These Household Items You Shouldn't Use After Expiration

5. Sprays for Waterproofing

Duration: 1-2 years Cost on average: $5–$20* Sprays for waterproofing, which are essential for outdoor lovers, have an expiration date that is sometimes missed. They often last a year or two before losing their usefulness. After this point, the compounds that give products their water-repelling qualities start to degrade, which lessens their effectiveness. This implies that on your next expedition, your go-to spray might not be quite as effective at keeping your gear dry.

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Sprays for Waterproofing ©Shutterstock/One Bit It's important to replace them on a regular basis, particularly before going camping or in the rainy season. Preserving their efficacy can also be achieved by keeping them out of direct sunlight and storing them in a cool, dry environment. ]

6. Sticky Bandages

Ends in: two to five years Cost on average: $2–$10* The first line of defense for small wounds is adhesive bandages; however, they don't last forever. They often last two to three years. After expiration, the adhesive becomes less sticky and the sterile packing may get degraded, which lessens the glue's ability to shield wounds and scrapes.

Sticky Bandages ©Shutterstock/FotoDuets Using an out-of-date bandage can result in infection or poor wound healing. It's crucial to keep your adhesive bandages in a dry, cold place and to verify their expiration date. Making sure your bandages are current means you'll always have dependable protection ready for life's minor mishaps.