It’s safe to say the weather is super cold across the UK right now.
As the weather drops to below 0 degrees in parts of the country, many of us are reaching our hot water bottles for some much needed attention. But it’s crucial knowing this item can pose a huge risk if not used correctly.
Hot water bottles are perfect for soothing pains and cramps, as well as warming up icy bedsheets. However, these common items in your home could become hazardous without you even realising it.
We previously revealed these items come with expiry dates, but did you know worn-out bottles aren’t the only concern? Many people aren’t aware there’s a right way to use them, even when they’re within their use-by date.
TikTok user Liv recently shared a video highlighting a common mistake many of us make with our hot water bottles – filling them with boiling water. This is something you should never do as it increases the risk.
She explained: “Hot water bottles are not designed to have boiling water in them. You can only have hot water. You want around 60C water in there. Kettles typically boil to 100C, so if you put your kettle on and stop it halfway through, you’re going to be about right.
“If you don’t do that and you do boil it fully, you can put some cold water in first and then it will mix together [to bring the temperature down]. If you’re really particular, you can literally test the water [with a thermometer]. I’m going to test mine just for the sake of knowing how hot it goes after half a boil. Half a boil for me is 65C, which is fine.”
Liv then suggested if you want to be “really careful” with your hot water bottle, you should avoid using water above 60C at all costs. She also recommended filling your hot water bottle only halfway. Once the water is in, squeeze out the excess air from the rest of the bottle and seal it shut with the lid. This allows room for expansion, reducing the risk of the bottle rupturing or leaking.
Liv’s advice was supported by The Hot Water Bottle Shop, which previously collaborated with National Burn Awareness Day in October to share nine key safety tips for using hot water bottles – including avoiding boiling water.
They cautioned: “It might be tempting to fill your bottle with boiling water for maximum warmth, but this can be extremely dangerous and lead to burns. Boiling water can degrade the material of the bottle over time and increase the risk of burns.
“Instead, opt for hot water that’s been left to cool down to a safe temperature after boiling. Hot water bottle manufacturers typically recommend using a temperature no higher than 50-60 degrees Celsius, and even lower for children.”