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Original poster

To remind people NOT to use hot water bottles?

488 replies

Laptopsas · 21/09/2025 22:40

There is another thread running about cold weather and hit water bottles are being recommended as safe. They are not.

Get a heated throw or the microwaveable bags.

If you must use one, don’t use boiling water.

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/5068468-to-remind-you-all-to-throw-out-old-hot-water-bottles

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/5176765-water-bottle-exploded

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c2kd7k2e48jo

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cdxnez4zxkno

Picture of Sharon Portingale smiling

Hot water bottle warning after woman suffers severe burns

Sharon Portingale woke up with an oozing blister and still has mobility problems, two years on.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c2kd7k2e48jo

OP posts:
Thread gallery
5
PlutarchHeavensbee · 22/09/2025 05:26

But one with a thick fur cover. It won’t explode. The worst is it will leak but it won’t be bad enough to cause severe burns. I speak from experience- plus which they’re never scalding hot with a furry cover on.

Tryingtokeepgoing · 22/09/2025 05:24

Laptopsas · 21/09/2025 22:47

They’re not. A brand new one I had exploded, luckily all over the sofa and not on me.

Show quote history

It’s not possible for a hot water bottle to explode. Leak, yes. Burst, maybe. But explode? What hyperbole 😂

Tigergirl80 · 22/09/2025 05:19

I’ve not used them since I was a child. I’ve never used them with my own children as they have disabilities and worried they might open them. I discovered brushed cotton bedding a few years. It’s so cozy hot water bottles or them microwave things aren’t needed. Just to add I’ve heard of them bags leaking.

Tastaturen · 22/09/2025 05:17

JustMyView13 · 22/09/2025 05:04

This is definitely one of those situations where people don’t understand the risks until it happens to them. Relative works in emergency medicine & regularly sees people with burns injuries from these leaking.

People understand that there are risks in every aspect of life.

Itsme2025 · 22/09/2025 05:16

I have endometriosis and have used them for years for period pain.

My kids and I also use them for leg pain etc as we all get painful joints from hypermobility. I also use them if it’s really cold in the winter.

My mum and grandmother used them all the time.
None of us have ever had any issues.

Just use them correctly and it’s safe.

APTPT · 22/09/2025 05:09

itsAforapple · 21/09/2025 22:45

Could we just remind people to use half of their brain and not be fuck wits? Would that cover it??

That would cover it.

PSA don't lick batteries while riding a unicycle over the Niagara Falls blindfolded.

GenuineWorkOfFart · 22/09/2025 05:07

"Don't use tap water to fill your hot water bottle as the impurities it contains can cause the rubber to perish more rapidly. Use boiled water that has been allowed to cool for a few minutes."

Surely the same impurities are still present in the tap water once you've boiled it? Assuming they mean minerals/limescale etc. In fact aren't they more concentrated in boiled water due to the slight evaporation (that's why you aren't meant to boil it more than once for making baby formula up, right?)...?

JustMyView13 · 22/09/2025 05:04

This is definitely one of those situations where people don’t understand the risks until it happens to them. Relative works in emergency medicine & regularly sees people with burns injuries from these leaking.

SouthernNights59 · 22/09/2025 04:55

At the advanced age of 66 I think I know how to use a hot water bottle safely! Wheat bags are next to useless in comparison.

OhNoNotSusan · 22/09/2025 04:53

i love my hot water bottles
what a ott thread title

VioletBramble · 22/09/2025 04:50

I'll take my chances with a hottle thank you..

I don't have or want a microwave.

A new electric underblanket caught fire in my parents house, so those are not entirely without risk either.

LillyPJ · 22/09/2025 04:47

Tastaturen · 21/09/2025 22:48

Shall we remind people not to use cars, cookers, washing machines, candles, or to cross the road or to eat a biscuit or to move at all?

And never use stairs!

Wackadaywideawake · 22/09/2025 04:21

I’m scarred from a hot water bottle - and it didn’t burst.

I was using it to soothe cystitis. One of the only things that actually works for me. It has to be super hot.

Unfortunately, because the skin around my c-section scar is slightly numb, I couldn’t feel the damage it was doing. It was not pretty. Massive painful blisters that took ages to heal.

Slinky987 · 22/09/2025 04:14

They don't 'explode', the rubber degrades and they 'open' themselves.

It's good practice to change them every three years or so.

If you do that you should have no problems.

They're perfectly safe if used properly.

Iris2020 · 22/09/2025 04:11

NuffSaidSam · 21/09/2025 22:41

Agree. The wheat bags are so much better, safer and easier to use.

They're also absolutely useless and stay warm for about 3,5 seconds.

SummerFrog25 · 22/09/2025 04:06

Laptopsas · 22/09/2025 04:02

Ooo now, don’t be a bossy pants. You’ll upset the PP.

Show quote history

Oh I'm sure she won't have a problem with me telling you not to be so patronising 🤣🤣or bossy 🤣🤣

SummerFrog25 · 22/09/2025 04:05

Piglet89 · 22/09/2025 03:21

Yes I always do!!! Never had a problem. But I “burp” it after I fill it and before putting stopper in.

Show quote history

You should use kettle boiled was (straight from the tap causes it to perish more quickly) but allow it to cool.

& yes, you should let any air out.

if you're happy to use 'just boiled' water, that's a choice you're entitled to make. But I choose to cook it down as I don't want to take the risk of a leak with boiling water.

Original poster
Laptopsas · 22/09/2025 04:02

SummerFrog25 · 22/09/2025 03:59

Don't be so patronising!

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Ooo now, don’t be a bossy pants. You’ll upset the PP.

OP posts:
SummerFrog25 · 22/09/2025 03:59

Laptopsas · 22/09/2025 03:29

It’s just a thread. There’s no legally binding element. Don’t get yourself upset. It’s okay.

Show quote history

Don't be so patronising!

dailyconniptions · 22/09/2025 03:34

NuffSaidSam · 21/09/2025 22:41

Agree. The wheat bags are so much better, safer and easier to use.

But they don't last any time at all. A hwb stays warm all night.

Original poster
Laptopsas · 22/09/2025 03:29

TempestTost · 22/09/2025 02:17

I wish people would fuck off about being bossy pants telling people what to do. Hot water bottles are the least of most people's worries.

It’s just a thread. There’s no legally binding element. Don’t get yourself upset. It’s okay.

OP posts:
Piglet89 · 22/09/2025 03:27

Only on Mumsnet could someone make using a hot water bottle sound as risky as heliskiing.

Piglet89 · 22/09/2025 03:21

InMyHealthyEra · 21/09/2025 23:30

Are people putting boiling water in their hot water bottles?!

Yes I always do!!! Never had a problem. But I “burp” it after I fill it and before putting stopper in.

dizzydizzydizzy · 22/09/2025 02:54

LoandBeahold · 22/09/2025 02:43

Are you supposed to fill them from the hot water tab?

Yes

Oakcupboard · 22/09/2025 02:53

To be fair I’ve been really, really badly burned by one …but I still take one to bed with me every night of the year 🙈 …my feet get so cold it’s painful and nothing else keeps the heat