20 Common Household Items That Have Expiration Dates (Most People Had No Idea About These)
Everyone knows that foods have an expiration date. Once in a while, you go through the fridge and get rid all of the things that have gone bad. However, did you know that other products, including household items, have expiration dates?
We know that eating expired food can make you sick. But there are items around your home that can also make you sick if they're past their primes. If you don't act soon with these items, it could hurt your health.
Running Shoes: After Walking 350 To 500 Miles
Running shoes are like any other clothing item, as they will also become victims of the wear and tear.
The cushioning in the soles wears down with each wearing, which makes them harder to run in. It's strongly recommended you buy a new pair of kicks after walking (or running) 350 to 500 miles.
Cleaning Products: 6 Months
Most cleaning products do go bad. Sure, products like bleach are some of the best to get rid of stains, but you should stop buying them in bulk.
Six months after the manufacture date (stamped on the bottle), the chemicals in bleach become less effective and it falls below EPA standards.
Car Seats: 6-10 Years
If you use a car seat frequently, they're good and safe for about six to 10 years on average. Over the years, technology improves and standards change, making the old car seats unequipped with the newest life-saving parts.
Also, the material can wear down and replacement pieces could be needed.
Fire Extinguishers Last Well Over A Decade
Based on the type of fire extinguisher you buy, it can last between five to 15 years. Once a fire extinguisher goes bad, you should replace it as soon as possible.
An old extinguisher won't be as effective, and that could leave you in danger if there was ever a fire.
Tooth Paste: 12-18 Months
Never, ever buy toothpaste in bulk. Although the dental essential's best before date depends on the brand, it usually expires between 12-18 months.
Once you use that first blob of paste, it begins to lose its flavor and fluoride stability. That plays a huge role in repairing your teeth's enamel.
Skin Care Products: 1-3 Years
Once skin care products are opened, the clock starts ticking on them. They last for about one to three years and exposure to air, light, and bacteria can break them down.
Even if sealed tightly, things like heat and humidity can cause products to degrade over time.
Slippers: 6 Months
Most people hold onto their slippers for years. You should replace them every six months because, like socks, they're soft and fuzzy at the start. But slippers don't belong in the washer machine.
That means those comfortable shoes can cause fungal infections and spread germs faster than socks.
Expired Power Strips Cause House Fires
As soon as this handy device passes it's prime time, it becomes one of the most common reasons houses catch on fire.
There's no exact time frame when power strips should be replaced, but one sign is when your warranty expires. You should also keep in mind how often you use the power strip.
Motor Oil: 2 Years
Unopened containers of motor oil, stored at moderate temperatures, can remain stable for an extended period of time.
As long as there aren't any deposits on the bottom of the container, an engine oil's properties are best if it's used within two years. Also, be sure to recycle the oil. Don't put it in the trash.
Mascara: 6-12 Months
Most experts think mascara should be replaced every three months. After that, it grows bacteria that can be harmful to the sensitive eye area. Products such as eyeliner and eyeshadow should be replaced every 6 to 12 months.
The average expiration date for facial makeup like foundation and powder is one year.
Hydrogen Peroxide: 3 Years
A chemical compound that's used for minor cuts, hydrogen peroxide is volatile. It can last up to three years but over time, it will break down into oxygen and water.
Despite the product lasting up to three years before it's opened, it has a shelf life of just six months once it's unsealed.
Bath Towels: 3 Years
Towels are a bathroom necessity that shouldn't be used for more than three years. When a towel is used, the fibers on the cloth begin to break down. This can cause the towel to stay wet for a longer time.
Bacteria will start to linger. No one wants to dry off with germs.
Flour: 6-12 Months
Many people believe flour lasts forever but it doesn't. Depending on the brand you buy, it only has a lifespan of six months to one year.
Serious bakers will go through a bag faster than that, but if you have a bag that's been sitting around for years it's time to buy a new one.
Sunscreen: The Exact Expiration
After three years, sunscreen will lose its ability to protect you from looking like a lobster. Those of you who decide to save the leftovers after the expiration date shouldn't do that.
Thankfully, the expiration date is printed right on the bottle so you can always make sure exactly when it goes bad.
Nail Polish: 2 Years
Many people love painting their nails. If you're one of them and have an extensive collection sitting in your room, you might have to chuck out several colors.
Once the bottle is opened, nail polish stays fresh for just two years. After that, the ingredients begin to evaporate.
Bras: 6-8 Months
Once you buy a few good pairs of bras, you tend to hold on to them for as long as you can. Unfortunately, the undergarment should be tossed from your drawers every six to eight months.
The moment they get run through the washing machine, the padding gets ruined, which causes the bras to lose their shape.
Ketchup: Two Years Past Its Expiration
Since ketchup contains the acidity of tomatoes and vinegar, it has a good long shelf life.
An unopened container of ketchup can remain stored for up to two years past the printed expiration date. Once the bottle is opened, it was last for another year in the fridge.
Sunglasses: 2 Years
If you want to buy a new pair of sunglasses, you'll have to put some serious thought into it. It turns out that your new shades can expire.
They become less effective at protecting your eyes due to wear and tear, along with scratches on the lenses. It's best to replace them every two years.
Unopened Beer: 6-8 Months
If properly stored, unopened beer will stay at its best quality for about six to eight months in the fridge. As soon as it goes "bad," some people will throw it out.
Not us. Provided that the beer is stored correctly and the packaging is undamaged, plop those bad boys in the fridge.
Pacifiers Need To Be Replaced For Hygiene Reasons
You should replace your baby's pacifier often, as they last for about two months.
Any time you notice a slight break in the pacifier, even if it's latex, you should toss it. If the baby is teething, it's especially important to check their pacifiers.
