Hot water bottles are the ultimate winter warmer. With a cold freeze gripping the UK (including snow in some areas), many of us are using them to keep cosy, but have you checked that yours is still safe?
Earlier this week, I reached for my hot water bottle to slip under my chilly duvet before bed. I'd taken all the usual safety precautions, but the moment I picked it up, water began seeping through the fluffy cover. I felt the hot water on my hand, almost burning me.
I leaned over the sink, removed the cover, and found a large gaping hole where the plastic had disintegrated.
It was a sharp reminder to check more often.
My hot water bottle was a Christmas gift from around three years ago, but I never expected to replace it so soon.
According to Gareth Lloyd Jones, sustainability expert and Managing Director at HIPPO, hot water bottles should be switched out every two to three years.
"Hot water bottles need to be replaced more often than you expect," Gareth Lloyd Jones, sustainability expert and Managing Director at HIPPO, told Ideal Home.
"After they've expired, the rubber or PVC can begin degrading, cracking or leaking and put users at significant risk of burns."
The Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System suggests checking the daisy wheel on your hot water bottle to see how old it is.
You'll find this imprinted on its neck or body: the central number indicates the year (e.g., ’22’ for 2022), while the 12 segments around this number represent months.
"To cut down on waste, there are many hot water bottle alternatives that last longer than 3 years. Microwavable heat pads contain natural ingredients such as wheat, which can be easily heated up in the microwave," adds Gareth.
Mine was caught just in time, but a broken hot water bottle can do real damage. Check yours regularly — don't leave it as late as I did.
9 blankets with sleeves to keep you warm and cosy
This original Oodie blanket in navy blue has a soft flannel fleece on the outside and warm sherpa fleece on the inside. Ideal for keeping warm when the temperatures tumble, it's an investment buy that will last you year after year.
Feel the cold easily? This super soft heated throw from Lakeland boasts long sleeves, a cosy pouch and three temperature settings to keep you warm. Perfect for curling up on the sofa on chilly evenings.
Curl up on a cold night with The White Company's extra cosy blanket with sleeves. With an all-over fuzzy texture and large kangaroo pocket, it's a great layering piece for when the temperature drops.
Snuggling up (and staying warm) just got easier thanks to John Lewis' oversized lounge hoodie in grey. Made from thermal fleece to give a softer and luxurious feel, it has a snug hooded neckline and long arms.
The best thing about this blanket with sleeves is that it comes with a foot pocket. Created to help you stay snug and cosy, it is also supersized and cleverly transforms into a cushion once you've finished wearing it.
This hooded blanket will keep you extra cosy this winter. Available to buy for just £18, it comes in one size and features a pink dotty design.
Working from home? Don't sit down at your desk without this long wearable blanket with sleeves. Features include a large front pocket, roomy sleeves for extra flexibility and its neck-to-toe coverage thanks to its 17o-200cm measurement.
Keep warm on a winter's day with this fleece from M&S. Complete with a fluffy hood and deep pocket, it cleverly traps in body heat, allowing you to stay cosy while turning down the heating.
You essentially get two different styles for the price of one with this reversible option from B&Q. One side is a sweet pink colour, while the other side is a cosy off-white hue.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
