Many people may not know but hot water bottles have a short lifespan, as the older they get, the more likely they are to break, burst or leak (Image: Getty Images)

Warning issued over hot water bottles as temperatures plummet

by · Daily Record

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As the winter chill sets in, hot water bottles become a cosy companion to keep the cold at bay without cranking up the heating and racking up energy bills. But consumer champions at Which? have issued a warning that your trusty warmer might be past its prime without you even knowing.

They've highlighted a key symbol to watch for. Hidden on many hot water bottles is a discreet symbol that reveals their shelf life, reports the Mirror.

It's a little-known fact that these comforting items don't last forever; as they age, they're prone to damage, potentially causing them to burst or leak. Which? shared advice in an Instagram video, stating: "According to the Children's Burns Trust, if yours is more than two years old, it's too old. To make sure, you can check your bottle's date of manufacture, just look out for this handy daisy wheel symbol."

Be on the lookout for a flower-like symbol (Image: Getty Images)

This daisy wheel symbol features a number at its centre, denoting the year of production. They elaborated: "And if you want to be more specific, the petals represent the twelve months of the year and the dots are the weeks in those months."

For instance, a daisy symbol with the central number 24 indicates the bottle was manufactured in 2024. If two petals are marked with a total of seven dots, it signifies the bottle was made in the third week of February.

Disposing of a hot water bottle? Many can actually be recycled simply get in touch with your local council to see if this applies to yours.

The advice they give is critical: "Always remember to check your hot water bottle before you use it for signs of wear and tear, like split seams, perished rubber and a poorly fitting stopper."

Whilst shopping for a new one, make sure to look for the symbol that indicates the manufacturing date to ensure the hot water bottle is brand new.

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