Is it time to toss?

How Long Do Things Really Last? A Guide to Expiration Dates Beyond Food

When it comes to food, checking the expiration date is second nature to most of us. But what about other products we use every day? From makeup to medication, cleaning products, and personal care items, everything has a lifespan, even if it’s not as obvious as the "best by" date on a carton of milk. In this blog post, we’ll break down how long everyday items typically last, helping you make informed decisions about what to keep and when it’s time to toss.

1. Makeup and Skincare Products

While makeup and skincare can make you feel and look good, expired products may cause irritation, infections, or breakouts. Each product has a different lifespan:

- Mascara and Liquid Eyeliner: 3-6 months. These are prone to bacteria growth, so replace them often.

- Foundation: 6-12 months. Liquid foundations can separate or grow bacteria over time.

- Lipstick and Lip Gloss: 1-2 years. You’ll notice changes in texture and smell when it’s time to replace.

- Powder Products (blush, eyeshadow): 2 years. Powder makeup lasts longer but can still accumulate oils and bacteria over time.

- Sunscreen: Check the expiration date. Most sunscreens are effective for 1-3 years, but after this, they may not protect your skin as well.

-Nail Polish: 1-2 years. Thickening or separating will happen after this time.

2. Medications

Medications come with expiration dates, but sometimes it’s not clear how long they remain effective. Here are general guidelines:

-Prescription Medications: 1-2 years. It’s crucial to follow the labeled expiration date because expired medication may lose potency and even become dangerous.

-Over-the-Counter Medications (Pain Relievers, Cough Syrups): 2-3 years. After this time, the active ingredients may degrade, making them less effective.

-Vitamins and Supplements: 2-3 years. They may lose potency after the expiration date, but they’re unlikely to be harmful.

3. Cleaning Products

Household cleaners are essential, but they don’t last forever. Here’s how long they typically stay effective:

- Disinfectant Sprays and Wipes: 1-2 years. After this, their ability to kill germs weakens.

- Laundry Detergent: 6-12 months for liquid detergent and up to 1 year for powder. After that, their cleaning power diminishes.

- Bleach: 6 months. Bleach loses its potency quickly, so don’t use it after its expiration date if you need strong disinfecting power.

- Dishwashing Liquid: 1 year. Its effectiveness decreases over time, especially if stored improperly.

4. Paint

That old can of paint in the garage may not be as fresh as you think. Here’s how long you can expect different types of paint to last:

- Unopened Latex Paint: 2-10 years. Latex paint lasts longer if it’s stored in a cool, dry place.

- Opened Latex Paint: 2-3 years. Once opened, the paint may dry out or develop lumps.

- Oil-Based Paint: 15 years. Oil-based paints can last much longer if properly sealed.

5. Batteries

Batteries don’t last forever, but their shelf life depends on the type:

- Alkaline Batteries: 5-10 years. These are the most common household batteries and can last for years in storage.

- Lithium Batteries: 10-15 years. These batteries last longer and are often used in high-performance electronics.

- Rechargeable Batteries: 2-3 years or up to 1,000 charges. Rechargeable batteries gradually lose their ability to hold a charge over time.

6. Alcohol

Alcoholic beverages can last quite a while, but there are differences depending on the type:

- Spirits (Whiskey, Vodka, Rum): Indefinitely if unopened. Once opened, they can last for years, but they may lose flavor after 1-2 years due to oxidation.

- Wine: 1-5 years depending on the type. Most wines are meant to be consumed within a few years, but fine wines can age for decades under proper conditions.

- Beer: 6-9 months. Beer is best consumed fresh, and it can go flat or develop an off-taste after this time.

7. Personal Care and Feminine Products

Many personal care items don’t come with obvious expiration dates, but they can degrade over time:

- Shampoo and Conditioner: 2-3 years. After this time, the ingredients can separate and become less effective.

- Bar Soap: 2-3 years. While soap doesn’t spoil, it can dry out and lose its lathering ability.

- Feminine Products (Tampons, Pads): 5 years. Tampons and pads have long shelf lives but can degrade over time if stored in humid environments.

- Toothpaste: 2 years. After the expiration date, fluoride may become less effective, diminishing its cavity-fighting power.

8. Miscellaneous Household Items

- Sponges: 2-4 weeks. Sponges accumulate bacteria quickly, so it’s a good idea to replace them regularly.

- Toothbrushes: 3-4 months. Toothbrush bristles wear out, making them less effective over time.

Conclusion

While it’s tempting to keep things longer than recommended, following these guidelines will keep you healthy and will reduce clutter in your home. Ditching expired and ineffective products is one of the easiest ways to make room in you space and a great first step to any organizing project. So go ahead, grab the trash bag, I promise you won’t miss that old nail polish.

Happy Decluttering!