8 Things You Didn’t Know Expired in California

Certain items often sit in a person's pantry, garage, shed, or attic, and for whatever reason never get thrown out. Perhaps it is a food item you bought, a product you thought you would use, or something you stocked up on, but have too much of. Certain items sit in houses for far too long, that they almost become forgotten about. From time to time, it will get moved around, but rarely do you check the expiration date on it. Some certain items and products might have expired, and you don't have a clue because you didn't know they had expiration dates. Here are a few items in California that you may not know expire.

Toilet Paper

Did you know that toilet paper could expire? It seems outrageous but it can. In most people's minds, it should get the job done no matter what. Toilet paper has a shelf life of around three years, and while it won't change colors and will still do what it needs to, over time the feeling and comfort will change. Most people shouldn't have toilet paper last three years, but if you have some that you have stored for a while, it might be time to use it or lose it. 

Fire Extinguishers

It seems like a bad idea to have something used to save lives expire, but fire extinguishers only last between 5 to 15 years. Hopefully, you haven't had to use one in a while, but it might be time to check the hose and make sure there are no holes or leaks, as well as check the pressure. If it has been a while since you bought yours, it is time to get a new one. 

Bike Helmets

Bike helmets might be there to protect you, but after so long, you might need some different protection. Like most safety equipment, if you have been in an accident with your helmet on or the helmet is damaged, it should be replaced. On average, their lifespan is 3 to 5 years, and they become less effective over time. 

Insect Repellent

For people that use insect repellent, if you have sprayed yourself and the bugs are continuing to feed on you, don't spray more, as it is likely the bottle you are using has expired. Bug repellent has a life span of 2 years from the moment it is manufactured. Make sure to check the bottle and if it seems like it has been stored for a while, it is best to go buy some new repellent. 

Lipstick

If you have a lipstick that has been around for a while, it might be time to toss it. Lipstick typically is good for up to two years, but if exposed to the air, it can dry out and change in texture, and expire a little sooner. The easiest way to tell if your lipstick is expired is if it has a change in smell. Nobody wants stinky lips.  

Batteries

Almost everyone has a drawer full of batteries and has little to no idea how long they have been there. If you try one and it doesn't work, it is either used or perhaps it expired. The shelf life of a battery differs by size and type of battery. It is best to store them in a dry area that doesn't get too hot or too cold. It might be time to go through that battery drawer and see which ones are working and which ones are expired. 

Car Seats

New parents and most dads may not be aware, but if you got a car seat for your children from a garage sale, a friend, or a family member it may already be expired. If a car seat has been in a wreck, it can't be used again, and it needs to be replaced every 7 years. If your children have an age gap, your second child may not be able to use the car seat that your first child did. It seems ridiculous to some, but for the safety of your kids, get a new car seat. 

Sunscreen

Have you ever put on sunscreen, gone to the beach, or the pool, or to lay out in the backyard, only to still get burned? That might be because your sunscreen was expired. If you buy big bottles of it and don't get out to the pool or beach as often as you'd like, you likely store it and keep it for another time. If you have held onto that bottle for three years, it is likely expired. Make sure to check the expiration date, or at best, buy a new bottle every summer. 

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It might be time to go through the house and check some of the products, groceries, and items to make sure they aren't expired. To see the full list of items you weren't aware of that are expired in your home, make sure to click the link above in the first paragraph. Don't be caught eating or using bad items because you didn't throw them out.