Every year, people are admitted to hospital with serious hot water bottle injuries, some requiring surgery or skin grafts. What often causes these burns isn’t the heat itself, but ageing rubber. Over time, the material weakens, making bottles more likely to split or leak without warning.

How to Check if Your Hot Water Bottle Has Expired

Most hot water bottles have a small wheel symbol on the neck. This tells you exactly when the bottle was manufactured:

• The number in the centre shows the year it was made.

• The segments around the circle represent the 12 months.

• Any dots inside a segment indicate the week within that month.

If your hot water bottle is more than two years old, it’s time to replace it even if it looks perfectly fine. Rubber naturally degrades, and an older bottle is much more likely to burst or leak under pressure.

Using a Hot Water Bottle Safely

• Fill it with hot, not boiling, water.

• Always use a cover or towel to prevent direct contact with the skin.

• Avoid sitting or lying on the bottle, as pressure can cause it to split.

• Check for cracks, thinning rubber, or leaks each time you use it.

These habits only take a moment, but they significantly reduce the risk of serious injury.

What To Do If a Burn Happens

If someone is burned by a hot water bottle, acting quickly is key:

1. Cool the burn immediately under cool running water for 20 minutes.

2. Before swelling begins, gently remove jewellery, clothing, or shoes from around the area, but don’t remove anything stuck to the skin.

3. Cover the cooled burn with a non-stick dressing, preferably cling film.

4. Seek medical advice if the burn is deep, blistered, large, or if you’re unsure.