It is quite essential to know the expiry dates of everyday things or objects we use on a regular basis. More important is knowing the expiry dates of the medications we use, as expired medicines can have opposite effect.
Many of us must have had at least a single instance in our lives where we would have carelessly consumed or used an expired product and faced the ill effects of it. So when we know the importance of expiry dates of everyday objects and things we use on a regular basis, we can potentially prevent the resulting harmful effects of using them.
Slippers: 6 months
If the slippers give you the warm sensation and feel sticky, then it most likely has fungal growth. If this happens after 6 months from the time of slipper purchase, then it is better to change it immediately.
Undergarments: 1 to 2 years
There are high probabilities for changes in our weight in one year time period. This can lead to changes in our body structure. So, using the same undergarment for more than 1 or 2 years is highly impractical and should be avoided. It is a good idea to change it once a year.
Dish Wash Bar: 12 to 18 months
Dish wash bars stays effective at the most for 18 months time period. If you have purchased them under offer price, make a note of its manufacturing date and use it as early as possible.
Pillows: 2 to 3 years
The shape of the pillows tends to change over time. So, using it over a long time duration can lead to neck pain and headaches. Additionally, pillows do collect germs and dust, which can lead to infections and allergies.
Running Shoes: 1 Year
Cushions in the running shoes do get spoiled and detach itself from its place after using it for 250 to 300 miles. Spoiled cushions mean more force is absorbed by the joints while you jog or walk wearing it. This can lead to pain in the joints. So it must be changed periodically.
Washing Soap: 6 months to 1 year
Once washing soaps cross its expiry date, it doesn’t clean the clothes properly. So, use it before it reaches its expiry date.
Towel: 1 to 3 years
Wet towels are a breeding ground for bacterias. So, it must be dried under sunlight. Even doing so, it should not be used for more than three years.
Antibiotics: 3 to 6 months
Antibiotics fetch no results if they are used after its expiry periods. They will lose its ability to kill and fight germs.
Masalas: up to 1 year
Masalas taste different after 1 year time period. Also, it would have lost its aroma. If it is in powdered form, avoid using it after 6 months.
Mattress: 5 to 10 years
An old irregular mattress will lead to back pain. It will make us feel uncomfortable and spoil our sleep. So it must be changed when it is not serving its purpose well.
Scrubs used for bathing: up to 6 months
Using it for the longer time period will potentially lead to bacterial and yeast growth in it. This will lead to skin infections and skin problems.
Flour: 6 to 12 months
Storing flours for longer time duration will spoil its quality and give out foul smell. Additionally, it can lead to bacterial and yeast growth over it.
Antibacterial creams: up to 1 year
Antibacterial creams undergo chemical changes after 1 year, so it will not serve its purpose. For some people, it can cause skin problems.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits like mangoes, papaya etc are ripened using carbide stones. Additionally, these fruits are sprayed and dipped with ethylene before being sold in markets. Some chemicals are used to increase the weight of certain vegetables and fruits. As the fruits start to get spoiled, it releases ethylene gas. This gas is extremely toxic in nature.
Vegetables and fruits must be used or consumed immediately after purchase. We should avoid the practice of cutting out the spoiled part of the fruit or vegetable and consuming the remaining portion of it.
Cough Syrups
Most often cough syrups are only used till the problem persists. After that, the syrup bottle will be kept safe somewhere. When there is a reoccurrence of the problem after 6 months or even one year, we tend to use the same syrup. We convince ourselves that the medicine hasn’t reached its expiry date yet.
But, The expiry dates for cough syrups and many other medications changes once it is unsealed and used. So it is better to dispose of the syrup bottles once the condition is cured.
