Did you know that some seemingly innocent household items can become quite dangerous? While you may not realize it, certain household items can become hazardous to your health if they are past their expiration date or as they degrade over time.
This article explores some household items to look out for and what you can do to protect yourself and your family.
Your Toothpaste’s Expiration Date Matters: Dispose Of It After Two Years
Have you ever thought about your toothpaste going bad? You might be surprised to know that many people haven’t actually stopped to think about that and just go on using the same tube for far longer than they should.
The answer is yes; toothpaste can go bad. When this happens, it not only becomes less effective but also begins to separate and crystalize, exposing you to risky oral conditions and ailments.
Toothbrushes Don’t Last Forever
Did you know that toothbrushes also have an expiration date? Unfortunately, most people just go on using their toothbrushes until they either fall apart or get misplaced. This is, in fact, very dangerous for your oral hygiene.
Over time, germs can develop on the bristles of the brush, which is why there is a time frame of 3 to 6 months to switch out an old toothbrush for a new one.
From Flavorful to Foul: Old Spices Can Mess with Your Digestion
Spices are a vital part of any flavorful meal, and they’re one of those things that you don’t really think about going bad since they’re just dried herbs and powders.
Actually, spices, too, have a shelf life, and this is usually between the three-to-four-year range. While it might not be a life-threatening issue, it’s something to remember for the sake of your digestive system.
Eye Drops: Keep an Eye Out
If you’re susceptible to allergies, you may have a few eye drops around the house. But here’s the thing: they actually have a pretty short shelf life.
Once you break the seal off, they’re only safe for another 28 days. After that, there’s a chance they could cause an infection. So while it might be tempting to hold onto them for longer, you must toss them out after 28 days.
Don’t Be Fooled By The Can
Canned food is a staple in most pantries, and most people are of the notion that it can last forever. This is not true.
While canned food can last between one to four years when it is stored properly in a cool and dry place, it certainly can’t last forever. It is important to look out for and dispose of expired canned foods since they can cause food poisoning if consumed.
The Boxed Wine Conundrum
For all boxed wine lovers, this one’s for you. Everyone knows that wine tends to get better with age, but unfortunately, we can’t say the same is true for wine that comes in a box.
Boxed wine comes with expiration dates, and you must always look out for that because some boxed wine contains Bisphenol, a chemical that can lead to fertility problems and heart disease.
The Shelf Life of Mouthwash: To Swish or Not to Swish?
Mouthwash is such a popular product because we all want fresh breath and a healthy mouth. But did you know mouthwash is an important hygiene product that you need to keep a close eye on?
Although mouthwash has a decent shelf life of a few years, you have to be mindful that some contain alcohol, an antiseptic that can dissolve and become ineffective after a few years.
Watch Out For Expired Vegetable Oil
If you don’t usually pay attention to the expiration date on your vegetable oil, you should definitely start doing that now. It turns out that using expired vegetable oil can be seriously dangerous to your health.
Over time, it can develop harmful compounds that have been linked to a range of severe health problems like cancer and heart disease. So, if you have old oil lying around, it’s time to toss it out.
Sunscreen Is One To Watch Out For
We all know it is important to wear sunscreen before stepping out every day. But while necessary, how long can you use the same bottle before it loses effectiveness?
For sunscreens, the general rule of thumb is that they can last for up to three years, but that may not consider how long it has been in a store, so you should always check the expiration date.
