Checking the expiration date on a milk carton is something we always remember to do. We also know that certain beauty or bath products should be tossed out after a certain date. But as it turns out, there are plenty of other items in our house that we keep much longer than we should.
These 15 common household items might not have it printed on them – but they definitely have an expiration date. Take a look through, it might be time to replace a few of these items in your home.
Some of these might come as a surprise!
1. Pillows
2 to 3 years. After a while, pillows become the perfect breeding ground for dust mites and bacteria. Not to mention, they can lose their shape and cause neck pain.
2. Shower poufs and loofahs
6 months. Due to the damp environment, shower loofahs and poufs are a haven for fungus and mold. Every month, boil them in hot water to kill bacteria and replace them every six months.
3. Toothbrush
3 months. After a few months, the bristles on your toothbrush become worn down and it will need to be replaced. However, you should also replace your toothbrush after you’ve had a cold or the flu as well.
4. Running shoes
1 year. Once you’ve walked or run 250-300 miles, the soles of your sneakers will start losing its cushioning which can lead to more stress on your joints.
5. Flour
6-12 months. I know what you’re thinking, flour has an expiration date? It does! High-grade flour can be kept for up to a year, while first-grade flour should only be kept for six months.
6. Power sockets
4-5 years. It might seem strange, but power sockets have expiration dates. It’s recommended that they are replaced every 4-5 years to prevent any risk of electrical fire. If you notice that your power sockets are hot to the touch, or discolored, it means they should be replaced.
7. Towels
1-3 years. Wet and damp towels are the perfect environment for bacteria growth. Even with regular washing, over time, it just won’t do the trick. Make sure to replace your towels every couple of years.
8. Hydrogen peroxide
2 months. When a bottle of hydrogen peroxide is opened, it needs to be used right away. After just a couple of months, the solution turns into regular water. If the bottle is unopened, it should only be stored for a year.
9. Hairbrush
1 year. Keep your hairbrushes clean by washing them once a week, but they should be replaced once a year. If your hairbrush is made with natural boar bristles, they should be replaced more often, around 7 to 10 months.
10. Pacifier
2-5 weeks. Latex pacifiers need to be replaced very often, even if they don’t look like they need to be. Latex gets small cracks that breed germs and bacteria.
11. Spices
1-3 years. Over time, spices lose their taste and smell. If your spices are ground, it’s best to toss them out and replace them every six months or so.
12. Disinfectants
3 months. In just a few months, disinfectants start to lose their effectiveness.
13. Slippers
6 months. Slipper should be washed on a regular basis, once a week if worn regularly. Going unwashed or unreplaced, slippers can breed fungal infections.
14. Bra
1-2 years. After a couple of years of wear, bras can lose their shape and elasticity, and once that happens – what’s the point? Toss them out and buy new ones.
15. Fire extinguishers
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15 years. Stay safe and check your fire extinguisher regularly, if you notice any cracks in the hose, or any other damage, have it serviced right away. Otherwise, replace every 15 years.
