8 items that can expire long ago that you would never expect

Ngoc Anh• August 7, 2018 16:03

(Baonghean.vn) - Food is not the only thing in your house that has an expiration date. Below are some other household items that also have their expiration date. If they are "expired", you need to replace them to ensure your health.

1. Pillow - 1 to 2 years

Hair and body oils will penetrate the fabric of the pillow and after 1 year of use, the amount of bacteria will increase more and more, causing bad odor and skin irritation if you continue to use it. Although you still have the habit of washing your pillow every week, this cannot eliminate all the bacteria stuck inside the pillow, it can cause allergies and increase the risk of respiratory diseases.

You can change your pillow at any time you want, but don't leave it for more than 1 year, it will not be good for your health.

2. Mattress - 5 to 7 years

A good mattress can last for more than 10 years, but after only about 5-7 years you should consider replacing it. A study at Oklahoma State University (USA) found that most people who replaced their mattress after 5 years of use had better sleep and less back pain than those who slept on the same mattress for many years.

You should pay more attention when you see signs of the mattress such as: the springs are not elastic, the sagging increases... or you feel tired, body aches when sleeping on them. At this time, you should replace the mattress to ensure your health.

3. Toothbrush - 3 months

Toothbrushes should be replaced every 3 months, according to the recommendation of the American Dental Association, because when we brush our teeth, thousands of bacteria will stick to the toothbrush, remaining there for about 48 hours or longer. Therefore, replacing the toothbrush on time will help reduce the amount of bacteria accumulated, avoid adverse effects on the gums and prevent tooth decay more effectively.

However, you don't have to wait 3 months, you can replace your toothbrush when it is worn out, no longer hygienic and effective in cleaning teeth and between teeth.

4. Comb - 1 year

Combs can also harbor a lot of bacteria; especially roller combs, which only have a lifespan of about a year. Therefore, they should be replaced once a year. In addition, you should also clean your comb weekly to remove all disease-causing bacteria that may be on the comb.

5. Sunglasses - 2 years

Yes, sunglasses have an expiration date. The main purpose of sunglasses is to reduce light and block UV rays. However, UV rays have a corrosive effect on the lenses, so over time, more and more rays get through.

In general, the lifespan of sunglasses will depend a lot on the quality of the manufacturing. However, experts recommend that you replace your sunglasses after 2 years of use.

6. House slippers - 6 months

Many of us have been wearing the same slippers for years. However, they can be a breeding ground for germs and mold, especially cotton slippers. Therefore, they should be washed regularly and replaced every 6 months.

7. Training shoes - 6 months, or 400km

Many people currently own a pair of "long-term" training shoes, using them year after year.

It's okay. But you should know that if the shoes are used regularly for exercise, especially running, they will deteriorate very quickly, from the shock absorption system, insoles, soles...

Basically, running shoes need to be replaced after about 6 months of use (if running regularly), or after about 400km of travel.

8. Wooden cutting boards - 3 years or when cracks appear

Cutting boards are ideal places for bacteria such as E.coli and Salmonella to “live”, especially when there are cracks on the board, whether shallow or deep. Processing raw food can cause microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, worm eggs… not to mention other agents such as pesticides, insecticides, mold… to stick to the board.

These harmful elements can remain on the cutting board for a very long time, even if the cutting board is cleaned very carefully, and contaminate cooked food, thereby causing food poisoning, digestive infections, etc.Therefore, when the cutting board has cracks, it is time to replace it promptly.