Can a hot water bottle be expired? An expert’s answer

While the northern third of France is shivering, many people have taken their good old hot water bottle out of the cupboards to warm up. But whether they are rubber or PVC, water bottles do not last forever. And while they are a very effective way of keeping us warm, they can also represent a risk when they are no longer waterproof.

Over time, rubber or plastic hot water bottles can actually deteriorate. If your home is particularly dry in summer, the material may crack and the hot water bottle may leak or even burst when you fill it with hot water, causing burns or serious injury.

Your hot water bottle should not be more than 2 years old

“In general, hot water bottles are designed to last about two years before the risk of damage worsens” explain the experts, interviewed by Surrey live. They must comply with strict standards, to be checked when purchasing (BS 1970: 2012 or CE marking). “If it is more than 2 years old, it is too old. To find out, just look at the daisy symbol that must be written in the cap.”

The year inscribed in the heart of the daisy is the year the hot water bottle was manufactured. And each of the 12 petals represents the month it was made.

Before using it, check the entire hot water bottleincluding the cap, check for any signs of wear or damage, cracks or decay before use. If the hot water bottle is cracked or expired, do not use it and replace it with a new one.

How to use the hot water bottle correctly without risking burns

• Do not use never boiling water to fill your hot water bottle as this could cause the hot water bottle to crack or leak. For babies, water at 40°C is sufficient. For adults, the water temperature can rise to 60°C.
• Fill the hot water bottle 3/4 full – never entirely! This could cause it to burst.
• Make sure the neck is very empty before closing your hot water bottle.
• Make sure the cap is tightly closed before using it. Turn the hot water bottle upside down to be sure.
• Do not lie down or sit on the hot water bottleplace it on you or next to you, in your bed…
• For children and the elderly, use the hot water bottle to warm the bed, then remove it before the person goes to bed. This comes in particular from the fact that these people often have sensitive skin, so it is to avoid burns.