A hot water bottle helps treat sores and joints. You can use it to enhance comfort if you have cramps, sounds, or joint pain.
If you are considering the options for sourcing how water for your bottle, you can be tempted to try and use kettle water.
So, Can You Put Kettle Water In A Hot Water Bottle?
For safety reasons, it is only a good idea to put kettle water in a hot water bottle if you have mastered it. The hot water bottle can cause severe burns if not handled properly.
Six Potential Dangers Of Using Boiling Water In A Hot Water Bottle
1. Hot Water Can Cause Burns
Using boiling water in a hot water bottle can cause severe 3rd degree burns.
Third-degree burns are excruciating and take a long time to heal. The hot water bottle itself often gets too hot to touch. It becomes challenging to use safely.
2. Hot Water Degrades The Bottle
Boiling water can cause your hot water bottle to degrade faster. And for all the obvious reasons.
The heat from the water causes the rubber or plastic to weaken, crack, or even melt. Extreme temperature renders your hot water bottle unusable.
It can also cause hot water to leak out and pose a danger to you or anyone handling it.
3. It Can Burst The Water Bottle
In some extreme cases, hot water causes the bottle to burst. Hot water bottles are made to withstand a certain amount of heat and pressure.
If you exceed this limit, the bottle will expand and eventually burst.
4. Scalding
Boiling water causes scalding if it leaks out of the bottle.
Scalding can cause severe burns. Many cases of scalding have been recorded where it damages the skin.
If your skin is damaged by scalding, it can result in sheer long-term health problems.
5. Risk Of Contamination
Boiling water can also increase the risk of contamination. Extreme temperature destroys many harmful bacteria.
It can also create a breeding ground for others, especially if the hot water bottle needs to be properly cleaned and stored.
Five Ways To Appropriately Fill And Care For A Hot Water Bottle
1. Check The Temperature Of The Water
Before filling your hot water bottle, you must ensure that the water is at a safe temperature.
It should be warm, not hot. You can use a thermometer to check the temperature.
If you do not have a thermometer at your disposal, you can improvise- use your hand to gauge the temperature.
2. Fill The Hot Water Bottle
Once you have determined that the water is at a safe temperature, you can start filling your hot water bottle.
The best way to do this is to hold the hot water bottle upside down and then fill it with warm water. Leave enough room at the top for the hot water bottle to expand. Or it will burst in no time.
3. Close The Hot Water Bottle
Once it is full, you will need to close it properly.
Most hot water bottles come with a screw cap or a stopper. Be sure to close the cap or stopper tightly to prevent any leakage.
4. Clean Your Hot Water Bottle
Use mild soap and warm water to clean it thoroughly.
Proceed to dry it before using it again.
5. Check For Wear And Tear
If you notice any issues, it is best to discard the hot water bottle and purchase a new one.
This will save a lot of trouble that a worn-out hot water bottle can have.
Five Alternatives To Using Kettle Water In A Hot Water Bottle
1. Electric Heating Pads
These provide warmth to sore muscles without the risk of burns.
The good thing about them is that you can target specific body areas.
2. Microwavable Heat Packs
You can also use microwavable heat packs to provide warmth and comfort to sore muscles and joints. It has zero risks of burns.
Microwavable heat packs are filled with a special gel or liquid.
All you need to do is to heat the microwave. The other cool thing about it is that you can use it for a variety of different applications.
3. Warm Compresses
You must soak a cloth or towel in warm water and then apply it to the affected area.
4. Electric Blankets
Electric blankets provide warmth and comfort to sore muscles.
You can use them to target specific areas of the body. You can also adjust them to different temperature settings.
5. Infrared Heating Pads
Infrared heating pads use infrared technology to provide warmth and comfort.
They use radiant heat to penetrate deep into the tissues, providing a soothing and effective treatment.
Final Words
It is not a good idea to put kettle water in a hot water bottle because of its risks. You risk getting burns from the boiling water.
Not to mention that the bottle can burst and cause even more severe impacts. Hot water bottles are only effective if you handle them with great care.
When using it, make sure that you adhere to the instructions laid down in this article.
Sources
https://www.lovehotwaterbottles.com/Common-Hot-Water-Bottle-Questions/
https://wuka.co.uk/pages/hot-water-bottle-care-and-safety-guide