7 Things You Didn’t Know Could Expire in Idaho

When was the last time you went through your cupboard or pantry? Has it been a while since you have cleaned out the shed or garage? The heat has many of us putting off these chores, as it is too hot to be in the shed or garage, and the summer also offers fun events and activities to easily avoid cleaning out the pantry. You may want to make some time to check items in the pantry and grab a big trash bag, cause odds are you have some expired items that you didn't know had expiration dates.

Car Seats

Most moms likely know this one already, but for new parents or dads, it is nice to know that car seats for your children do expire. They typically last around 7 years and then need to be changed out. If they have been in a car crash, they need to be changed out before the 7 years are up. If you have gotten a used car seat from a sibling, a friend, or at a garage sale, you might have one that is expired and need to go buy a new one as soon as possible. 

Power Strips and Surge Protectors

While there is no true expiration date for power strips, it is good to change them out every couple of years to avoid them being a fire hazard. The strips are set to take only so much electricity over their life span. If they begin to change colors or are hot to touch, then it is time to change them out. 

Potatoes

Odds are many in the area know this one already, especially in Idaho, but potatoes can expire. It shouldn't be surprising, as most foods do expire, but potatoes contain a toxic chemical that can be dangerous. They should be kept in dark, cool places or the chemical can spread. If stored properly, potatoes have a good shelf life of about 2 to 3 months. 

Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers serve an important purpose, but it does not happen often. If you have owned a fire extinguisher and haven't used it before or in some time, you might want to check and make sure it hasn't expired. They typically last between 5 to 15 years. Make sure to check the hose for any leaks or the pressure to make sure it is good to go. 

Loofahs

This one might be a little surprising, but the loofah that you use to wash your body does expire and should be replaced every couple of weeks or months. Luckily they aren't expensive, but that seems like a lot. They can start to breed bacteria and should be rinsed and dried after each use, and thrown out after a couple of months. 

Running Shoes

Shoes take a beating and the more you wear them the less they last. Most running shoes are built to last for around 250 miles, and over time the padding becomes less soft, and it puts pressure on your joints, and makes them less useful. It is recommended to switch out your running shoes every 6 months to a year, but shoes aren't cheap, so they will likely be used past their expiration date. 

Toilet Paper

Did you know that toilet paper can expire? It typically lasts 3 years but can last longer if stored properly. Over time the toilet paper will become less comfortable, and the feeling will change over time. The color will not differ, making it tough to know when it has expired. If you have stored toilet paper this long, there might be some questions, but even if expired, wouldn't the toilet paper still be good to accomplish what it was made for? 

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Some of these you may have known, and others might be a little shocking. Who knew that some of these could expire? Many of these will still be used after their expiration date, but it is interesting to know that they can go bad, some without you even knowing. To see more items that you didn't know could expire, make sure to click this link. Now that you know what expires, you have some products to check in your home.