All the products you didn't realise actually expire
It's common knowledge that food products have an expiration date. The expiry label stamped on a bottle or the smell of off milk is a dead giveaway.
But there's some items you can't keep for long that might have slipped under your radar.
Here's some of the lesser known products that are less effective or simply should not be used after a period of time.
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Sunscreen
It's the lifesaver for Australian summer, but expired sunscreen won't save you from that all-dreaded sunburn.
According to the Cancer Council, "most sunscreens last about two to three years and should be stored at a temperature below 30ºC."
COVID tests
They were everywhere for a couple of years, and chances are many people have a stock of old COVID-19 tests in a cupboard just in case.
But rapid antigen tests actually expire after a set of months, so make sure to check the packet for an accurate result.
Hair brush
They get our hair looking fresh and knot free for the day, but even hair brushes don't last forever.
When you've gotten to the point of washing or cleaning your brush, it's time to look at buying a new one for good hygiene.
Hair brushes should be replaced around every six months or when the bristles start to bend.
Pillows
After sleeping on them every night, pillow will eventually get worn down and need a replacement.
It's important to replace pillows for hygiene reasons and to prevent sore muscles.
The life span for a pillow depends on the use and make of course, but can last up to a good three years.
Liquid foundation
Like many beauty products, make-up has a point when it will be past its prime and need to be chucked.
The general rule for liquid foundation is an opened bottle will keep your face looking filter perfect for a year.
The minute it starts to split, it's time to toss it avoid any bacteria.
Mousturiser
While moisturiser bottles are still reasonably safe to use after they 'expire', the cream won't actually hydrate the skin as effectively after two years.
But this is a different story for containers or jars which can build up bacteria over time from dipping your fingers in.
These need to be replaced more frequently in a matter of months to keep the skin bacteria free.
Insect repellent
The last thing you want is to be sitting out on the deck in summer, spraying insect repellent, but still getting bitten because its lost all effectiveness.
The different ingredients in an insect repellent formula will change its expiry date, but the general rule is two years.
Loofah
Using a loofah to shower is generally good hygiene – until it starts to grow bacteria.
After a period of time, loofahs can develop mold which can be harmful to the skin.
The time frame for when to replace a loofah varies, but the general consensus is after a few weeks and no more than six months.
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