Expiration Dates: What You Need to Know About Food, Beauty, and Household Products

We all have that one jar of something in the back of our fridge that we’ve forgotten about. It’s been there for months, and we have no idea if it’s still safe to eat. But what about beauty and household products? Do they have expiration dates too? The answer is yes, and it’s essential to know when to throw them out. In this article, we’ll explore surprising expiration dates for a range of edibles and non-edibles around the home.

Food Expiration Dates

Most of us are familiar with the expiration dates on our groceries, but what about condiments and sauces? Here are three surprising food expiration dates:

Steak Sauce – 33 Months

According to Real Simple, steak sauce is safe to consume for up to 33 months. However, after this time, the color or flavor may be affected. So, while it’s still generally safe to eat, it may not taste as great as you remembered.

Tabasco – 5 Years

If you’re a fan of Tabasco sauce, you’ll be happy to know that it can last for up to five years if stored in a cool, dry place. However, after this time, it may lose its flavor, so it’s best to use it up before it expires.

Tea Bags – 2 Years

While we may not think of tea as a perishable item, it turns out that tea bags have an expiration date. Lipton tea bags should be used within two years of opening the package, according to Real Simple. After this time, the tea may lose its flavor and aroma.

Beauty Expiration Dates

We spend a lot of money on beauty products, but did you know that they can expire too? Here are three beauty products with surprisingly short expiration dates:

Mascara – 3 Months

Mascara is one of the most important items in our makeup bag, but it only lasts for three months. After this time, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to eye infections. So, if you’ve had your mascara for longer than three months, it’s time to throw it out.

Lipstick – 2 Years

We all have that one tube of lipstick that we’ve had for years. However, lipstick has an expiration date of two years, according to Real Simple. After this time, it can become dry and flaky, and the color may not be as vibrant.

Sunscreen – 1 Year

We all know the importance of wearing sunscreen, but did you know that it has an expiration date? Most sunscreens last for one year, according to Real Simple. After this time, the effectiveness of the sunscreen can decrease, which can increase your risk of sunburn.

Household Product Expiration Dates

We use a range of household products every day without giving much thought to their expiration dates. Here are three surprising household product expiration dates:

Bleach – 6 Months

Bleach is a powerful cleaning agent, but it only lasts for six months. After this time, it can become less effective, which means it won’t clean as well. So, if you’ve had a bottle of bleach for longer than six months, it’s time to replace it.

Air Freshener – 2 Years

We all want our homes to smell fresh and clean, but did you know that air fresheners have an expiration date? According to Real Simple, air fresheners last for two years. After this time, the fragrance may not be as strong, which means it won’t be as effective.

Cooking Oil – 6 Months to 1 Year

Cooking oil is a staple in most kitchens, but it has a shorter shelf life than most of us realize. According to Real Simple, cooking oil lasts for six months to one year, depending on the type of oil. After this time, the oil can become rancid, which can affect the flavor of your food.

Conclusion

While expiration dates may seem like a minor detail, they’re essential for your health and safety. Consuming expired food or using expired beauty and household products can lead to illness, infections, and other health problems. So, the next time you’re cleaning out your fridge, makeup bag, or cleaning supplies, be sure to check the expiration dates. It could save you from a lot of trouble in the long run.