TIP OF THE WEEK! EXPIRATION DATES.

What about at home? How do we know how long we can store and use those 12 bottles of salad dressing or 10 bottles of body lotion?

With help from experts and product manufacturers, Real Simple compiled a guide to specific product expiration dates. These dates are offered as a rough guideline. The shelf life of most products depends upon how you treat them.

Edibles, unless otherwise indicated, should be stored in a cool, dry place. (With any food, of course, use common sense.) Household cleaners also do best in a dry place with a stable temperature. After the dates shown, beauty and cleaning products are probably still safe but may be less effective.



Here are a few of the most common household items that coupon users tend to stockpile and guidelines for how long they can be stored and consumed.

• Dried pasta – 12 months
• Frozen vegetables – Unopened: 18 to 24 months (Opened: 1 month)
• Ketchup – Unopened: 1 year (After this time, color or flavor may be affected, but product is still generally safe to consume.)
  Opened or used: 4 to 6 months (After this time, color or flavor may be affected, but product is still generally safe to consume.)
• Marshmallows – Unopened: 40 weeks (Opened: 3 months)
• Mayonnaise – Unopened: Indefinitely
  Opened: 2 to 3 months from “purchase by” date (After this time, color or flavor may be affected, but product is still generally safe to consume.)
• Mustard – 2 years (After this time, color or flavor may be affected, but product is still generally safe to consume.)
• Olive oil – 2 years from manufacture date (After this time, color or flavor may be affected, but product is still generally safe to consume.)
• Peanut butter, natural – 9 months
• Peanut butter, processed – Unopened: 2 years
  Opened: 6 months; refrigerate after 3 months
• Rice, white – 2 years from date on box or date of purchase
• Salad dressing, bottled – Unopened: 12 months after “best by” date (Opened: 9 months refrigerated)
• Tea bags – Use within 2 years of opening the package
• Air freshener, aerosol – 2 years
• Bleach – 3 to 6 months
• Dish detergent, liquid or powdered – 1 year
• Laundry detergent, liquid or powdered – Unopened: 9 months to 1 year (Opened: 6 months)
• Bar soap – 18 months to 3 years
• Bath gel, body wash – 3 years
• Body lotion – 3 years
• Hair Care Products  – 2 to 3 years
• Deodorant – Unopened: 2 years (Used: 1 to 2 years)
  For antiperspirants, see expiration date
• Foundation, oil-based – 2 years
• Foundation, water-based – 3 years
• Lip balm – Unopened: 5 years (Opened: 1 to 5 years)
• Mascara – Unopened: 2 years (Opened: 3 to 4 months)
• Mouthwash – Three years from manufacture date
• Nail polish – 1 year
• Nail-polish remover – Lasts indefinitely
• Perfume – About two years. To get more mileage out of a perfume, resist the temptation to display a pretty bottle on your vanity. Instead, stash it away in a cool, dark place.
• Facial Moisturizer – 12 months after first use

Thank you to Simple Saving Savvy!