Warning to anyone who uses a hot water bottle as temperatures drop

Courtney Eales
·2-min read
The UK has been faced with chilly temperatures this week
-Credit: (Image: Getty Images)


The UK has been faced with chilly temperatures this week with many regions covered in a blanket of snow and ice. The cold weather is not going away any time soon with an amber weather alert issued for Merseyside as temperatures drop below freezing.

The new five-day cold weather alert which has been issued today for the North West means icy will continue until Saturday, November 23. While many of us will have cranked the heating to the max already this year, others may look for solutions to save on energy bills by using heat alternatives.

Hot water bottles are a common household item used when temperatures drop. They can be extremely useful in keeping you warm but they can also pose a danger if not used correctly.

READ MORE: Met Office issue weather warning as temperatures plummet below zero across Merseyside

READ MORE: ITV Coronation Street's Colson Smith supported as 'last day' update sparks fans to plead 'no'

Martin Lewis' MoneySavingExpert.com website has issued advice surrounding hot water bottles and how to make sure they are as safe as possible. Hot water bottles have a shelf life and it is generally recommended to have them replaced every two or three years to prevent any possible splits or other issues.

According to an Australian study on hot water bottle safety, out of over 100 hospital admissions where burns from a hot water bottle were listed as the cause, over 80% were because the bottle had burst, split, or leaked. Most hot water bottles are made out of rubber and this material does degrade over time and with usage.

To check the date on your hot water bottle there should be a 'flower wheel' on the funnel showing the date it was made. The number in the centre of the wheel shows you what year it was made.

The money saving website advises filling the hot water bottle with a mixture of hot and cold water to minimise the risk of burns. Boil half the water needed before adding some cold water too. When pouring water from a kettle, doing it over a sink can avoid spills and keep you safer.

Before sealing the hot water bottle back up, squeeze any air out of it you can. If there's air left in the bottle, the water can heat the air, meaning it expands, which may burst the bottle.

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