10 everyday products you didn't know have an expiry date

Expiry dates aren’t just for food and medicine. Many of the products we use every day – from skincare and cosmetics to household products – have a limited lifespan, although it's not always obvious when they've reached the end of it.

As a starting point, always check the packaging and follow any use-by dates or guidance provided by the manufacturer.

But what if there’s no date, or you’ve thrown the packaging away? While lifespans vary between products, there are some useful general guidelines for when everyday items may need replacing.

Our experts explain how long common household products typically last and how to tell when they’re past their best.

Everything has a shelf life. Is it time to replace these everyday items?

1. Insect repellent

• When does it expire? After three years 

That half-used bottle of bug spray from summers gone by may still be good to use – but some of the ingredients degrade over time.

Many repellents have expiry dates on the packaging, with three years being typical.

Our expert says

Matt Stevens, Which? principal researcher

'While insect-repelling ingredients such as Deet and Picaridin are stable and will last a long time, other ingredients used in the sprays don’t last as long. 

'And if you're keeping your repellent for next year, make sure you store it in a cool, dry and dark place. That will give you the best chance of maximising its shelf life.'

What happens if you use it past the expiry date?

'Repellents are still likely to work after their expiry date, but their effectiveness will be reduced. Your best bet will be to buy a new one if yours is out of date.'

Compare prices for popular mosquito repellents from our testing below.

Best mosquito repellents: we've compared sprays from brands like Jungle Formula and Incognito, as well as own-brand options from Boots and Superdrug to find the best

2. Mascara

• When does it expire? After three to six months

You'll often be able to feel or smell a difference in your cosmetics when they start to go off, and you'll want to be extra careful with anything you apply around your eyes to avoid an infection.

Our expert says

Sara Spary, Which? senior researcher

'Mascaras are one of the most widely used cosmetic products, but they also have the shortest expiry date. Most experts recommend binning them within three months of using them. The reason is the liquid can act as a breeding ground for bacteria – so you wouldn’t want to risk painting that on your lashes. 

'On the pack or the tube you’ll typically be able to find an open jar symbol with a number – usually 3M (three months) or 6M (six months) – which will show you how long it’s safe to use.'

What happens if you use it past the expiry date?

'Most people probably don’t throw away their mascara after three months, but using it beyond its recommended shelf life can increase the risk of a bacterial infection.

'To keep your make-up routine hygienic, regularly check your products and get rid of anything that looks or smells odd or is past its expiry date.'

3. Batteries

• When do they expire? After 10 to 15 years (but check the pack)

Batteries can last for many years in storage, but their lifespan varies depending on the type and manufacturer.

When it's time to get rid of them, make sure you dispose of them properly. Dead batteries can be recycled. Head to our guide on recycling electronics for more information.

Our expert says

Callum Pears, Which? senior researcher

'Expiry dates vary, but battery manufacturers typically put a production and expiry date on the box.

'The Duracell Plus AA and AAA, for example, are alkaline options with a 10-year expiry date. If you're looking for batteries to tuck away for potential emergencies, I would recommend lithium disposable batteries over alkaline. These can be reliably stored for upwards of 15 years with a much lower risk of chemical leakage.'

What happens if you use them past the expiry date?

'You risk chemical leakage with the electrolyte or other internal chemicals oozing out of the battery. If this occurs while the battery is within a host device, it can damage that device.'

Compare prices for popular AA and AAA batteries from our testing below.

We've found the best AA and AAA batteries as well as the best rechargeable batteries

4. Moisturiser

• When does it expire? Six months after opening

Overlooking the expiry date on skincare products can result in an ineffective product – or lead to a rash or skin infection.

Our expert says

James Aitchison, Which? senior researcher

'In most cases, skincare products will display expiration dates and Period After Opening (PAO) symbols. The PAO symbol (an open jar symbol with a number next to it) indicates how long the product remains safe and effective once opened.

'Expiration dates, on the other hand, apply regardless of whether the product has been opened. However, products with a total shelf life exceeding 30 months are not always required to feature an expiration date.

'It’s generally a good idea to track when you open skincare products. Over time, active ingredients can degrade and lose efficacy or, worse, the product can become a breeding ground for bacteria.'

What happens if you use it past the expiry date?

'The most likely result of using an expired moisturiser is that the active ingredients will lose their potency and be less effective than intended.

'In the worst-case scenario, the preservatives in the product break down over time, allowing bacteria and fungi to grow.

'Exposure to these microorganisms can lead to skin irritation, rashes and infections. This is particularly likely with products packaged in tubs where users remove product with their fingers.'

Head to our guides to the best hand creams and best anti-ageing creams

5. Motor oil

• When does it expire? After two to five years

The RAC says regularly checking and replacing your car engine oil is an essential part of maintenance, and you should check your oil level and condition at least monthly.

Fresh engine oil is usually golden or amber, while older oil may appear dark brown, gritty or thick. If it's the latter, it's probably time for a change.

Our expert says

Dino Buratti, Which? senior researcher

'Different expiry dates are recommended by different manufacturers. Castrol, for example, doesn't give a recommended expiry date for unopened oil, while TotalEnergies says it's best to use oil within two years of its manufacturing date.

'That said, it's generally recommended to use oil within two to five years of its manufacturing date.'

What happens if you use it past the expiry date?

'Oil degrades over time, and using degraded oil could lead to serious problems with your car's engine. It could cause unnecessary wear, increase fuel consumption and reduce your engine's performance.

'Eventually, your car's engine could fail, which could lead to a very large repair bill – or you may even need to replace your car.'

Car maintenance checklist: our top tips to stop winter taking its toll on your car

6. Toothpaste

• When does it expire? After three to 12 months once opened

Most toothpaste has an expiry date of around two years. Over time, ingredients can become less effective, meaning your toothpaste may not provide the same protection against tooth decay.

If it's time to upgrade your teeth cleaning kit, see our Best Buy picks for beautiful teeth.

Our expert says

Manca Virant, Which? senior researcher

'Most toothpastes expire after two years, but keep in mind that once opened, the shelf life becomes much shorter.

'This varies between products, although most we’ve seen recommend using them within 12 months.

'The expiration or manufacturing date should be printed on the carton box or tube, along with the Period After Opening (PAO) symbol – normally a small, open jar with a number followed by the letter M, indicating the number of months the product should be used for after opening.'

What happens if you use it past the expiry date?

'Expired toothpaste generally will not make you sick, but it will be much less effective at its main jobs, which are its cleaning power and ability to protect your teeth from cavities.

'This is especially true of fluoride toothpastes, as the fluoride can become less effective over time, reducing protection against tooth decay. The toothpaste may also develop an "off" taste and, depending on how it has been stored and used, could become contaminated with bacteria.'

If it's time to buy a new toothpaste, compare popular options from our testing below.

See the best whitening toothpastes to give you a brighter smile

7. Tea bags

• When do they expire? After 12 to 18 months

The best-before date on tea bags is more about quality rather than safety. How long tea retains its flavour can also depend on how you store it.

Our expert says

Sarah Ross, Which? food and health editor

'Keep tea bags somewhere cool, dry and airtight, rather than somewhere where they can absorb moisture and odours from other foods.

'Individually foil-wrapped bags are better protected from air and moisture, so they’re likely to retain their flavour for longer. As a general guide, use tea within 12 to 18 months, unless the manufacturer advises otherwise.'

What happens if you use them past the expiry date?

'Throw tea bags away if they become damp or mouldy, or develop a musty smell. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) advises against eating any food or drink containing mould, particularly for children, older people and those who are pregnant or have a weakened immune system. Accidentally drinking a cup made with a mouldy tea bag doesn't necessarily mean you'll become ill, but it's not worth taking the risk.'

Is there plastic in your tea? Our sustainability expert weighs in 

8. Bleach

• When does it expire? After one year

The old bottle of bleach at the back of your cleaning kit might not work as effectively as you think. If you need to buy a new bottle soon, why not also check out the best cleaning sprays from our tests?

Our expert says

Jacob Compton, Which? scientist

'Bleach becomes less effective over time as its active ingredients naturally break down.

'Powdered oxygen bleaches are generally more stable when kept dry, but can also deteriorate if exposed to moisture.'

What happens if you use it past the expiry date?

'Expired bleach isn’t necessarily toxic, but its reduced potency means it may no longer provide reliable disinfection, particularly when sanitising areas of your home where effective killing of harmful bacteria and viruses is important.

'The worst-case scenario is a false sense of security: if you rely on weakened bleach to disinfect a contaminated surface, harmful bacteria or viruses may survive, potentially increasing the risk of illness.'

You're probably using bleach wrong – here's why, and how to use it properly

9. Carbon monoxide alarms

• When do they expire? After five to 10 years

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odourless, toxic gas, so it's essential your alarms are in top shape. 

Our expert says

Matt Stevens, Which? principal researcher

'All CO alarms – regardless of their power source – have a set lifetime. This can be anything from five to 10 years, and this should be marked on the alarm itself.

'After this time, the CO sensor will become less reliable, and you'll need to replace the alarm. When the alarm is at end of life, it will chirp to let you know, with some also displaying a code on the screen to indicate it needs to be replaced.

'Some people find it helpful to mark the alarm with the expiration date.'

What happens if you use them past the expiry date?

'An alarm kept beyond its set lifetime won't provide the protection you need against CO, which is odourless, colourless and deadly.'

Compare prices for popular carbon monoxide detectors from our testing below.

Best carbon monoxide detectors: we reveal the CO detectors you can rely on, plus the ones you should avoid

10. Hand sanitiser

• When does it expire? After two to three years

Like bleach, the active ingredients can break down in hand sanitiser over time, making it less effective at killing germs.

Our expert says

Olivia Pratt, Which? scientist

'The expiry date on hand sanitisers shows the date up to which the manufacturers are confident they will work effectively and have enough potency in the active ingredients to do their job.

'This is generally two or three years from the date of manufacture. However, the expiry date is based on keeping the hand sanitiser at room temperature (approximately 25ºC) and out of direct sunlight.

'If the sanitiser is not stored correctly, it could lose its potency and ability to kill germs in a shorter timeframe.

'It is possible that hand sanitiser stored correctly is still effective after the expiry date, particularly if unopened. However, the manufacturers are unable to guarantee this.'

What happens if you use it past the expiry date?

'Over time, the active ingredient or sanitising formula in hand sanitiser can evaporate or break down, reducing the effectiveness of its “germ-killing” ability.

'The World Health Organisation (WHO) strongly recommends that alcohol-based hand sanitisers have an alcohol concentration of at least 60% to be effective at sanitising/disinfecting.

'If the concentration of active ingredient falls below the recommended concentration, then the hand sanitiser may not kill as many germs as it should, providing a false sense of security and increasing the risk of infection or illness.'

Having an emergency kit ready to go is never a bad idea. We tell you what you need to pack