”
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