Consumer watchdog Which? has urged UK households using hot water bottles this November to check a little-known safety feature that reveals when a bottle should be replaced. As temperatures drop, the organisation highlighted the importance of the date stamp found on many hot water bottles, which indicates their recommended lifespan.
Experts warn that hot water bottles become less reliable as they age, with wear and tear increasing the likelihood of leaks, splits or bursts. Checking the date mark helps users determine whether a bottle has reached the end of its safe operating life and should be replaced to reduce the risk of injury.
Daisy wheel symbol explained
In a video shared on Instagram, experts at Which? said: "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."
The symbol, which resembles a daisy flower, contains a number in the centre showing the year the hot water bottle was manufactured. By checking this mark, users can work out how old the bottle is and whether it may be due for replacement.
The experts added: "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."
How to read the date code
Using one example, the daisy-shaped symbol showed the number 24 in its centre, indicating that the hot water bottle was manufactured in 2024. The symbol can also reveal the month of production. In this case, two of the petals contained a total of seven dots, showing that the bottle was made in the third week of February.
Experts recommend checking this date code regularly, as it can help determine whether a hot water bottle is still within its recommended lifespan. If the bottle is old or shows signs of wear, it should be replaced to reduce the risk of leaks or bursts.
When the time comes to dispose of an old hot water bottle, many can be recycled. Users are advised to check with their local council or recycling provider for guidance on the correct disposal method in their area.
They said: "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."
