Your medicine cabinet might be hiding some secrets. Over time, we tend to collect various items in our bathroom cabinets, from medicines to cosmetics. However, not everything in there is safe to keep around. Some products can expire, lose their effectiveness, or even become harmful if used past their prime.
In this list, I’ll cover 19 common items you should consider throwing out from your medicine cabinet immediately.
Expired medications
These drugs can lose their strength and might not work when you need them. Additionally, some medicines can change over time and become dangerous to use. Always check the expiration date before taking any medication. Furthermore, old pills can sometimes break down into harmful chemicals. Lastly, keeping expired drugs increases the risk of mixing them up with current ones.
Old sunscreen
Sunscreen loses its ability to protect your skin from harmful UV rays over time. Moreover, the ingredients can separate, making the product less effective. Heat and moisture can also speed up the breakdown of sunscreen. Finally, using expired sunscreen might give you a false sense of security, leading to sunburns.
Dried-out hydrogen peroxide
Once opened, hydrogen peroxide breaks down quickly and loses its germ-killing power. Furthermore, it can become ineffective in just a few months after opening. The fizzing you see when you pour it out is a sign it’s still working. Lastly, keeping old hydrogen peroxide takes up space you could use for fresh, effective products.
Expired eye drops
Old eye drops can grow harmful bacteria, which could lead to eye infections. Additionally, the preservatives in eye drops break down over time, making them less effective. Using expired eye drops might also cause irritation or allergic reactions. Finally, the active ingredients can degrade, making the drops useless for their intended purpose.
Unused prescription medications
Keeping old prescriptions increases the risk of accidental misuse or abuse. Moreover, these drugs might be dangerous if taken by someone they weren’t prescribed for. Proper disposal of unused medications helps protect the environment and water supply. Lastly, getting rid of old prescriptions reduces the chance of drug-related accidents in your home.
Expired first-aid ointments
These products can lose their effectiveness and might not properly treat wounds or burns. Furthermore, old ointments can grow bacteria, potentially causing infections instead of preventing them. The consistency of expired ointments might change, making them harder to apply. Finally, keeping fresh first-aid products ensures you’re prepared for emergencies.
Old makeup
Expired makeup can harbor bacteria that may cause skin irritation or infections. Additionally, the colors and textures of old makeup often change, affecting how it looks when applied. Using expired eye makeup is especially risky and can lead to eye infections. Lastly, fresh makeup simply works better and is safer for your skin.
Expired vitamins and supplements
Over time, vitamins can lose their potency and become less effective. Moreover, some vitamins can actually become harmful if they’re too old. Storing vitamins properly is important, but even then, they don’t last forever. Finally, taking fresh vitamins ensures you’re getting the nutrients you need.
Old toothbrushes
Dentists recommend replacing your toothbrush every three to four months. Furthermore, frayed bristles don’t clean teeth effectively and can even harm your gums. Old toothbrushes can also collect bacteria over time, which isn’t good for oral health. Lastly, a fresh toothbrush simply feels better and encourages good brushing habits.
Expired condoms
Using expired condoms increases the risk of breakage and pregnancy. Additionally, the materials in condoms can degrade over time, making them less effective. Storing condoms improperly can also reduce their lifespan and effectiveness. Finally, it’s always better to be safe and use fresh protection.
Old contact lens solution
The expired solution may not properly disinfect your lenses, risking eye infections. Moreover, the preservatives in the solution can break down, making it less effective. Using an old solution can also lead to irritation and discomfort when wearing contacts. Lastly, fresh solution ensures your lenses stay clean and comfortable.
Expired allergy medications
Old antihistamines may not provide relief when you need it most. Additionally, some ingredients in allergy meds can break down and become less effective over time. Taking expired allergy medicine might give you a false sense of protection. Finally, keeping fresh allergy medication on hand ensures you’re ready for allergy season.
Old insulin
Expired insulin can be dangerous for diabetics as it may not effectively control blood sugar. Furthermore, insulin’s effectiveness can decrease over time, even before the expiration date. Storing insulin properly is crucial, but it still has a limited shelf life. Lastly, using fresh insulin is essential for managing diabetes safely.
Expired asthma inhalers
Old inhalers may not deliver the right dose of medication during an asthma attack. Additionally, the propellants in inhalers can lose their effectiveness over time. Using an expired inhaler during an emergency could be dangerous. Finally, keeping fresh inhalers on hand is crucial for managing asthma effectively.
Old bandages and gauze
Expired adhesive bandages may not stick properly, leaving wounds exposed. Moreover, the sterile packaging of old bandages and gauze may be compromised. Using fresh bandages ensures better protection against infection for cuts and scrapes. Lastly, new bandages and gauze are more comfortable and effective for wound care.
Expired cough syrup
Old cough medicine may not provide relief and could even be harmful. Furthermore, the consistency and color of expired cough syrup often change. Some ingredients in cough syrup can break down into other compounds over time. Finally, using fresh cough medicine ensures you get proper relief when you’re sick.
Old thermometers
Mercury thermometers should be replaced with safer digital versions. Additionally, old digital thermometers may give inaccurate readings, which can be dangerous. Batteries in old digital thermometers may corrode, damaging the device. Lastly, new thermometers often have better features and are easier to read.
Expired nasal sprays
Old nasal sprays can grow bacteria, potentially causing more harm than good. Moreover, the active ingredients in nasal sprays can break down over time. Using expired nasal spray might not provide the relief you need for congestion. Finally, fresh nasal sprays are more effective and safer to use.
Old lip balm
Expired lip balm can harbor bacteria and cause irritation. Additionally, the texture and effectiveness of old lip balm often change. Using fresh lip balm provides better protection and moisture for your lips. Lastly, new lip balm simply feels and works better than old, dried-out products.
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