10 Household Items You May Not Have Realized Had Expiry Dates

We have all been guilty of holding onto things well past their shelf life. Whether it’s convincing ourselves that those ragged shoes can last us another year or that last week’s pizza is still acceptable to eat, there are some items in our household that we surround ourselves with longer than we actually should. Surprised? The good news is that most items come with a precise expiration date. For instance, we know exactly when to toss out that spoiled carton of milk or that old bag of chips lying in your storage. However, the expiration label on many everyday household items isn’t that specific. Did you know that products designed to disinfect and clean once expired become less effective at keeping you protected against harmful bacteria and viruses? When it comes to your health and safety, you might want to expedite your cleaning schedule and frequently replace some of your essential household items.

With that said, let’s take a closer look at these ten everyday household items that you may not have realized have a shelf life. Disclaimer: some of the items may completely surprise you.

1. Toothbrushes

Think your toothbrush has to look ragged before it’s time to discard it? Sorry to break it to you, but you are wrong. Dentists often recommend replacing your toothbrush every three months to maintain good dental health.

When To Replace It: It is advised to replace your old toothbrush every three months. But you should also consider changing your toothbrush if the bristles get worn or after you have recovered from a bad cold or flu.

2. Pillows

Believe it or not, many manufacturers print the expiry date on pillows. But either most people aren’t aware of this, or they tend to overlook the date. Pillows are known to house dead skin cells and dust mites, which cause allergies and infections. Additionally, old pillows can become misshapen and deformed, which can cause neck and back pain. Hence, it is crucial to change your pillow every few years.

When To Replace It: Replace your pillows every two or three years to prevent allergies and neck pain.

3. Bleach And Other Disinfectants

Bleach is a staple disinfectant used in most homes. But did you know that this product expires surprisingly quickly? According to researchers, bleach begins to lose its potency after opening for about six months. This doesn’t necessarily make bleach dangerous but reduces its disinfecting qualities.

When To Replace It: Make sure you toss your bleach every six months or so.

4. Sponges

Sponges are a breeding ground for bacteria, and if you want to prevent the spread of dangerous germs around your home, you should consider replacing your kitchen sponge often. Even with regular cleaning, your sponge may contain way more bacteria than you may think.

When To Replace It: Discard your kitchen sponges every month to prevent the spread of diseases.

5. Slippers

Once we find a pair of cute and comfy slippers, we try to hold onto them for years at a time. But these fuzzy pairs of slippers should be replaced way more than our average pair of shoes. Slippers pose the threat of spreading fungal infections and germs and should be washed often too.

When To Replace It: Change your slippers every six months, and don’t forget to wash them once every two weeks.

6. Loofah/Poufs

Natural loofahs can breed germs and bacteria in just a couple of weeks. However, mesh loofahs are safer and last a little longer for up to eight weeks.

When To Replace It: Replace your loofahs once every month.

7. Hydrogen Peroxide

Like many other disinfectants, the chemicals in hydrogen peroxide can break down and degrade over time. A study published in 2015 revealed that hydrogen peroxide solutions typically last for three years.

When To Replace It: If you use the solution regularly, replace it within a month. You can store an unopened bottle for three years.

8. Mattresses

Just because you spent a heaping amount of money on your mattress doesn’t mean that it’s a lifelong possession. Mattresses have millions of colony-forming bacteria on them and need to be replaced once every few years.

When To Replace It: Consider changing your mattress every five to seven years.

9. Contact Lens Cases

Optometrists suggest changing your contact lens cases at least every three months to avoid the spread of bacteria and germs into them. Additionally, you should pay special attention to the solution in your case. It should be changed completely every time you wear lenses.

When To Replace It: It is safe to replace your lens case every three months.

10. Toilet Brushes

It is used to clean one of the dirtiest places in homes and harbors many harmful germs and bacteria. So don’t even think about holding on to your toilet brush for long and replace it frequently.

When To Replace It: You should replace your toilet brush every six months.

So now you know that almost all household items have a shelf life, and you need to discard them after some time. Don’t let that hoarding spirit overpower you, and do let go of things that are past their prime time. Which household item mentioned above surprised you the most? Let us know in the comments below.

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