Sure, you’re wary of spoiled milk, but many other everyday (non-food) items also go bad over time.

This can expire?!

Typically, you only worry about expiration dates for food you buy at the supermarket. But, believe it or not, there are actually expiration dates for things that you don’t eat as well. They’re meant to keep you safe or to ensure that the product will still work, so don’t blow them off.

Car seats

A car seat can literally save your infant or child’s life, so you’ll want to make sure it’s installed correctly and that it’s not past its expiration date. Yes, every car seat has an expiration date, in Australia the recommended expiration date is ten years.

Sunscreen

Your sunscreen might not come with an expiration date, but that doesn’t mean it lasts forever. In fact, experts say that sunscreens are generally effective for only three years, after which they begin to lose their potency. The Mayo Clinic recommends jotting the purchase date on the bottle so you’ll know to toss it when you hit the three-year mark. And some sunblocks do have an expiration date, so check the bottle and be sure to mind the guideline.

Motor oil

There’s nothing wrong with stocking up on motor oil when you see a sale, but be aware that it tends to go south after five years, experts say. At that point, the oil can start to separate and the consistency could change, compromising its performance.

Tea bags

If you drink tea only when you’re sick, the tea bags in your pantry may not be as potent as when they were fresh, experts say. While tea won’t necessarily spoil, it can lose quality after about two years, according to manufacturers. Preserve tea longer by storing it in the freezer.

Sunglasses

Don’t bother searching for a tiny date printed on your shades – you won’t find one. But it’d be helpful if you could. In addition to shielding your eyes from the sun’s glare, sunglasses block harmful UV rays that could cause cancer or cataracts. Unfortunately, sun specs become less effective at blocking UV light as time goes on, according to researchers at the University of São Paulo, partly from normal wear and tear that may scratch the lenses.

Paint

If you’re crafty or own a home, chances are you have plenty of old paint cans in your basement or garage. You likely won’t see an expiration date on them, but that doesn’t mean you can expect to see like-new results every time you pop the top. In fact, painting experts recommend disposing of any paint that’s been open for two to four years. Unopened, oil-based paint will stay good for about 15 years, and latex-based paint stays good for around ten years. Regardless of time, always toss any paint that’s mouldy, dried out, or has chunks in it.

Toothpaste

Toothpaste is not a good candidate for buying in bulk, although a tube’s expiration date depends on the manufacturer and brand. Colgate toothpastes, for example, are generally good for only two years from the manufacture date. If you’ve got some older tubes, consider using them for household projects like removing shoe scuffs or cleaning your clothes iron.

Bar soap

You expect soap to get you squeaky clean, but it might not do as great a job if it’s past its prime. Some bar soaps have expiration dates, but for those that don’t, experts recommend storing them no more than three years. Signs of a too-old soap bar include dryness and cracks.

Hydrogen peroxide

That dark bottle has a surprisingly short shelf life. Unopened, it will be good for about three years, but it loses its effectiveness about six months after you open the lid and expose it to the air. If you’re debating whether to replace your old bottle, pour a bit into the sink; you’ll know it’s still good if it bubbles and fizzes.

Running shoes

Sneakers seen some better days? Time to throw those ratty kicks out. The more you work out in a pair of shoes, the more the cushioning wears down, meaning you won’t be able to run as efficiently and might increase your risk for injury. Most shoemakers recommend replacing a pair after running 480 to 970 kilometres in them. It’s a wide range, so pay attention to how they feel.

Helmets

As the only thing between you and a nasty head injury, a helmet needs to be in tiptop condition. But an old one that’s been exposed to the elements might not offer the protection you need. Salt in sweat can corrode the helmet’s materials, and the sun takes a toll on plastic, too. Serious bikers should replace their lid every two years, while those who hop on a bike every once in a while can wait four before getting a new one.

Bug spray

Don’t be shocked if you still end up with mosquito bites after spritzing yourself with insect repellent you bought ages ago. As long as you keep it out of extreme heat or cold, it will last about three years. After that, though, the product starts to break down slowly and won’t be as effective. If you can’t remember when you bought the bottle, you might be better off with a new one.

Mascara

Experts recommend tossing mascara about three months after you open it. The makeup can be contaminated with bacteria, and putting it near your eye could put you at risk for infection. If the formula dries up before three months is up, throw it out anyway. Trying to moisten it with water or saliva will just add more bacteria.

Loofahs

That sponge you use to wash yourself might not be so clean. For one thing, dead skin cells can get stuck in their nooks and crannies. Add the dampness of a shower that makes it hard for the loofah to dry, and you’ve created an environment where bacteria thrive. Even if you wash yours in bleach every week, a natural loofah should be replaced every three or four weeks, and plastic poufs should go in the bin after two months, according to Cleveland Clinic.

Batteries

Unless you have a lot of battery-powered devices, you might want to hold off on the value pack. Look closely and you’ll find an expiration date. Certain parts of the battery corrode over time, and the lithium breaks down to make it harder to transfer electricity. The batteries won’t be dangerous or even totally useless by that date, but they probably won’t function as well as fresh ones.

Moisturiser

Facial lotion that’s been open for more than two years won’t hydrate as effectively as a new bottle. And when it comes to the face products in jars, you might need to replace even more often. Every time you stick your fingers in, you leave bacteria in the jar to fester. Replace it after six months to avoid spreading germs