2. Sunblock
Ends in three years
$10* is the average price.
We are all aware of the importance of sunscreen. Science has repeatedly demonstrated how important it is to shield ourselves from dangerous UV radiation. Despite how common it is, a lot of us use the tube until it runs out, regardless of how long it may take.
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Sunscreen, Shutterstock and Nadya Eugene
In actuality, sunscreen doesn't really need to be thrown away for three years, according to the Mayo Clinic. It should be good for an additional 12 months, even if the bottle has a two-year expiration date on it. Its preventive properties will fade when that period of time has passed.
Nevertheless, for those of us who purchase a new bottle every summer, this could be a benefit—three years is a long time to ensure that a product is used up. If you frequently leave bottles languishing at the back of the cabinet, it's worth checking them out, even though there's no need to discard them right away.
3. Fabric softener
Ends in: six months
$10* is the average price.
Laundry detergents do not technically expire, but they do lose most of their effectiveness over time due to deterioration. If you buy in bulk because it's a more cost-effective method, you might want to reconsider. The Huffington Post suggests that you purchase a new bottle every six months.
Washing Soap @97/SShutterstock
If detergent is left on the shelf for longer than that, it will become almost ineffective. While it may be alluring to buy washing products in bulk while they're on sale, doing so won't benefit you in the long run.
Even after its expiration date, the detergent container will probably still smell and look nice, but it won't clean your clothing as well. When you open the bottle, use a marker to write the date on it. This will put you ahead of the game.
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