The Daisy Wheel

Understanding the meaning of the daisy wheel on a hot water bottle can be confusing, so we hope our blog makes things clearer and offers some reassurance. It can be misleading reading various articles online and in the press, as not all are accurate and some purport scaremongery amongst consumers; there’s a lot of misinformation out there, which we understand can be concerning, especially when considering a child or elderly person using a hot water bottle.

The daisy wheel on a hot water bottle is the date of manufacture, not an expiry date.

The ‘2-3 year rule’ regarding replacing a hot water bottle within this timeframe applies only AFTER FIRST USE and NOT from the date of manufacture.

A hot water bottle made in 2023, for example, that has never been used should still be safe if it's been stored properly and doesn't show any signs of damage. However, that's not to say that a more recently manufactured bottle has no chance of splitting or leaking, or that any bottle with more than two to three years use will definately be unsafe.

Hot water bottle manufacturers suggest that the manufacturing date isn't relevant and shouldn't be viewed as an expiry date. It’s suggested to go by the date the bottle is first used and always check bottles for visible signs of wear or damage before first use and at regular intervals thereafter.

How long a hot water bottle lasts before needing to be replaced depends on how often you use it and how it's stored.

Tips for safe use of your hot water bottle

• Before first use: fill with cold water to check for leaks or cracks. If no leaks are present then you can fill the bottle to two thirds capacity with boiled water from a kettle that’s has been allowed to cool (never use boiling water or water from the hot top, as this contains impurities which can compromise the integrity of the rubber).

• After use: empty the bottle and hang it upside-down to drain. Make sure it's totally dry before putting away and store with the stopper removed in a cool, dry, dark place, either upside down or flat. Don't place anything on top of the bottle.

All our hot water bottles meet Britsi Safety Standard BS1970: 2012, and come from trusted manufactruers who also supply to large high street chemists and other major retailers; our stock is replenished regularly, so you can feel completely confident when choosing to purchase a hot water bottle from us. 

Other articles you may find interesting: 

> Hot Water Bottle Do's & Don'ts

> Hot Water Bottle Safety Standards