10 things we keep using even if they should be thrown away

In the kitchen, we often check the pantry and the refrigerator to toss out all those products that have passed their expiration date. In fact, we know that beyond the expiration date, the taste of food could become unpleasant or even prove to be harmful. What we forget, however, is that very often many other objects we have at home also have an expiration date. Some have this date stamped on the packaging, but some don't. All of these items, however, should be replaced when the time comes.

Today we show you 10 objects that you will almost certainly be still using even though it is long past their expiration date.

1. Make-up

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Make-up, as well as other creams and lotions, have an expiration date printed on their packaging. It is usually identified with the open can symbol accompanied by a number and indicates the months that can elapse after opening the product before it needs to be replaced. Eye make-up products are those that have the shortest expiry date and among these mascara, for example, has a maximum duration of 3 months from opening. Other products, such as foundation or sunscreens, have a longer shelf life, but need to be replaced after 12 months of use.

2. Detergents

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Detergents, like personal hygiene products, also have expiration dates. Gel type detergents usually have to be used within 6 months of opening; powder versions have a longer life, but you need to pay attention to humidity because this can make them slimy and lumpy (and unusable).

3. Graters

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Graters are always very difficult to wash, because food residue can easily get stuck inside them. For this reason, and due to the possible wear that the blades undergo with frequent use, they should be replaced every 3-4 years.

4. Underwear

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Underwear should also be replaced on a regular basis. It is usually advisable to change underwear when it develops holes or when it loses colour. But the ideal case is to change it once a year to ensure greater hygiene. In fact, underwear is often not completely sanitized by washing in the washing machine and, although it is not harmful, it is still preferable to replace old underwear. Underwear made of synthetic material should be replaced more frequently, because synthetics are even more difficult to sanitize.

5. Razor blades

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Razors should be replaced frequently to avoid shaving with a dull blade. The recommendation is to change the razor's blades once every 1-2 weeks for those who use them daily, and once every 4-6 weeks for those who use razors less frequently.

6. Hair elastics

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Hair elastics (aka hair ties) can damage your hair if they start to stretch or otherwise become damaged. In fact, the rubber in the ties, once exposed, can stick to hair, breaking it. Replace hair ties as soon as they show the first signs of wear.

7. Shower curtains

Even shower curtains can get dirty and, due to the constant humidity present in the bathroom, mold can also grow on them. For this reason, it is necessary to wash them at least once a month and replace them after one year of use.

8. Dish sponges

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Sponges are an excellent breeding ground for germs, thanks to their humidity and the presence of food residue and other dirt. But are we sure we change them frequently enough? Probably not. In fact, sponges with dense materials must be replaced once a week, while those with less dense materials - which have greater ventilation and dry out more quickly - every two weeks.

9. Rubber bath toys

We can extend the life of rubber bath toys by washing them with boiling water and detergent after each use and by sealing the hole in their bottoms to prevent them from filling up with water: but sooner or later, these toys will get moldy. For this reason, it is necessary to replace rubber bath toys once every 2 or 3 months.

10. Non-stick pans

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If coated with Teflon, pots and pans should be replaced every 2-3 years, because their constant use releases up to 6 toxic gases, even if the coating looks intact. Better to change them more often, don't you think?