Hot water bottle is the perfect companion for staying warm during cold winter, thanks to softness and excellent heat retention. However, after being stored through all summer, how can you know if your hot water bottle is still safe to use? This article will introduce the shelf life of hot water bottles and how to determine their production date.

Why do hot water bottles have a shelf life?

The shelf life of a hot water bottle is typically 3-5 years after initial use. This is because hot water bottles gradually degrade over time, with the process accelerating in high-temperature or direct sunlight environments. Rubber hot water bottles tend to age faster than PVC hot water bottles. When hot water bottles tend to age, the material will become hard and the rubber material will be crisp. The phenomenon of this material increases the risk of cracks and leaks.

How to identify a well-maintained hot water bottle?

To use your hot water bottle safely, thoroughly inspect it for any small cracks or visible damage before reuse. If there are some cracks or damage, replace the hot water bottle immediately to avoid leaks during use.

While visible damage can help us identify hot water bottles, we can also determine the production date by the daisy pattern on hot waterbottle.

Daisy pattern for production date according to BS 1970:2012, BS 1970:2012 outlines the clear and permanent marking requirements for hot water bottles with a daisy pattern indicating the production date:

"Each hot water bottle shall be legibly and permanently marked with the number

and date of this British Standard, i.e. BS 1970:2012 and, additionally, with the

following in the form of a simple code:

a) name or trade mark of the manufacturer or supplier;

b) a date daisy indicating:

· year of manufacture (centre circle);

· month of manufacture (12 segments marked continuously clockwise from January, January being the top right-hand segment);

· week of manufacture (marks within segments)"

For example, this means the hot water bottle was manufactured in the third week of December 2023.

Conclusion

Hot water bottles are excellent for staying warm in winter. But for safety, it’s crucial to replace them regularly. By inspecting hot water bottle and understanding the daisy pattern dating method, this can ensure a warm and comfortable winter. Remember, when hot water bottle has passed its optimal usage period, it’s time to consider getting a new one.