Towels, Running Shoes, And 8 More Items You Probably Didn’t Know Had Expiration Dates
Just because there is no expiry date, does not mean it will not expire.
By Selena Chua
It is pretty easy to know when you should throw something out if the expiration date is clearly printed
However, can items that do not have any expiration date become expired too? Here are some items you probably want to throw out soon:
1. Pillows: Two to three years
Over time, that thing you use to sleep on every night collects piles and piles of your saliva and dust.
If you're waking up in the morning sneezing, it could be from the dust on your pillow.
Over time, pillows start to lose shape and support. This can cause neck pain.
2. Running shoes: Six months to a year
The National Institute of Health (NIH) recommends changing your shoes every six months to one year, as shoes lose shock absorption, cushioning, and stability over time, which could lead to an injury.
Even shoes sitting in the back of your closet expire. They just take a bit longer.
If you're doing three workout sessions a week, you should be getting new shoes every three to five months.
3. Spices: Three years
Different spices have different expiry dates. The expiry dates also change depending on if the spices are ground or dried.
For example, ground tumeric lasts for two to three years, but dried turmeric lasts a bit longer.
Beyond their expiration date, spices start to lose their colour and taste, which defeats the purpose of adding them to your food.
Click on the link to view a complete list of expiration dates for spices.
4. Towels: Three years
Are your towels not effective for absorbing water anymore?
That might be a sign it is expired.
Wet towels are the perfect environment for bacteria to grow. Even washing it will not get rid of the bacteria completely.
5. Toothbrushes: Three months
A good indicator is when the bristles are bent and out of shape.
Beyond this point, the toothbrush will not be as effective to use.
Pro tip: use your old toothbrushes for cleaning other household items or hard to reach areas.
6. Makeup sponges: Three months
Makeup sponges do not have a very long shelf life. Beauty Blender explicitly states on their website, their makeup sponge is only meant to last three months.
If your skin starts to break out, you can bet it's time to replace your makeup sponge.
We understand makeup sponges are expensive, so the cheaper alternative is to use silicon makeup sponges. The best part is you can clean them immediately after using them.
7. Hair brushes: Six months
It is not just hair that can collect in hair brushes, but a combination of dust, oil, and dead cells. So every time you brush your hair, you are essentially transferring these back and forth.
To help extend the shelf life of your hair brush, you should:
- clean your hair brush once a week,
- never apply product directly to the brush,
- never soak the brush in water, and
- never apply heat directly to the brush
8. Bras: One to two years
Over time, bras lose their shape and support, especially if you machine wash and do not reshape them after.
You know it is time to buy a new bra if you are using the last hook, the bra straps are falling off, or if the underwire is poking your chest.
9. Power strip: One to two years
Old power strips use up a lot of electricity and become hot quickly. This may lead to a fire.
Power strips are also often placed in small places, so their wires and plugs are often bent and easily broken.
With something as important as power strips, it is important you replace them every couple of years. A good indicator is when its colour has changed.
