14 home items you definitely need to replace regularly

Hidden hazards around the home

We all crave a safe and healthy home, which is why so many of us are investing in security measures. But did you know that there might be common household items posing a threat to you and your family?

We take a look at 14 everyday items that can be harmful if used beyond their expiry date or when they're showing clear signs of wear and tear.

From paint and batteries, to running shoes and baby bottles, click or scroll to find out more... 

Paint

Did you know that paint expires? The home improvement product can last between 10 and 15 years if unopened, but unsealed cans may expire in just a few years. There are plenty of signs to look out for, like an unpleasant, sometimes sour smell, or a jelly-like consistency.

It isn't just the look and odor you need to worry about, either. Old paint can release harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air and could harbor bacteria and mold spores, posing a health risk. VOCs can cause respiratory issues, headaches, and dizziness.

Non-stick cookware

Although kitchen pots and pans don't come with a strict expiry date, they can become toxic. The non-stick coating on certain cookware prevents food from sticking and distributes heat evenly, for easy cooking and cleaning. However, the coating is created from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or Teflon, which is a type of plastic.

As non-stick pans wear and become scratched, evidence suggests that they release microplastics into food. Swallowing these particles may damage the respiratory tract, causing issues such as asthma, as well as affecting the balance of thyroid hormones, which are essential for brain function.

Sunscreen

Sun cream is a fantastic product that protects the skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. But did you know that this essential vacation item expires? Expiry dates vary depending on brand and quality. If unopened and stored correctly, your sunscreen should last for up to three years, according to sunscreen brand Hawaiian Tropic. If opened, this figure decreases massively.

Most bottles have an M symbol on the back, stating the number of months the product is good for after opening. If yours is starting to split, or the smell has changed, then it's likely past its best. Expired sunscreen isn't going to protect you from UV and could lead to sunburn.

Running shoes

It might surprise you to learn that sneakers come with a shelf life. Or, more precisely, they should be replaced after you've run a certain number of miles. Running shoes are generally made from rubber and foam, both of which degrade over time, leading to decreased shock absorption.

Instead of the shoe taking the impact of the ground, our legs and bodies do, which can lead to injuries. Most manufacturers recommend replacing sneakers after between 400 and 500 miles.

Hot water bottles

Hot water bottles are a handy and cost-effective way of warming up during the coldest months of the year. But, like many household items, they don't last forever. Most are made from rubber or PVC, both of which degrade over time. It’s always worth checking for signs of wear and tear, as a faulty bottle could burst, causing severe burns.

Most bottles feature a 'flower wheel' symbol on them. The number in the center indicates what year it was manufactured. For example, 21 for 2021. The dots around the edge represent weeks, so seven dots mean it was made in February. It's advisable to replace your hot water bottle every two to three years.

Car seats

There's nothing more vital than keeping our children safe, which is why it's so important to remember that kids' car seats expire. Each manufacturer should have a recommended service life date listed on its car seats. This longevity differs depending on brand, model, and quality. Generally, you should avoid anything that could be more than five years old.

It's also worth noting that the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents recommends that people steer clear of second-hand car seats, as you can never be sure that it hasn’t been involved in an accident, which could affect their safety and stability.

Toothbrushes

Most of us use our toothbrush twice a day, and while both manual and electric toothbrushes don't come with set expiry dates, it's recommended that you replace yours every three months.

Old toothbrushes can cause health issues, since they harbor bacteria from our mouths and, horrifyingly, the toilet! They can even be breeding grounds for mold. But more than this, damaged bristles can harm gums and cause issues such as receding gums, leading to expensive dental work.

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Make-up

This one might surprise you. Make-up, like all beauty products, has an expiry date. After this period, you're opening yourself up to breakouts, skin irritation, and even burning sensations. All make-up has an M symbol on the back, with a number next to it. This indicates the shelf life of the product. For example, 12M means it can be used for a year after opening. 

A good tip is to write down the month and year you open the item on a sticker and place it on the product. Once the expiry period is up, it's time to buy a replacement.

Batteries

Batteries don't have set expiry dates, but they do decay and become less efficient. Aside from this, batteries corrode over time, and when stored incorrectly, they can cause a powdery or flaky substance to leak from inside the battery. This substance can damage devices and pose a health risk.

Old batteries may even crack or bulge, potentially leading to explosions or further chemical leaks. An unpleasant odor, like burnt metal, indicates an electrolyte leakage, which can be harmful if inhaled. If you spot any of these signs, it's time to recycle your batteries.

Medication

Just like sunscreen, medication comes with an expiry date. These are usually printed on the box, tube, or foil pack, so you will know exactly when to throw them out. Of course, expired medications will not be as effective as new ones, but worse than that, they could become a health hazard.

That's because old medicines may experience a change in chemical composition and even develop bacterial growth. If consumed, expired medicines can cause serious illnesses and even resistance to antibiotics.

Bleach

It goes without saying that bleach is a pretty toxic household product that, if used or stored incorrectly, can lead to serious health risks. Amazingly, most bleach starts to degrade after just six months and can expire within a year.

After this, it will be less effective at killing bacteria and germs, which could lead to health issues for you and your family. Want to check if yours has expired? If you open the bottle and don't smell that signature bleach scent, then it's time to replace it.

Extension cords

Extension cords are great when you have limited power sockets around the home, but improper use can soon lead to disaster. Overloading an extension cord can lead to overheating, fire, and electric shocks, but so can using an old one.

If yours is showing signs of wear and tear, such as exposed wires, loose elements, or cracks, then you should stop using it immediately and replace it with a new one.

Baby bottles

Once upon a time, glass baby bottles were the only type available; however, lighter, shatter-proof polypropylene bottles are now much more common. While the use of bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical used to make hardened plastic, has been banned in baby bottles, it may still be present in older, second-hand bottles. This potentially harmful chemical can be released when the bottle is regularly heated and exposed to general wear and tear.

So, always look for BPA-free bottles and replace any that are starting to look a bit sorry for themselves. The same goes for other plastic items, like plastic storage containers.

Clothes dryers

Clothes dryers are fantastic when you want to dry something quickly. However, these handy appliances aren't always safe. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that washers and dryers cause an average of 15,970 house fires a year in America.

That’s because these machines contain a powerful motor, with fast-moving parts that get very hot. Add to this a build-up of fluff, and your machine can soon ignite. It’s recommended that you regularly clean the lint filter within the dryer, and if yours is old or showing signs of wear, it might be time to replace it.

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