11 Everyday Items You Didn’t Know Could Expire

As a mom trying to balance a budget in times when every penny counts, I’ve gotten pretty good at making things last. We all do, right? We buy in bulk, clip coupons, and stash away essentials, hoping to dodge those last-minute shopping runs.

But it turns out, some of those “essentials” have a ticking clock—yes, even things you wouldn’t expect have an expiration date. Realizing this has been a bit of an eye-opener for me, and it’s changed how I shop and store everything from pantry staples to safety items.

Here’s a rundown of 11 things you probably have in your house that don’t last forever, so you can keep your home as safe and efficient as possible without unnecessary waste.

Batteries

Around our house, batteries are the silent heroes—until they’re not. Whether it’s the remote or the kids’ favorite toys, running out of juice always seems to happen at the worst times.

Energizer suggests that batteries have a varied lifespan depending on their type, with rechargeables lasting up to five years. So, when you’re stocking up, take a moment to write down their expiration dates.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is my go-to for everything from a scraped knee to a quick countertop wipe-down. But did you know once you open it, it only stays active for about six months?

To make sure yours is still good, do a quick fizz check. Just pour a bit down the sink—if it bubbles, it’s ready to work. If not, it’s time for a new bottle.

Hand Sanitizer

As a mom who juggles countless things, I always keep hand sanitizer handy, especially when grabbing soap and water isn’t an option. But did you know that those little bottles come with an expiration date? Typically, hand sanitizers are effective for one to three years.

Even though some experts say using older sanitizer is better than none, it’s good to check the label. The FDA requires these dates because they can’t guarantee the product’s effectiveness or stability past that point. For the best germ-fighting results, though, nothing beats washing hands with good old-fashioned soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Pepper Spray

When it comes to personal safety, pepper spray is a non-negotiable item in my bag, especially during late-night runs to the grocery store. Manufacturers like Sabre suggest that their pepper sprays last up to four years, whereas others might have just a two-year shelf life.

After this period, the pressurization needed to deliver the spray effectively can diminish, rendering it unreliable in a pinch. Always mark the purchase date on your spray and replace it by the expiration to ensure it works when you truly need it.

Fire Extinguisher

That trusty fire extinguisher you’ve had for over a decade? It might be time to check if it’s still up to the job. Fire extinguishers can lose pressure and become less effective as they age, typically lasting about 12 years. Look for signs of wear like broken or missing parts and corrosion.

And when it’s time to replace it, remember, you can’t just toss it in the trash. Your local fire department, recycling center, or hazardous-waste disposal site can guide you on how to dispose of it responsibly.

Helmets

Helmets, whether for biking or motorcycling, are lifesavers, but they don’t last forever. Experts from Consumer Reports suggest replacing them every five years due to material degradation that can compromise their protective qualities.

If your helmet has already been through a crash, it’s time for a new one, no matter how it looks on the outside. This rule holds true for car seats involved in moderate to severe crashes too.

Always check NHTSA.gov for the latest safety guidelines and make sure you’re protecting yourself and your loved ones with gear that’s up to standard.

Potatoes

We all have that bag of potatoes tucked away in the kitchen, ready for any meal. But be cautious—those spuds can turn against you if not stored properly. Potatoes contain solanine, a natural toxin that’s usually harmless unless the potatoes are exposed to too much sunlight or stored near onions, which can increase their spoilage.

If you see your potatoes sprouting or turning green, it’s time to throw them out. Keeping them in a cool, dark place helps them last longer, making sure they’re safe and ready for your next family dinner.

Bleach

Bleach is a cleaning champ, but did you know it starts to lose its power after just three months? That’s right, the bleach under your sink might not be as potent as you think, especially for disinfecting surfaces. It falls short of the EPA’s standards for killing germs, which isn’t something you want to mess with.

To keep your home as safe and clean as possible, make it a routine to replace your bleach and other disinfectants like Lysol every few months.

Car Seat

When it comes to keeping your little ones safe, a car seat is non-negotiable. But did you know that car seats have an expiration date? Yep, tucked away, usually on the bottom, is a little date stamp that tells you when it’s time to retire it.

Brands like Graco and Britax set the lifespan of their seats at about six to ten years.

Motor Oil

While it’s tempting to stock up on motor oil during a sale, keep in mind that even these sturdy bottles have a use-by date. Experts suggest that after five years, motor oil may not be your engine’s best friend anymore.

Over time, it can begin to separate, altering its consistency and effectiveness. This could mean less protection for your engine parts when you need it most, so keeping an eye on those expiration dates is key to maintaining your car’s health.

Tires

Tires might seem rugged, but they actually need to be replaced every six to ten years due to factors like weather exposure and usage. Check their manufacture date on the sidewall, represented by a four-digit code— the first two digits are the week and the last two the year. Even if they look okay, old tires can lose integrity, risking safety.

Inspect regularly for signs of wear and keep them properly inflated to extend their life. It’s crucial to replace them within their lifespan to prevent accidents or blowouts.