9 Things You Never Thought Could Expire
Do you pay attention to expiration dates on the products in your home? Most items in your cabinets have shelf-lives. When their prime has passed, they probably should be tossed. Some items though seem like they shouldn’t ever expire. The video below shows us 9 things that actually do expire when we would have thought otherwise.
Bleach is one of the most popular cleaning agents used in many households and different types of facilities. Sodium hypochlorite, which is the active ingredient in this liquid disinfectant, has a 6-month shelf life from the production date. Make sure that you store bleach away from sunlight to avoid sodium hypochlorite decomposition.
Condoms can last up to 5 years if stored in a cool, dry place, but the latex in this contraceptive device may lose its moisture when exposed to heat which can weaken its structural reliability.
Three months is the longest that you can keep your anti-acne cream after you open it. Once you open a tube of this cream, you are likely to introduce bacteria into the formula every time you use it. And, because the ingredients break down fast, it’ll become less effective in treating pimples. Worst, you get skin infection or irritation.
Unopened hair care products such as hairspray or gel will maintain its freshness and effectiveness for three years. On the other hand, once you open hairspray or gel, the shelf life drops to 18 months, because when these products are applied to the hair, they come in contact with the hand of the user and, as a result, become contaminated by bacteria. Water and air that gets into the container speed up the breakdown of the ingredients.
Bar and liquid soaps can last from 18 months – 2 years, especially those that contain essential oils. Organic soaps go bad more quickly than conventional ones because they’re made without chemical preservatives. Non-organic soaps are infused with synthetic ingredients and preservatives to make them last longer. This may sound good, but come to think of it, when you consider hygiene and the health of your skin, then better not use soap that’s passed its prime already.
Under optimal conditions, motor oils can last up to 5 years unopened and a short life span of just 90 days after it’s opened. When dirt and water have gotten into the bottle or can of the engine oil, it will become less effective. Store motor oil containers in a cool dry location.
