I have 2 butter bells and use them all the time, when one is done, toss it in the dishwasher and fill the other. I let the butter soften and then push it into the bell well. It never falls out. Change the water every couple of days. The water only needs to cover the rim of the bell. In hot weather the butter can get a little soft- oh well. Love them, tidy on the counter and fresh spreadable butter all the time.