Homeowners urged to check hot water bottles expiry date now – you could be putting your family at risk if you don’t

Close up of a leather trunk piled with cushions, linen and fur items. There is a basket with a hot water bottle next to the trunk.

It suddenly feels a lot cooler, which means for many of us, it’s time to reach for a trusty hot water bottle to keep toasty through winter. But if, like me, you’ve had your hot water bottle for many years, then you need to carry out this vital check before you fill it up.

Honestly, I couldn’t quite believe it when I first heard hot water bottles have an expiration date - I kind of thought they lasted forever! But experts have revealed they do, and ensuring yours isn’t ‘past it’ ensures that it is safe for you to use.