Key Takeaways
To have a hot water bottle and keep it at temperature for a long time, it is recommended to:
- Fill the hot water bottle 2/3 full with water at approximately 80°C
- Remove air by tilting the hot water bottle in all directions before closing it
- Check the temperature regularly and reheat it if necessary
- Use a natural rubber hot water bottle which retains heat better
- Wrap the hot water bottle in a cover or towel to keep the heat
Understand how a hot water bottle works
What is a hot water bottle ?
A hot water bottle is a container made of fabric, rubber or plastic filled with hot water. It is used to provide heat by placing it on a part of the body.
The heat released by the hot water bottle helps relieve muscular or menstrual pain, warm up or even help you fall asleep.
Why use a hot water bottle ?
The benefits of a hot water bottle are numerous:
- Relieves muscle or joint pain
- Soothes period pain
- Help fight against the cold
- Promotes relaxation and sleep
- Improves blood circulation
A hot water bottle is therefore a practical and versatile accessory for well-being and health.
The different types of hot water bottles
There are 3 main types of hot water bottles:
- The traditional hot water bottle in natural rubber
- The dry grain hot water bottle with cover
- The electric hot water bottle with temperature control
The rubber hot water bottle is the most common because it retains heat very well.
The dry hot water bottle and the electric hot water bottle are more modern and practical but less ecological.
As the founder of The Oversized Hoodie®, I highly recommend the use of a natural rubber hot water bottle for its unrivaled insulating properties. Rubber preserves heat much longer than a plastic or fabric hot water bottle.
— Geoffrey, Founder of The Oversized Hoodie®
Read this article to know the best type of hot water bottle to buy.
Preparing a hot water bottle: the key steps
Choose the right water for your hot water bottle
Tap water is enough to fill a hot water bottle. No need to use mineral or filtered water.
However, it is not recommended to use very hard water which could cause the hot water bottle to scale over time.
Fill the hot water bottle correctly
The hot water bottle must be filled 2/3 with water to allow room for expansion during heating.
Once filled, it is essential to tilt the hot water bottle in all directions by pressing on the walls to expel the air before closing it.
Heat the water in the hot water bottle
The ideal temperature for water is around 80°C. Too high a temperature would be dangerous.
You can heat the water in a saucepan or in the microwave following the manufacturer's instructions.
Tip for a hotter hot water bottle: salt water
You can add 1 to 2 teaspoons of salt to the water in the hot water bottle before heating it.
Salt lowers the freezing point of water, allowing it to remain liquid longer and therefore retain heat.
In my personal experience, adding a teaspoon of salt to the water in the hot water bottle significantly increases the length of time it stays hot. Salt lowers the freezing point of water, thus slowing its cooling.
— Geoffrey, Founder of The Oversized Hoodie®
Safe use of a hot water bottle
Avoid the risk of burns
Always check the temperature of the water before use to avoid burns, especially for children or the elderly.
You can dip your finger for a few seconds to test. If it turns red, the water is too hot.
Position the hot water bottle cap correctly
It is important to close the cap of the hot water bottle correctly after each use.
This prevents water from leaking in case of incorrect position and avoids accidents.
Check the water temperature
During use, you should regularly check the water temperature with your hand through the fabric or rubber.
If the hot water bottle cools down, it is possible to heat it again to prolong its use.
Discover how to use a rubber hot water bottle in complete safety.
The benefits of a hot water bottle in bed
A very hot hot water bottle placed on the stomach or between the legs when lying in bed provides many benefits:
- Soothes abdominal pain
- Relaxes the muscles
- Promotes blood circulation
- Helps fall asleep quickly
It's an ideal accessory for relaxing before bed.
Know if a hot water bottle on the stomach can be dangerous during pregnancy.
Using a hot water bottle on the stomach
You can use a hot water bottle on your stomach in several ways:
- In case of painful periods
- To relieve colic in infants
- During abdominal pain
- To promote digestion after a hearty meal
Just place the hot water bottle on your stomach 15 to 20 minutes. The heat relieves stomach aches.
To find out more about the benefits of a hot water bottle on the stomach, click here.
How to make the heat from the hot water bottle last longer ?
To prolong the heat released by a hot water bottle, it is recommended to:
- The heat it up when it starts to cool down
- The wrap it in a cover or thick towel
- Use a hot water bottle made of natural rubber which maintains the temperature better
- Fill 2/3 with salt water which takes longer to cool
With these tips, it is possible to enjoy longer the benefits of your hot water bottle.
Recently, a customer contacted us because her rubber hot water bottle, purchased more than 10 years ago, was starting to show signs of wear.
However, she absolutely wanted to continue using it given the many services provided. We therefore explained to him how to maximize the longevity of his trusty hot water bottle with a few simple actions: do not fold it, store it flat, avoid excessively high temperatures, etc.
Following our advice, our customer was able to extend the life of her essential hot water bottle for several more years. She was delighted!
Learn which hot water bottle lasts the longest thanks to our advice.
Conclusion
A hot water bottle is an essential accessory at home for its comfort and versatility.
By following a few simple rules for preparation and use, it provides comfort and well-being in complete safety.
So don't hesitate to use a hot water bottle to relieve your pain or relax on a daily basis!
Advice | Description | Temperature | Recommended Material |
---|---|---|---|
Filling | Fill 2/3 with water | Approximately 80°C | Natural rubber |
Air removal | Tilt in all directions before closing | N/A | N/A |
Temperature control | Check regularly and reheat if necessary | N/A | N/A |
Heat preservation | Wrap in a cover or towel | N/A | N/A |
FAQ
How to heat a rubber hot water bottle ?
You can heat water in a pan on the stove or in the microwave, respecting the maximum power and duration indicated by the manufacturer. Once the water is at the right temperature, carefully transfer it to the hot water bottle.
How to heat water in a hot water bottle ?
To heat the water in a hot water bottle, use a saucepan over low heat or the microwave. Be careful not to exceed 80°C. Always check the temperature before use.
Why is my hot water bottle not heating ?
If the hot water bottle does not heat, this may be due to the presence of trapped air which acts as a barrier to heat. Tap the hot water bottle to release air bubbles. Also check for no leaks, refill if necessary.
Why not put boiling water in a hot water bottle ?
Boiling water at 100°C can damage the rubber or plastic of the hot water bottle over time. It also presents a high risk of burns in the event of direct contact with the skin. The ideal temperature is 80°C.
How to use a hot water bottle ?
Before use, check the temperature with your hand through the fabric. Then apply to the painful area 15 to 20 minutes. Tap to raise the air bubbles if the hot water bottle cools down. Reheat if necessary.
Can you put a rubber hot water bottle in the microwave ?
No, you should never put a rubber hot water bottle in the microwave, as this risks damaging it or causing an accident. Only the water must be heated, in a suitable container, before being poured into the hot water bottle.
Can you put a hot water bottle in the microwave ?
No, you should never put a hot water bottle, even plastic, in the microwave. Only the water must be heated in a suitable container. Microwaving can damage the hot water bottle and cause dangerous leaks.
How a hot water bottle works ?
The hot water bottle works by transmission of heat from the hot water it contains to the body when applied to the skin. Rubber or plastic conducts heat well while retaining it for a long time for a lasting effect.
How to fill a hot water bottle ?
You must fill the hot water bottle 2/3 full with water at approximately 80°C. Close the cap securely and eliminate the air by tilting the hot water bottle in all directions before use. This optimizes heat conduction.
How to use a hot water bottle ?
Before placing the hot water bottle on the skin, check the temperature with your hand through the fabric. Keep it in place 15 to 20 minutes on the area to be treated. Tap to release air bubbles if it cools. Reheat again if necessary.
Sources
[1] "The Essential Guide to Keeping Warm with a Hot Water Bottle", Hot Water Bottle Shop
[2] "Hot Water Bottle Tips", The Sun
[3] "Can a Hot Water Bottle Stay Hot All Night?", Gransnet