19 non-obvious household items that turn out to have an expiration date

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

There are a lot of things around us that may have already served their purpose.

1. Potatoes

Common potatoes and other plant species in the nightshade family (tomatoes, eggplants, etc.) contain the highly toxic chemical solanine. But in raw and unspoiled potatoes, the level of solanine is minimal and not harmful to health.

But in sprouts that have been stored for a long time in the sun or next to vegetables that initiate the process of decay (for example, onions), the concentration of this toxin jumps so much that the potato becomes life-threatening.

2. Bleach, bleach and disinfectants

Disinfectants are in every home, and any housewife uses them. But few people know that such substances lose their properties within three months after you open the jar. This means that they are no longer suitable for disinfection.

3. Sunscreen

When did you buy your sunscreen? One, two or three years ago? Such creams provide maximum protection for only two years from the date of release. Then they become less effective.

4. Extension cords and surge protectors

Some of the most surprising things on this list are extension cords, surge protectors, and stabilizers. These things are designed to work under a certain load. There is a certain amount of joules that they can pass through before they start to deteriorate. And damage to such things often ends in fire.

It is not customary to mark such goods with an expiration date, but they have a guarantee. The warranty is the life span that you can focus on.

5. Spices

Spices are one of those foods that are usually stored for many years. But in fact, their shelf life is limited to 2-3 years. It is difficult to determine the exact term of use, here a lot depends on the storage method and drying method.

6. Fire extinguishers

Most modern fire extinguishers are designed for a service life of 5 to 15 years (depending on their type). But things like a cracked hose or a malfunctioning pressure sensor can negatively affect their performance.

7. Car seats

True, car seats also have a shelf life, as they are made of materials that are subject to aging and temperature (in cars, there are frequent temperature changes).

Most seats are designed to last between 6 and 10 years from the date of manufacture. Take a look into your car, usually the seat life is indicated on the side or underneath the seat.

8. Mascara

The bacteria that cause conjunctivitis and other infections begin to multiply three months after you unpack the ink tube. Plus, after about the same time (with frequent use), the mascara begins to dry out.

9. Washcloths and sponges

On kitchen sponges and bath sponges, bacteria begin to actively multiply within a couple of weeks after the start of their use. Plastic kitchen sponges can last longer (approximately eight weeks).

10. Batteries

Battery life depends on many factors: size, type and storage conditions. For batteries, the shelf life starts from the moment they were released at the factory, not from the beginning of their use in the product. Usually this period is indicated on the package.

11. Fire alarm sensors

Smoke and carbon dioxide detectors may stop working after 10 years. This can happen even if the batteries were replaced in time.

12. Liqueur and other alcoholic beverages

Unlike wine, which "ages" even in a bottle, spirits can be stored forever in a sealed container. But if you open the bottle, then they begin to lose their taste and color after about a year of such storage. The good news is that unless you are a spirits connoisseur, you probably won't feel the difference.

13. Lotions and creams

Lotions and moisturizers can retain their properties for about two years after they are opened, and then begin to dry out and lose them.

And the jars where we put our fingers to scoop up the cream very quickly turn into a breeding ground for bacteria.

14. Hydrogen peroxide

After opening the jar, hydrogen peroxide retains its properties for no longer than a couple of months. And then it turns into ordinary water. In a closed form, peroxide can be stored for no more than a year.

A clear sign that the peroxide has gone bad is the absence of the characteristic hiss.

15. Lipstick

Opened lipstick under the influence of air begins to dry out and change its consistency after about two years. This can be determined by the changed smell and texture of the surface.

16. Insect repellent

Insect repellents lose their properties after two years from the date of manufacture. Usually the date is indicated on the bottom of the can.

17. Sports shoes

After every 400-500 kilometers, sports shoes begin to gradually lose their shock-absorbing properties, which leads to an increase in the load on the joints.

18. Shavers

Everyone knows that razors and razor blades need to be replaced periodically. But how often should you do this?

19. Bicycle helmet

With helmets, the situation is similar to that of car seats. Helmets are made from materials that begin to lose strength approximately two years after manufacture or after being damaged.

How do you remember when and what needs to be changed? I recommend using a marker to mark the purchase dates. You can write directly on things (if possible and aesthetically pleasing).

When it comes to food, you can mark up in large print so you can always see when it's time to get rid of the spoiled product.