When we think of shelf life, we usually think of food and drink, but there are many other things in the household that don't have a "forever" shelf life. Find out which ones they are and see which ones you should ditch today.
Many people only think of milk that has been open for a few days or salami that has taken on an unusual smell in the refrigerator, but you would never think that many things around us have a shelf life and it would be good to throw them away after a certain time.
Honestly, you usually only look for the expiration date on food you buy at the grocery store. But believe it or not, there are also expiration dates for things you don't eat.
Let's look at some of them.
Car seats
Car seats can literally save your baby's or child's life, so make sure they're installed correctly and haven't expired. Yes, every car seat has an expiry date and it is usually printed on the bottom of the seat. The longevity of the car seat depends on the date of manufacture and brand. For example, some have an expiration date from six to ten years.
Motor oil
There's nothing wrong with stocking up on engine oil, but remember that it usually loses its properties after five years, so don't accumulate it and don't store it for too long.
Tea bags
If you only drink teas when you're sick, the tea bags in your pantry may not be as strong as when they were fresh. Although the tea will not necessarily spoil, it may lose quality, according to the manufacturers after about two years.
Sunglasses
Don't bother looking for the date printed on the glasses - you won't find it. In addition to protecting the eyes from the glare of the sun, sunglasses also block harmful UV rays that could cause cancer or cataracts. Sunglasses block UV light less effectively over time, in part due to normal wear and tear. It is desirable to replace them after two years wearing.
Color
Many people save the leftover paint after painting the walls. Experts recommend throwing away any paint that is opened two to four years. Unopened oil-based paint stays good about 15 years, and latex-based paint approx ten years. Regardless, always discard paint that is moldy or dried.
Toothpaste
Toothpaste is not a good candidate for storage, although the shelf life varies by manufacturer and brand. For example, Colgate toothpastes are generally only good two years from the date of manufacture.
Soap
Some hard soaps have an expiration date, but for those that don't, they recommend that you keep them as long as possible three years. Signs of old soap include dryness and cracking.
Hydrogen peroxide
This dark bottle has a surprisingly short shelf life. Unopened it will be good approx three years, but it loses its effectiveness about six months after you open it and expose it to air.
Running shoes
As you exercise, running shoes wear down the cushioning, which means you won't be able to run as safely, which can increase your risk of injury. It is recommended to replace them when you have run out of them 300 to 600 kilometers.
Helmets
The only thing standing between you and a head injury is your helmet, which must be in excellent condition. An old helmet that has been exposed to various weather conditions may no longer provide the protection you need. Salt in sweat can corrode helmet materials, and the sun destroys plastic. If you cycle or ride a motorcycle a lot, you should change your helmet every time two years. Those who don't wear it a lot can also wait to change it up to four years.
Insect spray
Don't be surprised if you end up with mosquito bites after spraying with the bug repellant spray you bought a few years ago. As long as you keep it out of extreme heat or cold, it will be good for approx three years. After this time, the product begins to slowly break down and will no longer be as effective.
Are you surprised? To be safe, go shopping!
