Expiration Dates for Household Chemicals

Some common everyday chemicals last indefinitely, but others have a shelf life. This is a table of expiration dates for several household chemicals. In some cases, the chemicals have a shelf life because the product accumulates bacteria or breaks down into other chemicals, rendering it ineffective or potentially dangerous. In other cases, the expiration date is related to diminished effectiveness over time.

Expiration Dates for Common Chemicals

Chemical	Expiration Date
air freshener spray	2 years
antifreeze, mixed	1 to 5 years
antifreeze, concentrated	indefintely
baking powder	unopened, indefinitely if properly stored opened, test by mixing with water
baking soda	unopened, indefinitely if properly stored opened, test by mixing with vinegar
batteries, alkaline	7 years
batteries, lithium	10 years
bath gel	3 years
bath oil	1 year
bleach	3 to 6 months
conditioner	2 to 3 years
dish detergent, liquid or powder	1 year
fire extinguisher, rechargeable	service or replace every 6 years
fire extinguisher, nonrechargeable	12 years
furniture polish	2 years
gasoline, no ethanol	several years, if properly stored
gasoline, with ethanol	from date of manufacture, 90 days in your gas tank, about a month (2-6 weeks)
honey	indefinitely
hydrogen peroxide	unopened, at least one year opened, 30-45 days
laundry detergent, liquid or powder	unopened, 9 months to 1 year opened, 6 months
metal polish (copper, brass, silver)	at least 3 years
Miracle Gro, liquid	unopened, indefinitely opened, 3 to 8 years
motor oil	unopened, 2 to 5 years opened, 3 months
Mr. Clean	2 years
paint	unopened, up to 10 years opened, 2 to 5 years
soap, bar	18 months to 3 years
spray paint	2 to 3 years
vinegar	3-1/2 years
Windex	2 years