9 Common Items You Never Knew Had Expiration Dates

When it’s time to clean the house, an easy first step is disposing of obviously spoiled items, like milk and bacon — after all, figuring out when to throw items away is as simple as locating an expiration date on the package. But you may be surprised to know that outside of food and cosmetics, many everyday products lose their effectiveness over time and must be replaced for your health and well-being. Here are some everyday items you never knew had expiration dates, from electronics to safety equipment.

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Helmets

According to experts, helmets should be replaced every three to five years. Exposure to natural elements and general wear and tear causes helmets to lose their ability to protect against brain injury, which means you need to replace them even if you have never been involved in a crash or accident.

Car Seats

You may be tempted to save on family expenses by reusing an old car seat, but its safety mechanisms lose effectiveness after about six years (though the exact number depends on the manufacturer). Check under the seat or along the plastic frame for the expiration date.

Disinfectants

The active chemicals in many disinfectants — including bleach, dish soap, and hand sanitizer — begin to degrade roughly one year after the product is manufactured. Replace bottles annually to ensure an effective and thorough cleaning the next time you bring out your supplies.

Fire Extinguishers

Believe it or not, fire extinguishers do expire. Most fire extinguishers should be replaced every 10 to 12 years — though rust, corrosion, and damage are all visual indicators that a traditional extinguisher needs to be repaired or replaced sooner. Rechargeable fire extinguishers should be brought to a service provider every six years for inspection and maintenance.

Motor Oil

An unopened jug of standard motor oil lasts around five years, while synthetic brands can last up to eight years. However, the product degrades quickly once opened, expiring in as little as two years. If you already have a used container in your garage, it’s probably time to purchase a new one.

Perfumes

Perfumes don’t have a specific expiration date, but they lose strength over time depending on the quality of the product. Some scents may begin to degrade in as little as one year, while others last close to a decade. In general, citrus and floral perfumes last for shorter periods than scents with heavier base notes, such as amber, vanilla, and patchouli.

Pillows

While pillows may look fine to the naked eye, experts still suggest replacing them every one to two years. Not only do pillows lose their plushness after being flattened every night, but they also develop bacterial growth from the combination of sweat, hair, and dead skin on their surfaces. Swapping out pillows regularly also helps alleviate allergy symptoms and prevent general illness.

Power Strips

Power strips last for about four years before losing their efficacy. However, that number may fall even lower if the strips aren’t regularly cleaned. Dust can fill the electrical openings, causing the power strip to work less efficiently and overheat, making it a fire hazard. Keep both power strips and the area around them as clean as possible by unplugging your power strip and wiping it down with a slightly damp microfiber cloth.

Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms are one of the most important safety tools in any home. However, ensuring your alarm has new batteries and has been tested isn’t enough — you should replace your smoke alarms every 10 years. Check on the back of the alarm for the date of manufacture.

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