Common Household Items You Should Probably Toss ASAP

What's the shelf life of your mascara? Your toothbrush? And hold up, does nail polish expire? It can be tricky to figure out how long it's safe to use certain products without an expiration date — but it doesn't have to be. Here, experts share when to toss 17 common household products.

In Your Medicine Cabinet

Toothbrush

When to toss: Every three to four months — sooner if the bristles look frayed or flare out, says Howard S. Glazer, D.D.S., former president of the Academy of General Dentistry. And always get a new brush after you've been sick, since the old one can harbor bacteria and potentially reinfect you.

Rubbing Alcohol

When to toss: If the bottle has been opened, throw it out after two years. Sealed, it's good for three years. It won't look or smell different, but the alcohol evaporates quickly, leaving a solution that's too weak to kill bacteria, explains Steve Clement, a pharmacist and spokesperson for the American Pharmaceutical Association.

Hydrogen Peroxide

When to toss: After six months if it's been opened; three years otherwise. To test whether it's still effective: "Pour some into the sink — if it fizzes and bubbles, it's good," says Marc A. Sweeney, a doctor of pharmacy. And JSYK, expired hydrogen peroxide is ineffective but not harmful.

Insect Repellent

When to toss: After two years, unless there's an earlier expiration date on the bottle. Old insect repellent isn't dangerous, just useless, says Jim Baral, M.D., an assistant clinical professor at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City.

In Your Gym Bag

Running Shoes

When to toss: After every 200 to 300 miles if you're a runner. "Running shoes lose half their cushioning after about 250 miles," says Robyn Stuhr, an exercise physiologist and vice president of Exercise is Medicine at the American College of Sports Medicine. "This puts more stress on your joints, making you more prone to injuries," she adds. If you don't run but work out regularly, buy new sneakers every six months. (Looking for some new sneaks? Here are 10 podiatrist-approved cushioned running shoes.)

Sports Bra

When to toss: Usually every six months to a year, depending on how much it has stretched out. Two ways to tell whether it's too stretched out: if the bra used to stay in place but now rides up in the back or if your breasts bounce around a lot when you jog or jump. A supportive bra protects your breast tissue from stretching and can also help prevent soreness. To preserve the bra's elasticity, wash it in cold water on the gentle cycle and hang it to dry.

In Your Bathroom

Nail Polish

When to toss: How long does nail polish last? Well, that depends. Opened bottles should be tossed after about two years. Unopened, they can last indefinitely, says Annette Soboleski, a nail technician for polish maker OPI. Once a bottle has been opened, some ingredients will evaporate, causing the polish to thicken and separate. To thin the polish and make it last longer, add a few drops of nail lacquer thinner.

Hair Dye

When to toss: After 24 months. The consistency and chemicals change over time, so the dye loses its ability to color your hair and may leave splotchy patches, says Marcy Cona, senior creative director at Wella.

Disposable Razor

When to toss: Every three shaves. After that, the blade becomes nicked and can cut your skin. Bacteria can also develop, causing a rash or other skin irritation, says Debra Jaliman, M.D., a clinical instructor at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Change the blade weekly on non-disposable razors.

Loofah

When to toss: After three or four weeks. Bacteria can build up in the crevices and infect you via an open cut or acne, says Birgit Toome, M.D., a dermatologist in New Jersey. Plus, a loofah loses its ability to slough off dry skin after a few weeks. Mesh puffs are more resistant to bacteria and can last for eight weeks.

Moisturizer

When to toss: Opened, after one year. Unopened, after two. Over time, bacteria can grow and cause a rash or infection, explains Dr. Jaliman. (This is more likely with jars, since your fingers can introduce bacteria into the container when you scoop out product.) Moisturizers with added ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acids pose an additional risk because they can become more concentrated and irritate the skin.

Over-the-Counter Acne and Skin Creams

When to toss: After two years; sooner if you notice a change in color, consistency, or smell. Expired acne and skin creams are ineffective because the active ingredients can break down and evaporate, says Dr. Baral.

Sunscreen

When to toss: One year from the date of purchase, or after the expiration date. "The chemicals in the lotion that block the sun decompose, making it ineffective," says Dr. Jaliman. (These are the best sunscreens, according to Shape editors.)

Mascara

When to toss: Every three months. Bacteria that can cause pink eye (conjunctivitis) or styes can fester inside the tube, says Anne Sumers, M.D., a spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. (Speaking of eye health, learn more about Lumify eye drops — and if they're actually safe.)

In Your Kitchen

Sponge

When to toss: Ideally, after just one use, since it's a breeding ground for bacteria, says Michael P. Doyle, Ph.D., a chemistry professor at the University of Texas San Antonio. You can extend your sponge's life by moistening it and heating it in the microwave for one minute to kill germs. Your safest bet, however, is to clean up any kitchen spills with paper towels.

Opened Jar of Tomato Sauce

When to toss: After four or five days if it's refrigerated. Within a week, mold will form and you could get a gastrointestinal illness from the bacteria, according to Kathleen Zelman, R.D., a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association.

Opened Bottle of Salad Dressing

When to toss: After three to four months for oil-based dressings; three to four weeks for egg or cheese-based ones. Both develop bacteria over time that may cause gastrointestinal upset or food poisoning. (Try these three-ingredient salad dressings when you need a quick fix.)