How to Use a Hot Water Bottle Safely
Using a hot water bottle properly is critical. Remember to always check for damage first and to read the instructions supplied with your hot water bottle as best practices may vary slightly. You should boil the water before you put it in the bottle. Boiling removes impurities that can damage and degrade the material.

Since all uses require the hot water bottle to be initially filled with hot water so it’s important to understand how to fill a hot water bottle safely. Now let’s follow the instructions step by step.

STEP 1, CHECK THE HOT WATER BOTTLE
First of all it is important to check that the hot water bottle is safe to use. Check that there are no obvious signs of damage on your hot water bottle, because cracks and tears can be very dangerous when pouring hot water. Also make sure that you read all the instructions, as there may be some useful guidance in relation to your bottle.

STEP 2, UNSCREW THE STOPPER AND BEGIN TO FILL IT TO 2/3 FULL
Once you are happy that the hot water bottle is safe to use, unscrew the stopper and pour out any water left inside from previous use. Gradually fill the hot water bottle to about 75% capacity. Use boiled water that has cooled down to a safe temperature, typically you can wait for it to cool for at least 15-20 minutes after boiling.

It is important to remember that you should never attempt to use boiling water from a kettle or cooker as this can cause burns or damage the seams of the hot water bottle. It is also not recommended to use hot tap water as this may contain impurities, typically removed during the boiling process, which can degrade the hot water bottle.

STEP 3, SQUEEZE THE EXTRA AIR OUT OF THE BOTTLE AND SCREW THE TOPPER
Slowly squeeze the remaining air out of the hot water bottle so that the water level rises to just below the top. Then screw back on the stopper and make sure it is tight. Finally use a towel or dish cloth to dry the hot water bottle and the stopper. Take the bottle upside down for leakage checking. If no leaking, so your hot water bottle is now ready to use! It’s now time to sit back and relax.

How to store hot water bottles when not in use
Remember it’s the little things you do every time you use your hot water bottle that will help it last longer.

After each use, it’s important to empty the hot water bottle and hang it upside down to dry. Only once the inside is completely dry should it be removed and stored in a dark, dry location. Exposure to excess sunlight can result in cracks, while storing a wet hot water bottle can result in the growth of mould inside the bottle.

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.

Once a hot water bottle has been identified as too worn to continue to use it is important to discard it right away otherwise someone else may use it without realizing.