19 Household Items That Can Actually Expire

6. Smoke Detectors

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors can stop working after 10 years, even if the batteries are replaced.

Solution: Most should have the expiration or manufacture date listed somewhere on them, but if you move into a new home and don’t know the age, it’s safer just to replace them.

7. Liquor

Unlike wine, which continues to age even in the bottle, unopened liquors will stay good indefinitely. But an opened bottle of liquor will begin to lose its taste and potency after about a year. But unless you’re a connoisseur, you probably won’t notice a big difference until much later.

Solution: Keep opened and unopened bottles in a cool place.

8. Lotion

Lotions and moisturizers in a tube should be good for a couple of years when opened, and after that will start to dry out and lose their effectiveness. But lotion in a jar that you use your fingers to apply can become a breeding ground for bacteria even sooner.

Solution: Use clean hands to apply lotion, and toss after a year or so.

9. Hydrogen Peroxide

When it’s opened, hydrogen peroxide only lasts a few months before it becomes ineffective (aka turns to water). Unopened, it should be tossed after a year. You’ll know when it’s bad when it stops fizzing.

Solution: Toss everything and get a new first aid kit every couple of months, especially if it’s been used.

10. Lipstick

Lipstick that’s exposed to air starts to dry out and change consistency after around two years. You should be able to tell by a change in smell and texture. Some products also have a hidden expiration date.

Solution: Past the expiration date or after two years, any lipstick that’s been opened should be tossed out. It’s also smart to give your lipsticks a good cleaning every once in a while.