How to Fill a Hot Water Bottle

Co-authored by Arvind Madan

Last Updated: November 13, 2024 Fact Checked

VIDEO

Hot water bottles are a relatively safe, natural way to keep warm or ease aches and pains. They can often be purchased at grocery or drug stores and take just a few minutes to prepare.

Filling a Hot Water Bottle

Fill the bottle with water boiled in a kettle, being careful not to overfill. Seal the cap, then wrap the water bottle in a cloth or towel to avoid direct contact with the skin. Extreme heat can cause burns.^{[1]
X
Trustworthy Source

University of Rochester Medical Center
Leading academic medical center in the U.S. focused on clinical care and research

Go to source}

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Filling a Hot Water Bottle

Download Article

1
Unscrew the plug from the hot water bottle. Your water bottle will most likely already be in it's cover, and will have a plug at the top of the bottle that prevents water from spilling out. Start by unscrewing the plug so that you can fill it with water.
- If you water bottle has some water left in it, make sure you pour it out. You want to achieve the best heat from your water bottle, and using cooler, older water will make it harder for your hot water bottle to heat up.
2
Allow water to heat up. You can use water from your tap, but often times that doesn't get hot enough for your water bottle. However, boiling water from a tea kettle is much too hot for a water bottle. Try not to exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 42 degrees Celsius with your water.
- If you are using a tea kettle, you can let the water boil and then allow it to sit for a few minutes. This will provide you with hot water, but it won't be too hot that it burns your skin.^{[2]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  
  University of Rochester Medical Center
  Leading academic medical center in the U.S. focused on clinical care and research
  
  Go to source}
- Using water that is too hot can not only damage your skin, but it can decrease the life of you water bottle. The rubber that makes up hot water bottles can not withstand very hot water for a long time, so using water that is a temperature less than 100 degrees Fahrenheit is best for the life of your water bottle.
- Different water bottles have different temperature requirements, so consult the instructions for your particular bottle before using it.
Advertisement
3
Fill your bottle with water, about two thirds full. This step must be done carefully, because you don't want to burn yourself with hot water. If you are using a tea kettle, slowly pour water into your hot water bottle, allowing it to fill about two thirds full. If you are using a faucet, turn it off once it becomes hot, then line the opening of the water bottle up with the faucet. Turn it back on slowly, so that the water pressure doesn't spray onto your hands.
- Make sure you hold the hot water bottle by the neck for the most stability. If you hold it by its body, the top may flop over before it is full, which will cause hot water to spill on your bottle and your hands.
- You might consider wearing gloves, or some other protection on your hands in case you accidentally spill some of the water onto yourself. You can also prop your water bottle up so that it stands up by itself by placing items around it to hold it up -- that way you can pour your water into the bottle without the risk of harming your hands.
4
Remove your bottle from the water source. Once your bottle is mostly filled up (you don't want it filled to the top because you'll need a little space to squeeze out some of the air and a full water bottle may spill easily) slowly turn your faucet off. Then carefully remove the bottle from under the faucet, making sure you don't spill any of the water.
- If you are using a tea kettle, set the tea kettle down while holding the water bottle upright in your other hand, making sure you don't spill the water bottle or tilt it to the side.
Make sure your water bottle is standing upright, with the bottom touching a flat surface. Then, slowly press the sides of the water bottle, expelling air from the bottle. Do this until you see the water in the bottle rise to the opening of the bottle.
After you have expelled air from the water bottle, screw the topper back into the water bottle, making sure it is tight. Twist the plug until it can't be twisted anymore and then to test it, slowly turn the water bottle upside down to see if any water comes out.
7
Place the bottle on your desired area. You may be using your water bottle to ease pain, or to provide warmth on a cold night. After you have filled it up, place your bottle on your body or in your bed and allow it to sit for 20 to 30 minutes. The bottle may take a few minutes to warm up, but shortly after you fill it, it should reach its maximum heat.
- Make sure you don't leave the hot water bottle on your body for longer than 30 minutes. Direct heat for a long period of time can be damaging to your body, so you want to be as safe as possible. If you are using the bottle to ease aches and are still experiencing pain after, take the bottle off after 30 minutes and then replace it again after waiting 10 minutes or so.^{[3]
  X
  Research source}
- If you are placing your bottle in your bed, place it under you blankets 20 to 30 minutes before you crawl into bed. Then, when you go to bed, remove and empty out the water bottle. If you leave the water bottle in your bed while you sleep you run the risk of burning yourself or your sheets.
8
Empty your bottle after use. Empty your water bottle out after the water has cooled and hang it upside down to dry, leaving the opening unplugged. Before using your water bottle again, check for leaks or damages by filling it with cold water.
- Do not air your water bottle out in an area that experiences temperature fluctuations (such as above the stove), under the sink, or in direct sunlight as these can decrease the quality of your water bottle.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Using Hot Water Bottles

Download Article

A hot water bottle is very popular when it comes to alleviating cramps caused by your menstrual cycle. Heat can help block pain messages sent to the brain, by turning on the heat receptors in the affected area. These receptors prevent chemical messengers that cause pain to be detected in the body. So, if you are experiencing painful cramps, fill up a water bottle and place it on your lower abdominal area for thirty minutes or so.
2
Alleviate back pain or other aches. If you are experiencing back pain, or other aches in your joints or muscles, a hot water bottle can often help ease those tensions.^{[4]
X
Trustworthy Source

Johns Hopkins Medicine
Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital

Go to source} Similarly to easing your cramps, heat on your affected areas inhibits pain messages from reaching the brain. It also helps stimulate blood flow, which brings healing nutrients to your achy areas.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- Often times a combination of cold and hot treatment can ease pain in your muscles as well. The contrast of the cold treatment and hot treatment causes stimulation and strong sensations without much movement, which is beneficial in easing pain. You can use just a hot water bottle, or you can alternate between placing an ice pack on your pain for a few minutes and then a hot water bottle.^{[6]
  X
  Research source}
Heat can help relieve pain and muscle tension that may be causing your headache. Place a hot water bottle on your forehead, temples, or neck. Try out a few places to see which relieves the most tension and leave the heat source there for 20 to 30 minutes or until pain begins to subside.
On those cold winter nights a hot water bottle can be just the trick to keep your feet or body warm. Place the hot water bottle at the end of your bed near your feet, or under your blankets near where you will lie so that your bedding warms up. Hot water bottles are also great if you are sick and experiencing frequent temperature changes in your body.

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Read Video Transcript

Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Refrain from using hot water bottles on small children or babies as the heat may be too dramatic for their skin.

Thanks
Helpful 13 Not Helpful 1
Do not place pressure on your water bottle while it is hot. For example, don't sit or lie down on your water bottle. If you need your hot water bottle to apply heat to your back, try lying on your stomach or your side. You can also place it on the affected area and then wrap a cloth around it and your body to hold it in place.

Thanks
Helpful 14 Not Helpful 3
Never use a hot water bottle if you suspect it of being damaged or having a leak. Always test it with cooler water first and even if you are still not sure, don't risk it. Purchase a new water bottle if you feel yours will not work properly.

Thanks
Helpful 10 Not Helpful 3
A few hot water bottles may be heated in the microwave, but always check the packaging first. Many water bottles cannot be heated in the microwave or oven.

Thanks
Helpful 9 Not Helpful 3
If you have sensitive skin, take caution when using a hot water bottle. Try a lower temperature to begin with, and then increase it as you are able.

Thanks
Helpful 6 Not Helpful 2
Filling your water bottle with tap water can deteriorate your water bottle faster due to the chemicals in the water. If you want your hot water bottle to have the longest life, try using purified water.

Thanks
Helpful 8 Not Helpful 5
When using a hot water bottle, make sure you follow safety instructions so that you don't risk damaging yourself or others.

Thanks
Helpful 7 Not Helpful 4