Renters know the importance of a healthy home, but many aren’t aware that the bathroom products they use every day could be making them sick. Don’t get us wrong, we’re all for living as waste-free a life as possible. But it’s important to know the expiration date for certain items in your bathroom and bid them farewell. Here are 10 things to toss now:
- Loofah – Change yours once a month
“Since they sit in the wet bathroom environment, fungi like mildew can build up between the fibers,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. “Bacteria can also colonize, which can lead to an infection if you use it on open skin.”And as with all items listed here, ditch it if there is visible discoloration or an odor that was not there when you opened it.
- Prescription antibiotics – Take them out of your bathroom now
“Condensation can affect potency and make medication go bad quickly,” explains Shilpi Agarwal, MD, family medicine physician and author of The 10-Day Total Body Transformation. Also, check the expiration date. “Not only do you run the risk of not having a complete course, but also the medication may become ineffective.”
- Toothpaste – Typically good for 12 to 18 months
“When in doubt, toss it out,” says Stacy Atnip, RDH. As a general rule of thumb, if an item that you put in your mouth looks, smells, or tastes strange, you should replace it.
- Antibiotic ointment – Creams should get the boot within 3 months from their expiration date
“Medicated healing ointment like Neosporin has active, antibacterial ingredients,” explains Elizabeth Tanzi, MD, founder of Capital Laser & Skin Care and assistant clinical professor at the George Washington University Medical Center. “So, it can lose its effectiveness much faster than something like Aquaphor.”
- Tampons – Toss after a year
Err on the safe side with these: Even though the box might say otherwise, it’s best to get rid of tampons after a year, or two max, says Mary L. Rosser, MD, Ph.D., director of obstetrics and gynecology at Montefiore Health System in New York City. “You never know when your sink will leak or create moisture,” she says. “If they are not stored in a clean, dry place, bacteria or mold can grow on them just like anything else—even with the wrapper on.”
- Bar soap – Don’t use when mushy or discolored
If your soap starts to feel mushy or becomes discolored, it might be contaminated and you should chuck it, says Dr. Zeichner. “Using it could cause irritations or infection, especially on open or raw skin,” he says. To make it last, keep the bar in a dish that lets it dry off easily. “If it’s sitting in water, it can become a breeding ground for microorganisms,” says Dr. Zeichner. In order words, dump it.
- Toothbrush – Replace every 3 months
Its time throw it out when the bristles become frayed and worn out, says Brian Kantor, DDS, a cosmetic dentist at Lowenberg, Lituchy & Kantor in New York City. “After three months of normal wear and tear, toothbrushes become much less effective at removing plaque from teeth and gums,” he explains. “Germs can also hide in bristles and lead to infection.”
- Razor blades – Dump every two weeks
A razor blade’s life span really depends on use, says Dr. Tanzi. “Change it after every three to five uses, or every two weeks,” she says. “In addition to becoming less effective with each use, irritation from dull razors can increase the risk of nicks and bacterial infection.”
- Teeth whitening strips – Chuck after a year
Teeth whitening strips will typically last you a year, says Atnip. However, you can extend the shelf life by storing them in the refrigerator, she says. Still, don’t expect the same results if they’re expired: “Although using strips passed the expiration date are safe, it’s not recommended as the whitening ingredient efficacy will be weakened.”
- Sunscreen – Pitch after 2 years
“If the sunscreen is labeled with an expiration date—listen to it,” says Dr. Zeichner. “If there isn’t one, discard it two years after purchase.” If the consistency has changed, that’s also an indicator that the ingredients have become ineffective and it’s time to replace. If not, it will serve no purpose—and you risk getting sunburned.
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