Experts have warned to be on the lookout for a hidden symbol which can tell you if your hot water bottle has ‘expired’ (Image: Getty)
As winter’s chill intensifies, hot water bottles become invaluable for staying toasty without cranking up the and incurring extra
But consumer champions at Which? have issued a warning that your trusty warmer might be past its prime without your knowledge, urging vigilance for a specific symbol.
Hidden on many hot water bottles is a symbol that reveals their shelf life, reports .
Unbeknownst to most, these comforting items are not designed to last indefinitely; as they age, the risk of rupture or leakage increases.
Which? highlighted this issue in an video, stating: “According to the Children’s Burns Trust, if yours is more than two years old, it’s too old.
Be on the lookout for a flower-like symbol (Image: Getty Images)
“To make sure, you can check your bottle’s date of manufacture, just look out for this handy daisy wheel symbol.”
This daisy wheel symbol features a central digit representing 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 number 24 at its core indicates a manufacturing date of 2024.
If two petals display a total of seven dots, it signifies the item was produced in the third week of February.
Don’t miss… [HOMES] [CONDENSATION] [HEATING]
When it comes to disposing of an old hot water bottle, recycling is often an option.
Simply verify with your local council for their specific guidelines.
They advised: “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.”
If you’re in the market for a new one, keep an eye out for the manufacturing date symbol to ensure the hot water bottle is brand new.