15 Common Household Items That Are Expiring Without You Knowing

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Have you ever noticed that some things around the house just don’t seem to be as charming or effective anymore? It’s because sometimes they wear out, or even expire, without us knowing it. In fact, expiration dates are not just for food; so many of the things we buy every day have hidden lifespans. You can use them past their prime, but it will lower quality, effectiveness or even safety.

Let’s take a look at a list of common things that may be quietly aging out of usefulness without so much as a warning label. You might be surprised at what’s ready for a replacement!

Toothbrushes

Most of us don’t really think twice about our toothbrushes, and they have a shorter shelf life than you might expect. They should be replaced every three to four months, when the bristles begin to fray and lose their effectiveness, according to Healthline. Old toothbrush can’t effectively clean your teeth and may contain bacteria, which is counterproductive. If your brush looks like it’s been through the wringer, it’s time for an upgrade.

Spices

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Spices don’t go bad like milk, but they do lose their punch. Ground spices tend to keep up to a year, while whole spices can remain up to four years. Older ones won’t hurt you but they won’t give you the vibrant flavor you’re after. If your spices aren’t adding much to your food lately, it may be because they’ve gone bad. Sniff them — if they don’t smell that strong, it’s time to restock.

Perfume

A fragrance will start to decay after three to five years for whatever reason, even if it has been kept in a cool climate and protected from light. Expired perfume might be off smelling or just lost its former smell. To ensure they stay at their best, store them in their cool, dark place and use them often, don’t save them for special occasions.

Makeup

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Like food, makeup has a shelf life and old makeup can lead to things like irritation and breakouts. For example, mascara should be replaced every three months, foundations and powders should last a year or two. Eyeliners and lipsticks make the cut for a couple of years. If you’ve had something in your makeup storage forever, it’s probably time to say goodbye.

Fire Extinguishers

Often we purchase a fire extinguisher and place it in a cupboard hoping we will never need it. Did you know they expire too? Fire extinguishers can lose pressure after about 10 to 12 years, so they may not work if you need them in an emergency. You should check the gauge and expiration date every year to make sure it’s still working. When you need it most, a faulty extinguisher is about as useful as a chocolate teapot.

Sunscreen

Another thing that goes bad is sunscreen. After three years, most sunscreens stop working because the active ingredients have degraded. Expired sunscreen won’t protect your skin as it should, and you’ll be susceptible to sunburn and skin damage. If you have a bottle, check the expiration date and replace it, even if you’ve still got plenty left.

Pillows

Pillows can be one of the sneakiest things to expire. After one to two years, even if they still feel fluffy, they’re full of dust mites and allergens. Plus, the support they give wears off over time, which isn’t great for your neck and spine. Your pillow may be to blame if you’ve been waking up with aches and pains. According to Sleep.com, pillows should be replaced every 1-2 years.

Batteries

Even if a battery is just sitting in your desk drawer, it will lose its juice over time. The shelf life of most is five to ten years, depending on the type. After they’ve reached their prime, they are more susceptible to leakage, which can ruin your devices. Any batteries that have been around for a while need to be replaced.

Vinegar

You may be surprised to learn that vinegar doesn’t last forever. It’s acidic, but it can still break down over time, especially if you open it and let air get to it. It can darken in color, and it may not be as potent as it was. It usually lasts around five years, but if it’s been sitting in your pantry longer than that, it’s probably time to get yourself a new bottle.

Rubbing Alcohol

Many households keep a bottle of rubbing alcohol on hand, but it, too, has an expiration date. It evaporates over time and loses effectiveness to be able to sanitize with. If you’ve been using the same bottle for over two years, you’re probably not getting much benefit from it. Stocking a new bottle isn’t as expensive as it would first seem, and is a simple thing to do.

Hydrogen Peroxide

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Hydrogen peroxide has a short shelf life, especially if it’s been opened. As it ages, it breaks down into water and oxygen and ceases to be a disinfectant. To check its potency, pour a little onto a cut and if it doesn’t fizz, it’s time for a new bottle. It’s usually best replaced every six months to a year after opening.

Nonstick Cookware

Nonstick pans don’t live forever. As you use them, they begin to wear off their coating and that can affect taste as well as safety of your food. Nonstick cookware usually lasts about five years before it has to be replaced. If your coating is peeling or scratched, it’s definitely time for a new pan, since eating bits of coating isn’t exactly healthy.

Bleach

Bleach is a great cleaning agent, but after about six months to a year, it’s not as effective as it once was. After this timeframe, it’s less effective at killing germs, so don’t think you can disinfect with an ancient bottle. If you’ve got bleach sitting around forever, it’s better to buy a new bottle.

Socks and Underwear

Even socks and underwear have an expiration date of sorts, it might sound funny. Over time, those fibers will wear down and elastic will stop stretching as much, they won’t be as comfortable or supportive. These should be replaced every six to twelve months to keep things fresh and prevent buildup of bacteria. Treat yourself to some new ones if you’re noticing holes or thinning fabric, or if they just don’t feel great.

Air Fresheners

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Air fresheners and candles lose their power with time. The fragrance can fade even if you don’t use them, especially if they’re exposed to sunlight or high temperatures. If you don’t smell much from your air fresheners anymore, they’ve expired. Most air fresheners last one to two years at best.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.