1. Warm the bed

    20 minutes before bedtime

    Slip it under the covers where your feet will go.

  2. Check it

    Bend the rubber near the neck

    Cracks or a sticky feel mean it's time for a new one.

  3. Store it

    Empty, dry, stopper out

    Hang it upside down to drain, then keep it flat, away from sun and heat.

Fill a hot water bottle

How to · With hot water

Fill a hot water bottle

5 minutesOn cold nightsEasy

Steps

  1. 1Boil the kettle, then let it stand for a few minutes. The water should be hot, never boiling.
  2. 2Hold the bottle upright by the neck over the sink, pointing away from you, and pour slowly until it's about two-thirds full.
  3. 3Lay it on its side to push out the air until water reaches the neck, then screw the stopper in firmly. Turn it upside down to check for leaks.
  4. 4Slip it into its cover before it touches skin. Check the rubber for cracks each winter and replace it every couple of years.

  • Rubber or thermoplastic

    Natural rubber is soft and flexible. Thermoplastic has no latex, which suits anyone with an allergy.

  • Always a cover

    A cover stops the bottle touching skin directly and keeps the heat gentle for longer.

  • Check the date

    Many have a small date wheel molded near the neck showing when they were made. Replace yours every couple of years.