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AIBU?

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Original poster

To remind you all to throw out old hot water bottles

142 replies

Qwertyyui · 04/05/2024 22:16

I just learned the hard way that old ones do burst and boiling water actually can remove skin from your body! I never realised it could cause such damage and assumed if it happened I'd have a light red mark not a nurse peeling skin off my thigh! If it's more than 2 years replace it!

OP posts:
RandomButtons · 04/05/2024 22:18

Oh my goodness that looks so painful! Was the bottle still “in date”?

Hobblley · 04/05/2024 22:20

They have an expiry date?!

Vastlyoverrated · 04/05/2024 22:20

You poor thing. I love a hot water bottle, so this is a timely reminder.

RandomButtons · 04/05/2024 22:23

Hobblley · 04/05/2024 22:20

They have an expiry date?!

Yes - the “flower” at the top shows manufacturing date. Bin 4 years after.

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/hot-water-bottle/

Original poster
Qwertyyui · 04/05/2024 22:23

They say around 2-3 years. I knew it was older than this but I didn't realise the damage it could actually do and feel like an idiot for thinking I knew better and figure reminding other people would at least be a positive from it! The hospital said they have seen a lot of these since the cost of living increase! I just wanted to snuggle on the sofa with it!

OP posts:
Linearforeignbody · 04/05/2024 22:24

The ones I bought from Amazon came from China. They have a dial thing printed on them but it doesn’t relate to any of the recognised expiry date displays. 😕

Arrestedforit · 04/05/2024 22:25

Hobblley · 04/05/2024 22:20

They have an expiry date?!

Yes, here’s how to find it
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/hot-water-bottle/

Emotionalsupporthamster · 04/05/2024 22:27

Oh man, that looks really painful. Thanks for the warning, and hope you heal quickly.

Muchtoomuchtodo · 04/05/2024 22:27

I had no idea they could be out of date.

Thank you for sharing this information and I hope you recover quickly

Iizzyb · 04/05/2024 22:28

@Qwertyyui I wish you all the best. I got burnt on a towel radiator last year. Please look after yourself xx

Arrestedforit · 04/05/2024 22:28

RandomButtons · 04/05/2024 22:23

Yes - the “flower” at the top shows manufacturing date. Bin 4 years after.

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/hot-water-bottle/

Show quote history

Great minds 😉

britneyisfree · 04/05/2024 22:31

DH had a colleague who was off sick for 12 months after one exploded on her back. She couldn't sit on an office chair so couldn't come in.

It's made me paranoid about getting one as I used to love them. I hadn't understood about there being dates so this is super helpful thank you.

So sorry about your injury. Hope you make a full recovery Flowers

takealettermsjones · 04/05/2024 22:33

And don't put boiling water in them, especially not for kids.

Hope you recover soon OP!

UnkindlyMay · 04/05/2024 22:33

Owwwwwww! Get well soon.

(I now fill it from the tap rather than the kettle, because I'm a klutz. Not as toasty, but you can always go and top it up again.)

LeonoraFlorence · 04/05/2024 22:35

Threw all of ours out after the same thing happened to me. Thankfully the bed sheets seemed to get the worst of it. Hope you’re ok, OP!

GreyDuck · 04/05/2024 22:38

Poor you OP! That's a huge burn.
I fill mine from the tap, so it's not quite so hot. I was told that boiling water makes them perish sooner.

LaurieFairyCake · 04/05/2024 22:39

Fuck. I've one that's about 18 years old !

RandomButtons · 04/05/2024 22:41

LaurieFairyCake · 04/05/2024 22:39

Fuck. I've one that's about 18 years old !

Bin it and get yourself to dunelm tomorrow.

Uncooperativefingers · 04/05/2024 22:43

Also, use warm water in them not boiling. Boiling water ages the rubber more quickly

Uncooperativefingers · 04/05/2024 22:44

I think recommended temp is something like 50degrees, or boil kettle then wait 10mins before filling the hot water bottle

Firefly1987 · 04/05/2024 22:48

I used to walk round with hot water bottles in the day lol-big cold house and I feel the cold a lot. I got a bit addicted to it. Used to use boiling water as well with no cover-I was very lucky this never happened to me! I think one of my bottles did split one time but I avoided getting any burns.

I basically ruined my legs tho temporarily as I used to put a bottle on my thighs all the time and made them mottled. So I kinda burned myself but in a different way, took literally months to fade after I stopped using them. It's been so much better since I just got an electric blanket instead.

I'm so sorry you got injured so badly from one! Thank you for warning people about the dangers.

CornishTiger · 04/05/2024 22:49

So sorry you’ve been injured.

kelocote gel when it starts healing.

will ditch the water bottle I’ve had for years ( seldom use it)

BovrilMartini · 04/05/2024 22:50

Ive got one that’s about 10 years old. Definitely getting a new one tomorrow. Thank you for the warning

Maray1967 · 04/05/2024 22:54

I chucked an old one last year - wondered whether it would still be ok and decided not to risk it.

I was told to always let the kettle sit for 10 minutes before filling, and I’ve always used quite a thick cover on them. I mostly used ours to warm DC beds while they were getting g ready for bed but took them out when they got in. I have a memory of being told about one splitting years ago.

Hope you heal quickly, OP.

PleaseStopEatingMyStuff · 04/05/2024 22:57

Thank you for sharing because I actually had no idea they expired either and we've had ours about 20 years!
Going straight in the bin tomorrow.
I hope you heal soon OP, that looks so sore.

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