Alice Beer investigates the dangers of hot water bottles
We’re launching an urgent campaign to prevent the worrying number of serious burns being caused by old and dangerous hot water bottles. Despite the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents advising they should be replaced two years after being manufactured - we've uncovered several high street retailers currently selling hot water bottles made before October 2022.
Our Consumer Editor Alice Beer joins us to share more, alongside Yazmin Hardy - who found out just how dangerous old water bottles can be when her's burst, leaving her with agonising burns and shocking scarring.
Dos and don'ts of hot water bottles
Assuming your hot water bottle is in date, Alice has a few more tips on how to minimise the risk of burns…
Filling the bottle
Do:
Fill with a mixture of cold and hot water
Squeeze as much air as you can out of the bottle before closing it - If there's air left in the bottle, the water can heat the air, meaning it expands, which may burst the bottle.
Screw in the stopper until hand-tight
Check the bottle for leaks
Don't:
Don't use it if it’s cracked, worn, or leaking
Never fill with boiling water
Don't heat by using the microwave or oven
Don't fill more than two-thirds full unless the bottle is designed to be fully filled
Using the bottle
Don't place in direct contact with your skin - Always have a cover, towel or clothing.
Avoid putting pressure or weight on the bottle
Don't sleep with the bottle in bed overnight
Storing the bottle
Empty the bottle and hang it upside-down to drain
Either hang it upside down or lie it flat to store it and avoid placing anything on top of it to prevent damage