How to Keep Track of Expiration Dates

7. Disinfectants

Ends in three months Cost on average: $5–$15* This one is particularly crucial in light of the ongoing worldwide pandemic. Disinfectants don't go bad due to microbes and germs developing inside the bottle. Rather, they "go bad" when the products become worthless due to the disinfection chemicals losing their power over time.

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Cleaners ©Maridav / Stockphoto Replacing your disinfectants every three months is advised. According to research by the Burlington Free Press, disinfectants have a shorter shelf life than we may believe. Antibacterial cleaning products expire more quickly, even though some companies offer one- or two-year expiration dates. Reader's Digest claims that bleach has a shelf life of six months to a year.

8. Hair Gel

Duration: two to three years The average cost is $12.92. Three years is when hair gel turns bad. Although certain brands can last up to five years, it's generally recommended to discard hair gel after three years. Hair gel that has gone bad won't give your hair a wet look or hold baby hairs in place. At worst, hair gel may result in a reaction on the scalp that ranges from irritation to infection.

©Roman Samborskyi/SShutterstock Hair Gel It could lead to the growth of bacteria if you store your hair gel in a moist area (like the bathroom cabinet). One of the most prevalent indicators of a scalp reaction from old hair gel is itching.