14 Items We Use Often and We Didn’t Imagine Their Real Expiration Date

On a daily basis, we deal with several items that do not come with an expiration date described on the packaging and many others whose duration can change depending on the frequency of use and how we conserve them. Who ever thought, for example, that if a helmet falls to the ground it should be discarded regardless of how long it has been used? Or that gym clothes should have relays to last longer?

We, from awesome.club, we love to give you good tips. Therefore, we selected 14 items that we use frequently and that we had no idea that we should discard them after a while, for our own safety and well-being.

Appliances that work by heating need extra attention in cleaning the filters. If they are not cleaned frequently, leftover fabric fibers can build up in various parts of the appliance and, over time, start a fire. Therefore, the indication is to change the device between 8 to 12 years of regular use.

PET bottles have a printed expiry date which, most of the time, is not for the liquid it contains, but for the packaging itself. Therefore, it is important not to reuse the container beyond this date and always forward it to recycling. It is important to remember that these packages, when stored in a place with heat or direct sunlight, can release toxic substances that are harmful to our health.

The regular exchange of products that use electricity, fire and gas must always be observed for the safety of the user. The replacement of this appliance should happen when it has 10 to 15 years of use, and the gas hose, every 5 years. In addition, they need cleaning and maintenance from time to time so that the gas lines do not become clogged.

The flour generally lasts from 6 to 12 months, if properly packaged: in closed jars, in a dry place, away from light and heat. To have the food good for use, it is important to put the rest of the flour that is left in a bag with zip closure and take it to the freezer for 2 days. Thus, the cold ends up eliminating the micro-organisms that may be in the flour.

Although they generally have no indication of an expiration date, plastic pots can be used within 2 to 5 years. Prefer to buy those that are free of the toxic substance bisphenol A (BPA), widely used in the manufacture of bottles and the inner lining of cans.

Remembering that we must observe if these objects have any scratches or cracks. These alterations in the structure of the item can harbor harmful germs. So, if you identify these defects, discard it immediately, regardless of the time of use.

Although most come with some kind of expiration date, some important characteristics should be noted that show the need to discard and replace parts:

On the nipple: color change, lack of elasticity, tears or cracks; On the bottle: cracks, scratches, stains or yellowing of the material.

It is important to check if the car seat has an expiry date for use. If not, the maximum period indicated is between 6 and 10 years, depending on the wear and tear of the material such as fabric, fasteners, foam and fastening straps. That’s why it’s also important to remember that it’s not recommended to buy this item used, precisely because there’s no way to determine how long it’s been used.

Air conditioning is an almost indispensable device in places that are extremely hot, but it is important to remember that this type of equipment needs periodic and preventive maintenance. This consists of cleaning and replacing the air filters, as well as checking the parts and power cords. Despite these precautions, this appliance must be replaced every 10 or 15 years of use.

Towels should be changed and washed frequently and, if well cared for, can last 2-3 years. After that they may stop absorbing water effectively. Bathroom mats, on the other hand, are objects that accumulate more moisture and dirt than towels, so the ideal thing is for them to be changed every 2 years.

The pieces we use at the gym like tops, leggings and tank tops wear out over time, with washing and use, causing these items to no longer fulfill their function. To make the tops last longer, have at least 3 pieces to take turns. Leggings need to “rest” for 24 hours after washing, which helps prevent the stretch fabric from fraying.

Tampons have a shelf life of about 5 years if they are stored correctly and in a dry and cool place, and this is usually indicated on the packaging. However, avoid leaving this “lost” item in your bag if it is not well packed. Using this contaminated pad can cause infection, as the inside of the bag is not the right place to store it.

Plants, for the most part, must be replanted in another vase or in seedbeds within a period of 1 to 2 years. For this, use a larger vase and always change the land using fertilizer and substrate indicated for the type of vegetation. Another sign that the exchange should be made as soon as possible is when the roots start to come out over or under the pot.

Disposable razor blades have an expiration date already stated on the package, but this may vary depending on the frequency of use. Cleaning after waxing and storage location also interfere with disposal time. According to the Gillette website:

If you use the blade daily, it is recommended to change the device every 1 or 2 weeks; If you use it every other day, discard it every 2 to 3 weeks; , change to a new one in 4 to 6 weeks at most.

The period of use of the bicycle helmet depends on the conservation and use of the item. It usually comes with an indication of indefinite validity, but if you drop it, for example, you have to buy a new one because of the possible compromise of the material with microcracks. The structure is based on Styrofoam and some other material such as carbon, plastic and fiberglass, all well planned to provide the safety that the cyclist needs.

Did you like the shelf life tips for these products? Is there anything else you use that you have doubts about the expiry date? Tell us in the comments.