10 Household Items That Have An Expiration Date

Did you know that there are some utensils in your home that expire after a period of use? Although they do not have a defined deadline like that of a food, they complete a cycle in which it  is convenient to replace them for both hygiene and health.

10 household items that have an expiration date

It is essential to identify these utensils and find an alternative to replace them as soon as possible. Thus, by giving them responsible use, discomforts such as allergies or fungal infections are avoided. Do you already know what they are? Take note!

1. Pillows

Pillows are essential elements to rest well. However, to keep them comfortable, it  ‘s best to replace them at least every two years. Although it looks like they are in good condition, their materials are deteriorating.

Also, since they accumulate sweat residue and dead cells, they can be the perfect place for mites and bacteria to grow. In fact, the ideal is to wash them regularly so they don’t negatively affect your health.

2. Slippers

Many people prefer slippers because they provide a pleasant feeling of relaxation. However, it doesn’t matter how good your hygiene habits are; they are also products that have an expiration date.

This type of shoe is made with materials that  promote a moist and warm environment for fungal growth. Therefore, its use for more than six months may increase the risk of foot infections.

3. Towels

Although they directly participate in our hygiene habits, towels must be changed from time to time. Although its function is only to dry the skin,  fungi and bacteria that affect health accumulate in your tissues.

It is true that they can be washed regularly with disinfectants to avoid any risk. But since your materials are deteriorating with every wash, it’s best to replace them with new ones every year or a year and a half.

4. Toothbrush

For obvious reasons, you should be aware that toothbrushes are household items that you should regularly replace. Although they sometimes remain “in good condition” after several months of use, it’s best to throw them away and buy a new one.

When left for more than three months, the risk of oral infections increases. This is because  their bristles are damaged and stop doing their job of removing debris from the teeth. In addition, they accumulate more bacteria and fungi that can affect these problems.

5. Combs and brushes

Maintaining combs and brushes is one of the most overlooked tasks in the home. Most worrying is that they are usually a hotbed of bacteria and fungi that  can affect the health of the scalp and all of the hair.

So that these utensils in your house do not cause any problems, it is better to wash them every week with hot water. Likewise, it’s a good idea to change them every year so that the deteriorated materials don’t damage your hair.

6. Bath sponges

Bath sponges or anything that comes into contact with the body should be changed at least every three months. Although at first glance it is not noticeable, it  is one of the elements that usually accumulate fungus and bacteria that affect the skin.

7. Kitchen towels and sponges

Both towels and kitchen sponges have a short shelf life. While their materials don’t always deteriorate quickly, they  are a great source of bacteria that can cause contamination. It is advisable to change them once a month.

8. Baby bottle

Latex baby bottles should not be used for longer than five weeks. Regardless of frequency of use and appearance, they accumulate health-threatening microbes. Latex cracks and, due to its contact with air and moisture, becomes contaminated.

9. running shoes

The condition of running shoes may vary depending on the use they receive. But when they have already exceeded 500 km of use, their materials deteriorate and lose their ability to dampen. Therefore,  using them for more than a year poses a risk to your joints.

10. Bra

This essential accessory for women can be worn for a year or two, depending on the material from which it is made. After this period,  most lose their elasticity and shape, which causes discomfort when using them.