You probably check expiration dates on food and medicine, but did you know many everyday household items also have them? These dates are important because items can lose their effectiveness or even become unsafe over time.
Knowing which common things around your home expire can help you stay safe and get the best use out of your belongings. It’s easy to overlook these dates since they often aren’t as obvious as those on food packages.
Sunscreen
You might not realize it, but sunscreen has an expiration date. Over time, the ingredients can break down, making it less effective at protecting your skin from UV rays.
If your bottle doesn’t have an expiration date, check for changes in smell, texture, or color. These signs often mean it’s time to replace it.
Storing your sunscreen in a cool, dry place helps keep it effective longer. Using sunscreen past its expiration isn’t ideal but is better than no protection at all.
Fire Extinguishers
You might not realize it, but fire extinguishers have expiration dates. They typically last between 5 and 15 years, depending on the type and how well you maintain them.
Check the manufacturing date and the pressure gauge regularly to make sure your extinguisher is still good. Some need to be recharged every few years to stay effective.
If your extinguisher is expired or damaged, it might not work in an emergency. So, keeping an eye on its age and condition is really important for your safety.
Car Seats
You might not realize it, but car seats have expiration dates. These dates are set because the materials can wear down over time, making the seat less effective at protecting your child.
Safety standards and technology also improve, so older seats may not meet current regulations.
To check your seat’s expiration, look for a sticker or imprint on the seat shell showing the manufacture date and expiration date. Using a seat past its expiration can put your child at risk, so it’s important to replace it when the time comes.
Condoms
You might not realize that condoms have expiration dates, but they do. Using one past its expiration can cause the material to weaken, making it less effective at preventing pregnancy and STIs.
Checking the date on the wrapper before use is important. Proper storage—away from heat and sharp objects—helps keep them in good condition longer.
If you find an expired condom, it’s best to get a new one. Your safety and peace of mind depend on it.
Aspirin
You might not realize that aspirin has an expiration date, but it does. While it can remain effective for years past that date, its potency slowly decreases over time.
If your aspirin smells like vinegar or has changed in appearance, it’s best not to use it. Expired aspirin may not work as well, especially for pain relief or heart protection.
To keep your aspirin potent longer, store it in a cool, dry, and dark place. When in doubt, replacing old aspirin with a fresh bottle is a safe choice.
