As far as food is concerned, we take expiration dates seriously because the last thing we want is to eat spoiled food (or waste food) and face health problems, food waste, and needless grocery costs. The same applies for medicines and some of us are even careful about the expiry date for make-up products. But there are consumer products in our household that have expiration dates that could surprise you, and also go unnoticed. Many people use expiry dates on packaging without fully understanding how they actually determine them, or if they’re simply safe after the printed date. To make things even more confusing are the terms best before, sell by, use by are quite different terms. Understanding how to interpret those terms can help you identify when you’re still safe to consume, while not tossing away good food. (For a deeper understanding of how to properly read and interpret these dates, visit this helpful resource on understanding food shelf life and expiration information: understanding food shelf life and expiration information.)
However, there are household items with surprising expiration dates, and there’s not always a written expiration date on them. These following items should be replaced after certain time periods.
1. Towels (1 to 3 years)
Depending on how often you use them, towels tend to lose their absorption qualities after one to three years. Remember, you should also wash your towels after a maximum of three uses to keep bacteria and mold away.
2. Pillows (3 years)
Over time, pillows tend to lose their shape, fluffiness, and can become a home to dust mites. Ensure that you’re washing your pillowcases and pillows regularly to keep them as clean as possible.
3. Shower Poufs (3 weeks)
Because shower poufs are constantly sitting in your warm, moist shower, they become a breeding ground for bacteria. It’s recommended that you toss your pouf after about three weeks, and you should also disinfect it in boiling water and let it completely dry after every couple of uses.
4. Toothbrush (3 months)
Unless you have an electric toothbrush, you should replace yours after every three months. Additionally, you should always get a new toothbrush after you’ve been sick.
5. Perfume (2 to 4 years)
Perfume is one of those things we think will last forever, particularly because at least half of the time it just sits there looking pretty all alone on our shelf. Well, nope! Even those fancy bottles have a shelf-life. If you keep the cap on and tucked away from heat and light, some perfumes can last around four years. Some perfumes will start to turn after about two. And you will know when that happens as either the scent changes, or somehow it smells kind of… off, like it’s gone stale. So if you’ve been saving that one “special occasion” perfume for that special moment, you should seriously consider wearing it. If not, it may go stale before you ever have the chance!
6. Running Shoes (1 year)
This is sort of a no-brainer, but also really easy to overlook. It’s going to vary based on how much you actually wear them, but if you’re using your running shoes on a regular basis—either by actually running in them and/or doing lots of walking—my guess is that you should retire them after about a year’s time. Around that time, the shoes are starting to break down in some ways that you probably don’t even notice right away. Generally, the cushion is thinning out, the soles are breaking down, and before you even realize it your knees or back are complaining for no good reason. Not to mention, it doesn’t matter how they look anymore. Your shoes could look perfectly fine, but at that point they might not be doing any wonders for your feet or joints either. The truth is, your running shoes are one of those products in your home that will kind of silently reach their expiration date without much fanfare.
7. Bra (1 to 2 years)
If you have a favorite bra that you wear constantly, it’s working pretty hard and should be replaced after about a year. Even if they look to be in good condition, bras lose their shape and support after this time. This is how you should act, but in reality do you really do that?
8. Slippers (6 months to 1 year)
This may sound silly, but unless your slippers are washable, they should be replaced regularly. They are breeding grounds for bacteria because they’re enclosed, warm, and moist. Wash and deodorize your slippers to the best of your ability to preserve them for as long as possible. It’s important to remember slippers as one of those household items with surprising expiration dates.
9. Ground Spices (6 months)
Did you know that after about six months, ground spices seriously begin to lose their flavor? Keep track of the spices you’re using and toss ones you haven’t touched in ages.
10. Flour (6 months to 1 year)
It’s weird to think of something like flour having an expiration date, but this baking product tends to only be good for up to a year, tops.
11. Batteries (7 to 10 years)
Yup, batteries expire too. I know, it seems strange since they’re just… batteries. You probably have a drawer full of random batteries that have been rolling around for who knows how long. But, alkaline batteries… they typically last about seven years. Lithium ones can last about ten years, if stored properly. It’s one of those things you never really think about until you’re switching the batteries in your remote, or your flashlight fails to turn on (during a blackout) and you’re standing there asking yourself if you’ve been hoarding dead batteries for the past ten years.
12. Laundry Detergent (6 months to 1 year)
This one is tricky. If unopened you can get a shelf life of around a year. After the bottle is opened though your time is limited. I’ve had that massive jug sitting in the laundry room for well over six months. I know you too. After that point is when the ingredients start to separate or lose potency, making the detergent ineffective as a cleaner. It’s not like it will ruin your clothes or anything like that, but it sure won’t do them any favors.
