Friday 28 November 2008

DO NOT USE BOILING WATER

For some reason, most hot water bottles have the words "Do not use boiling water"* or similar stamped on them.

FWIW, we have owned the same two hot water bottles** for over ten years. If and when we use them, I always fill them to the brim with freshly boiled water from the kettle and they are still going strong. That way, they stay warm for about twelve hours.

On a couple of more drunken occasions I have even managed to pour boiling water all over one hand; after the initial shock, the pain subsides and my hand was no worse for wear the following day (not that I am recommending this).

Just sayin', is all.

* The bansturbators seem to be 'hotter' on this in ANZ than in the UK.

** We 'splashed out' on two new ones for the kids this week, they bear the same instructions, plus extra hints and tips like 'fill them two thirds full' (doh!) and 'expel excess air'. Yeah right, wait 'til somebody squeezes too hard and fires a jet of boiling water into his own face.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

MW: "Yeah right, wait 'til somebody squeezes too hard and fires a jet of boiling water into his own face."

The trick is to put the screw top in loose enough to allow the air to bleed out when the bottle is squeezed then when water starts to come out screw it tight.

But you knew that.

malpas said...

hot water bottles - antique!
heated wheat bags are the way to go. They warm in the microwave and conform to body contours. And can be made at home.
They are marvelous (and rather addictive when you are old - good for sore back/joints etc as well)

Anonymous said...

Hot water bottles...? *confused*

Oh! That's what you used to need before you got cats... ;)

TheFatBigot said...

There is centralised heating in FatBigot Towers, very effective.

Mark Wadsworth said...

Anon, that always struck me as a bit high-risk; if you squeeze too hard, you'd get jets of water spraying out and/or the top might pop out again or something.

CJ, do wheat bags stay warm for twelve hours?

JM, that's all well and good but will a cat stay exactly where you need it?

TFB, I thought you weren't supposed to have the GCH on all night long?

knirirr said...

my hand was no worse for wear the following day

Mine was, every time I've done this.
The answer is to wear a washing up glove on the bottle hand or alternatively hold it in a tea towel whilst pouring the water in.

Anonymous said...

Mark, you seem to be filling your bottles a bit too enthusiastically. You'd think there'd be some hot water bottles that you can just pop in the microwave to heat up, without having to go through the whole unscrew, empty, refill, scald, screw bother.

On the subject of boiling water, I fully expect tea bags to come with warning labels within the next five to ten years.

Mark Wadsworth said...

PT, if it's convenience you're after, then go for 'wheat bags'!

Anonymous said...

Yeah, but like yourself, I doubt their heat will last the night.

malpas said...

Wheatbags are easy to reheat and you shouldn't be in bed for twelve hours.
BUT if you want something that stays warm for twelve hours true a nubile young blond (female) - and you will sleep well.