Everything You Need to Know About Hot Water Bottles
It’s that time of year again when the days are shortening, the temperatures are cooler and many of us struggle to get warm. When these symptoms occur it’s time to dig out our trusty hot water bottles.
The paradox of the winter months is that we know cooler temperatures are better for falling asleep, but there’s a fine line between being nice and cool to bring on those z’s and not being able to stop your teeth from chattering or those toes from tingling.
This is when a hot water bottle, essentially hot water in a water bottle, will take the edge off and help keep extremities warm.
There are more benefits to using hot water bottles than you perhaps know about so let us take you through our comprehensive guide to hot water bottles, their types, uses, applications and the most frequently asked questions about hot water bottles.
How to Use a Hot Water Bottle
A hot water bottle is a flexible bottle, usually made of rubber, that stores hot water safely inside.
The hot water warms the surface of the bottle which then retains heat, releasing it slowly over time.
It is super important to take care when filling a hot water bottle as you don’t want to burn yourself, get your hot water bottle cover wet or damage the hot water bottle itself.
Follow the simple steps below to make sure you fill your water bottle safely.
1. Boil water and allow it to cool slightly.
2. Hold the bottle upright and fill it two-thirds full.
3. Squeeze out excess air before sealing tightly.
4. Check for leaks by gently tilting the bottle.
Common mistakes made when filling your hot water bottle include using boiling water straight from the kettle and overfilling your hot water bottle.
If you use boiling water, you risk damaging the water bottle over time, as well as potentially harming yourself. Wait until the water is cooled slightly before carefully filling your vessel.
Remember to only fill the bottle two thirds of the way and to squeeze any air out as the water vapour from the hot water will puff the water bottle up and you risk popping it, the water bottle splitting or again burning yourself on the water or steam.
We strongly recommend using a hot water bottle with a cover as not only will this be more comfortable to handle but it will diffuse the temperature further ensuring you don’t burn yourself or overheat.
Using a protective cover, like the ones on our hot water bottles, ensures safety and comfort when using a hot water bottle.
Types of Hot Water Bottles
There are a surprising number of different types of hot water bottles available from traditional rubber hot water bottles to shaped water bottles, electric hot water bottles and microwaveable hot water bottles alternatives.
Below we have listed some of the different kinds of hot water bottles and what they are best used for.
Traditional Rubber Hot Water Bottles
Most hot water bottles are made from rubber still. This is the classic choice of material as it makes durable and effective hot water bottles that retain heat well.
Silicone Hot Water Bottles
A more recent alternative to rubber hot water bottles, silicone is lightweight, flexible, and often more modern in design.
Silicone hot water bottles sometimes are more like heat pads which can be heated in the microwave or are available as fillable bottles where the silicone does not deteriorate as quickly as rubber.
Long Hot Water Bottles
A novel variation on the traditional flat rectangle shaped hot water bottle, a long thin water bottle can be wrapped around a person easier covering more body more effectively.
The advantage of this is better application of heat, especially for sore muscles or stomach cramps however the large surface area loses heat more quickly than a smaller hot water bottle.
Wrap-around Hot Water Bottles
Similar to long hot water bottles, wraparound hot water bottles are designed for targeted warmth with straps to hold the bottle in place, making them ideal for pain relief.
Covered Hot Water Bottles
All hot water bottles should have a protective cover on to protect the user from overheating and burns. Options like faux fur hot water bottles which have a muff pocket for extra insulation and a luxurious feel on the skin.
Microwave hot water bottle
Microwaveable hot water bottles dispense with the need for using hot water. They are not really hot water bottles anymore but microwaveable heat packs.
These come as slippers, teddies, hot water bottle shapes and many more novelty designs.
Whilst they may be a more convenient alternative to a traditional hot water bottle, they don’t stay as hot for as long meaning you have to keep microwaving them frequently, which is not ideal.
Electric hot water bottles
Electric hot water bottles have an element inside that heats the water, retaining heat whilst they are plugged into mains power.
You can also get rechargeable options that retain when charged.
These eliminate the need for handling hot water but need using and monitoring carefully and tend to be used in medical settings rather than domestic ones.
Hot Long Does a Hot Water Bottle Stay Hot?
Using a good quality hot water bottle with a protective cover, like our faux fur hot water bottles, should provide you with a personal heat source for 2-6 hours.
Rubber hot water bottles will stay hotter for longer as the rubber retains heat well but the total time your hot water bottle stays hot will be dictated by the ambient temperature as well.
A hot water bottle in a warm bed will stay warmer for longer than a hot water bottle in a tent, for example.
How to Clean and Care for a Hot Water Bottle
To prolong the life of your hot water bottle, taking care of it before and after use is important.
Checking the integrity of your hot water bottle is vital. Remember to take the protective cover off before use and visually inspect the bottle for cracks, splits or other signs of damage.
It is also important to never store your hot water bottle with the water inside as this will help prevent sour odours and mould building inside the bottle.
The best way to clean your hot water bottle are listed below in our step-by-step guide.
1. Empty the bottle completely.
2. Rinse with warm water and mild soap.
3. Scrub the inside gently with a bottle brush.
4. Rinse thoroughly and let air dry with the stopper off.
To prolong the life of your hot water bottle always store it in a cool dry place after cleaning and drying it, avoid folding or creasing the hot water bottle which may damage the integrity of the bottle and make sure it is empty before you put it away.
How Long Does a Hot Water Bottle Last?
The average lifespan of a well looked-after hot water bottle could be anything from 2-3 years up to 10 years.
The quality and thickness of the rubber, the frequency of cleaning, how the hot water bottle is stored and how often it is used will all dictate how long a hot water bottle will last, with those used more frequently more likely to deteriorate faster than those used infrequently.
It is important to check for signs of wear and tear regularly on your hot water bottle by inspecting seams, seals and checking for cracks or damage to the bottle.
If you see that your hot water bottle has cracks, splits, is thinning or the material is losing elasticity, it may be time to upgrade your hot water bottle.
As mentioned above, carefully cleaning and storing your hot water bottle will prolong its lifespan.
How to Store a Hot Water Bottle
Avoid storing your bottle in direct sunlight or close to heat sources and keep it in a cool dry place – and always remember to store it empty! If you can store your hot water bottle in a cover, it will give it more protection and security.
Why Does My Hot Water Bottle Smell
A frequently asked question about hot water bottles is why they become smelly.
The answer is that anything that is frequently wet that is not cleaned and dried regularly will start to smell damp, mildewy and mouldy.
This is why it is important to empty your hot water bottle after use, clean it before and after using and make sure it is stored appropriately.
Common causes of odours include:
• Residual water left inside
• Rubber material ageing
• Infrequent cleaning
To prevent your hot water bottle from smelling badly we recommend emptying, cleaning and drying thoroughly after each use.
Once dry, store your hot water bottle in a cool, dry, well ventilated place whilst not in use.
For really stubborn smells that regular cleaning and drying will not alleviate you can use cleaning solutions like vinegar or bicarbonate of soda.
Are Hot Water Bottle Safe to Use?
Hot water bottles in various guises have been used for hundreds of years. Historically metal containers were used to store hot coals, which were then wrapped in cloth.
These days a rubber bottle with a nice cosy cover is much safer and take a whole lot less time to make.
The most dangerous part of using a hot water bottle is filling it with just boiled water. Any spills may cause burns and any faults with the bottle will do the same. When used carefully and correctly hot water bottles are widely accepted as safe to use in the home.
As mentioned above, ensure you regularly check your water bottle for damage and its integrity to avoid accidents. Only use cooled boiled water to fill your water bottle and make sure you have a cover on, so you don’t burn your skin.
In the UK there are British Safety Standards that products must conform to. For hot water bottles this regulation is known as BS 1970:2012.
It is important that your hot water bottle bears this standard, as that means it has been tested and inspected to conform to the British-certified standard of quality.
Any hot water bottles that do not bear this rating may not have been tested rigorously before use and we would recommend returning them to your supplier.
Suffice to say that all our hot water bottles are certified safe and conform to this British Safety Standard.
How to Use Hot Water Bottles for Pain Relief
The benefits of heat therapy are well documented and have been in use for thousands of years. Applying heat to the body increases blood flow, relaxes muscles, reduces stiffness and eases pain.
While early humans may have bathed in hot springs or applied hot sand to ailments, modern people have electricity and hot water bottles have long been used to ease aches and pains.
The most common pain relief that hot water bottles are used for is muscle pain caused by injury or overuse, menstrual cramps and arthritis.
Applying a hot water bottle to the affected areas will help increase blood flow, helping ease inflammation and providing pain relief to the recipient.
For the most effective pain relief, apply your hot water bottle to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time, using a cover on the bottle to prevent burning the skin. Remove periodically to check symptoms before refilling and applying for a further interval.
Can You Use a Hot Water Bottle When Pregnant?
Yes, you can use a hot water bottle when pregnant. Women who are pregnant need to be wary of engaging in any activity that raises their core temperature.
This is why long hot baths, spa days and high intensity exercise are not recommended for pregnant women.
Hot water bottle use, when used sensibly and carefully, will help reduce aches and pains caused by pregnancy without raising your core body temperature.
A hot water bottle applied to the lower back, swollen feet or cramping hips will help to ease tension and take some of the sting out of the various ailments caused by growing a person inside of you.
Avoid applying a hot water bottle to your stomach for long periods of time, 15-20 minute bursts are ideal, make sure you use a hot water bottle cover and if in doubt always consult your health care professional.
Can You Microwave a Hot Water Bottle?
No. Traditional rubber hot water bottles were not intended for microwave use.
Microwaving a rubber hot water bottle will heat the water inside and the outer layer unevenly, causing the potential for overheating and burns.
Microwaving may also lower the integrity of the bottle, causing splits, tears or cracks or might even melt the bottle.
If you want a hot water bottle you can heat in the microwave, find a specific microwaveable hot water bottle, or a microwaveable heat pack that is labelled as microwave safe and follow heating instructions carefully.
Why Do Hot Water Bottles Help You Sleep?
As we’ve talked about above in relation to pain relief, applying heat relaxes muscles, increases blood flow and relieves tension. Feelings of relaxation and the easing of tension helps us feel drowsy and can speed up falling asleep.
The science behind the relationship between warmth and sleep is well known and the comfort provided by a warm hot water bottle might be exactly what you need to promote those sleep-inducing hormones.
From a more practical point of view, warming the bed before you get into it will help you feel cosy and secure straight away.
Maximise this head start to falling asleep by leaving your screen off, trying some calming breathing and float away to the land of nod.
A prewarmed bed will also stop those little toes getting cold, which will stop you feeling sleepy. So plan ahead, and warm your bed before you get in for a much improved quality of sleep.
What is The Best Hot Water Bottle to Buy?
The premise of hot water bottles has not changed in hundreds of years – heating a vessel and wrapping it in a protective cover to provide warmth and pain relief.
Modern alternatives have been around for a while, such as microwaveable hot water bottles, electric hot water bottles and new shapes like long hot water bottles and wraparound versions.
In our experience, the traditional hot water bottle retains heat best and can be used for a wide range of applications.
Whether you choose a silicone hot water bottle or a rubber one, the only real difference is that silicone can stand up to hotter water and is more flexible than rubber.
Microwaveable solutions might be more convenient but just don’t stay hot enough for long enough to provide enough warmth for bringing on sleep.
As for the cover, we are particularly partial to a cosy cover, one that is tactile as this promotes feelings of calm and can aid relaxation more than a rough hot water bottle cover.
We have found that faux fur in particular has wonderful insulative properties and the addition of a hand pocket means that our faux fur hot water bottles are one of the best hot water bottles on the market to buy.
Conclusion
To summarise, hot water bottles are safe to use and provide warmth and heat therapy for pain relief, as well as being a fantastic sleep aid.
If you look after your hot water bottle it should last for a number of years, odour-free and without wear and tear.
Remember to take care when filling with hot water and always use a protective cover.
Whether you prefer classic options or the cosy luxury of faux fur hot water bottles, finding the right hot water bottle can make all the difference.
