Caution: Danger of burns!
That’s why you should replace your hot water bottle after 5 years at the latest
© asife / Adobe Stock
Whether it’s stomach or menstrual pain, after a winter walk or nasty tension: a hot water bottle seems to be an all-round problem solver. But did you know that the warm companions have to be replaced after five years at the latest? We explain why.
First you should find out what material your hot water bottle is made of. As a rule, they are made of PVC or rubber. PVC is mostly odorless and adapts very well to the body. Depending on the frequency of use, they can be heated again and again over several years. Rubber hot water bottles are often made of natural rubber, which can become porous over time. Rubber hot water bottles don’t last as long as PVC ones.
Look for a seal of quality on your hot water bottle
But no matter whether PVC or rubber, hot-water bottles made of both materials can contain harmful substances that burst when filled with water that is too hot. It is therefore important to pay attention to quality seals such as a TÜV certificate before buying and to read the instructions for use before using it for the first time. If there is a seal of quality, you can also be sure that the guideline values for the maximum PAH concentration have been complied with. These are softeners that are suspected of being carcinogenic if they come into contact with the skin for a long time, alter the genetic material and impair fertility, according to the NDR.
In addition, it is important to regularly check the hot water bottle for damage. So take off the complete cover and take a closer look at the PVC or rubber bottle. If you discover small cracks or brittle spots, you should definitely stop using the hot water bottle. The hot-water bottle should be completely replaced with a new one after five years at the latest. If you use your hot water bottle very frequently, it is even better to replace it at an even earlier stage.
Never pour boiling water into the hot water bottle
Because consider: You fill the bottles with very hot water, if the material gives way and the hot-water bottle bursts on your stomach, severe burns can result. Another tip: never fill the hot water bottle with boiling water. Otherwise the water vapor will expand in the bottle and could also cause the hot-water bottle to burst. For adults, the temperature in the hot-water bottle can be up to 60 degrees. Doctors recommend 47 degrees as the ideal temperature. For children, the bottles should not be hotter than 40 degrees.
So if you still have a leftover from grandma’s days at home, you should get rid of it as soon as possible. The material probably won’t last much longer. If you want to do without hot water entirely, you can also use alternatives.
For example, heat packs with a millet grain filling also create a pleasantly warm feeling. These are warmed up in the microwave and are also available in all sorts of stuffed animals – and even as slippers for cold feet. If you prefer it electrically, you can use a classic electric blanket or newer heating pads. Sometimes there are even electronic hot water bottles for recharging.
Sources used: ndr.de, big-direkt.de, utopia.de