Primark shares little recognized trick to inform in case your sizzling water bottle is old-fashioned

Primark shoppers looking to get cosy this Christmas are being urged to take safety measures when it comes to using hot water bottles.

The budget retailer has created a guide on how to best use the winter warmers – and also how to tell if you’re ready for a new one.

An article on the store’s website states: “Never use a hot water bottle more than two years of age.”

It adds: “The year of manufacture is in the centre of the circle and the month of manufacture is represented by the 12 petal segments marked clockwise from January. January being the top right-hand segment.

“The week of manufacture is the mark within the segment. Each mark equals one week. Below example shows a bottle manufactured in the second week of January 2024.”

The guide also included handy hints and tips on how to use and maintain your hot water bottle.

It states: “Hot water bottles can be very dangerous and cause injury if used and stored incorrectly.

“Before you start: Ensure you have plenty of space and time to fill your hot water bottle and keep young children far away from where you are stationed.

• Always check your bottle and the stopper for damage prior to use.

• When filling your hot water bottle, it is crucial that you do not use boiling water no matter how cold you are. Boil the water and let it cool for a few minutes before filling the hot water bottle.

• Do not fill the bottle directly from the domestic hot water systems as this can considerably shorten the life of the hot water bottle.

• Hold the bottle by the neck in an upright position and fill slowly to avoid hot water splashing back and onto yourself

• Ensure you only fill to a maximum of two thirds capacity or less. Do not overfill.

• Expel air from the bottle by lowering it carefully onto a flat surface until the water appears at the opening.

• Screw the stopper sufficiently tight to ensure that there is no leakage.

• When the bottle is filled the cover should easily close using the hook and eye tape. If it does not close, some water should be removed as it is too full. The cover should fit snugly.

• Always use the cover provided with the bottle.

Instructions on how to use it state:

• Under no circumstances should the hot water bottle be used as a cushion and be sat on.

• Avoid prolonged direct skin contact. Hot water bottles come with covers and should always be used with the cover provided. We’ve got everything from stars to super soft fluffy styles.

• Never put your hot water bottle in the microwave.

• Hot water bottles are not suitable for children under 36 months or people overly sensitive to heat.

• Adult supervision is required when using the product.

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