106. Glue

Expires In: 1-2 years after opening
Average Price: $1-$3*
Glue is a natural product and, as with nearly every natural product, it has an expiration date. Glue, along with other “wet” craft supplies like paint, markers, and spray or paper-backed adhesives, lasts between one and two years after it is opened. Most glue has the expiration date listed on the bottle.

Glue ©NicoleTaklaPhotography/Shutterstock
You can tell when you need to replace glue if it is pasty or stringing. If the glue sticks to itself instead of what you’re trying to use it for, that means it is likely past its prime. Old glue won’t hurt you, but it probably won’t work as well.

107. Whiteboard Markers

Expires In: 2-3 years
Average Price: $8.92 for a 4-pack of EXPO markers*
Whiteboard markers are a common sight in schools and workplaces, and whiteboards provide an easy, convenient writing surface. According to EXPO, one of the most popular marker brands, the date of expiration depends on how often the markers are used. When you keep the caps on tightly and store the markers probably, they usually last between two and three years.

Whiteboard Markers ©Syda Productions/Shutterstock
If you’re using EXPO markers, you might even be able to restore them, depending how little solvent has been lost. The main thing to remember with markers is to seal them properly when you’re done; otherwise, they will easily dry out.

108. Hair Mousse

Expires In: 12 months (opened), 36 months (unopened)
Average Price: $6-$20*
The FDA doesn’t require haircare manufacturers to list traditional expiration dates on their products, likely because there usually isn’t a danger of real harm if you use hair mousse past its expiration date. At worst, you may suffer some irritation if the mousse is expired and you have a sensitive scalp.

Hair Mousse ©Zyn Chakrapong/Shutterstock
After you open hair mousse, throw it away after twelve months. If the mousse is unopened, it should last thirty-six months, as long as it has been stored in a cool, dry, dark place. You can tell if a hair product is past its prime if it has an off smell or texture.

109. Paintbrushes

Expires In: 3–6 months
Average Price: $3-$10 per brush*
You can tell when you need a new paintbrush if it is shedding bristles. That is the most common sign, and, if you start spotting stray brush bristles, you’ll know that your brushes are in need of a replacement. Also, if the brush becomes misshapen, hard to paint with, or unusually difficult to clean, that could also be a sign that it has gone off.

Paintbrushes ©Chamille White/Shutterstock
Paintbrushes generally last between three and six months, assuming that you properly care for them. Make sure to clean brushes thoroughly after use, and store them in a cool, dry place until you use them again.

110. Play-Doh

Expires In: Varies based on storage, 3 months (homemade)
Average Price: $0.50 per single can*
Play-Doh is a classic. This stretchy, malleable toy has been around since the mid-1950s when it was first introduced in schools. There are some people who say that Play-Doh, if stored properly, never goes bad. While that remains to be seen, what is true is that storage determines how long Play-Doh will last.

Play-Doh ©SerbBgd/Shutterstock
If kept in an airtight container and sealed every time after use, it should last quite a while. Once you notice your Play-Doh beginning to dry out, that is when you know it is expired. Homemade Play-Doh has a far shorter shelf life. Even with proper storage, it will only stay fresh and soft for three months.

111. Cake Mix

Expires In: 6 months-1 year
Average Price: $5-$10*
Generally, cake mix has a shelf life of 6 months to a year, according to the number listed on the box. However, according to Eat By Date, you can eat cake mix four to five months after the “Best By” date on the package. The shelf life can be extended in this way only if the mix is unopened.

Cake Mix ©Zety Akhzar/Shutterstock
If you eat opened cake mix past the recommended date, you might not be too impressed with the taste and texture. Though most cake mix companies say there are no safety hazards if you eat expired mix, the cake might be less fluffy and blander.

112. Coconut Oil

Expires In: 18 months (refined), 5 years (virgin)
Average Price: $5-$15*
The expiration date of coconut oil depends on what type of oil it is. If coconut oil is refined, meaning that it is processed from the coconut’s kernel, it will last up to eighteen months. If the coconut oil is extracted from the raw meat of the coconut itself, it is virgin. Virgin coconut oil can last up to five years.

Coconut Oil ©SpeedKingz/Shutterstock
You should be able to tell quite easily if the oil is expired. Liquid coconut oil should be a milky white once it has solidified. If the oil turns beige or yellow or has chunks in it, that means it has gone off and should be thrown in the trash.

113. Bath Mats

Expires In: 2 years (or after signs of wear and tear)
Average Price: $10-$30*
Bath mats do see a lot of bathroom action, but they’re usually able to take it for two years, as they are built to last. However, upkeep is very important, if you want to keep your bath mat in good shape. Wash it every week, and, after every shower, hang it up to dry. If you see signs of wear and tear, such as thinning or loose fibers, replace it immediately.

Bath Mats ©New Africa/Shutterstock
According to Well and Good, you’d be wise to invest in an antimicrobial bath mat. Microbiologist Jason Tetro calls bath mats a “hotspot for microbial contamination,” and he says that you should only buy bath mats designed to fight germs, not harbor them.

114. Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Expires In: 5-7 years
Average Price: $10-$600*
Carbon monoxide alarms are essential for your home. They alert you if the carbon monoxide levels in your home’s air become too high. Elevated CO levels can be fatal if unaddressed, and there are always a few horror stories on the news each year about people suffering serious injuries or fatalities due to excessive CO exposure.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms ©Alexander Raths/Shutterstock
Carbon monoxide alarms won’t last forever, even if you do replace the batteries regularly (which you should). The alarms’ lifetime is between five and seven years, though you should double-check your user manual to be sure. After five to seven years (or whatever the manual says), replace the entire alarm.

115. Printers

Expires In: 3-5 years
Average Price: $50-$500*
There’s a good chance that your printer is one of the most frustrating appliances in your home. The Internet is full of memes about how unreliable and shoddy printers can be, and it seems as though they always fail right when you need them most. Even if you have a great printer, you’ll probably have to replace it every three to five years.

Printers ©A_stockphoto/Shutterstock
Even with great maintenance, you’ll eventually need to upgrade. According to 1Ink.com, signs that you need a new printer include poor functioning, slow print speeds, print blemishes, outdated technology, or constant clicking or grinding noises when printing.

116. Cell Phone

Expires In: 2-3 years minimum
Average Price: $317-$1,000*
At a minimum, smartphones should last between two and three years. Upgrading your device along that time frame is a good idea, and most phone companies offer some incentive or discount to move to a newer phone. You might even be able to trade your old phone in for a little bit of money.

Cell Phone ©insta_photos/Shutterstock
Signs that you need a new phone include slowness, apps crashing, and an inability to upgrade to the latest OS. Also, if your battery lasts only a few hours before the phone dies, that’s a sign that it is time to get a new device. While you can replace the battery itself, chances are that the phone company will just advise you get a new one altogether.

117. Gutters

Expires In: 20-50 years
Average Price: $900-$1,350* (Galvanized Steel), $3,000* (Aluminum), $4,000* (Copper)
Typically, gutters are built to last decades. Aluminum and galvanized steel gutters, two of the most popular options, have a twenty-year lifespan. High-end copper gutters can last up to five decades. Aluminum gutters cost around $3,000 per home, while galvanized steel gutters cost $900-$1,350. Copper gutters are by far the most expensive option, with a price of $4,000 per home.

Gutters ©ronstik/Shutterstock
You’ll know when you need to replace your gutters if there are a large number of holes, cracks, or rust spots in them. If the fasteners are broken or the gutters are sagging away from the roof, those are also signs that it is time to get new ones. If you’re not sure, contact a contractor to come out and take a look.

118. Paving Blocks

Expires In: 10 years (if properly installed)
Average Price: $5-$35 per square foot*
Patio slabs are a popular application for residential properties when it comes to their landscaping. These flexible pavements can be applied to all areas, from small to large. Patio slabs are also called paving blocks. If the paving blocks are installed properly, they should last around ten years.

Patio Slabs ©steved_np3/Shutterstock
If the slabs last less than that and show significant damage in a short period of time, you should call a different contractor to evaluate what is going wrong. Should a slab have more than one crack per slab section, replacement, as opposed to repair, is often the cheapest and most effective solution.

119. Water Heater

Expires In: 6-12 years (Tank), 20+ years (Tankless)
Average Price: $822-$1,616* (Tank), $1,000-$3,000* (Tankless)
According to Home Depot, if your water heater is properly maintained, it will last for years. However, the lifespan of the heater depends on what kind it is. Tankless water heaters are the longest-lasting, and they should hold out for twenty years, if not more. A tank water heater, because of its construction, lasts between six and twelve years (Lowe’s says eight to twelve).

Water Heater ©Spok83/Shutterstock
There are some pretty surefire signs that your water heater must be replaced. The three main ones include leaking, knocking noises, and rusty water. If there are leaks in your heater, it needs to be replaced ASAP. Loud noises are an indication that sediment has built up in the heater, and water discoloration is a major sign that your heater is underperforming.

120. Toilet Brush

Expires In: 6 months
Average Price: $10-$20*
This is no surprise, but toilet brushes are simply riddled with germs. Worst-case scenario, these brushes can even be a health-hazard. According to Gary Johnson, an expert plumber, toilet brushes have bacteria from the toilet water, along with trapped toilet paper and fecal matter, making them “unhealthy” and “unsanitary.”

Toilet Brush ©Odua Images/Shutterstock
Replace your toilet brush every six months. Before that expiration date, you should bleach the brush frequently to ensure that it is not just spreading germs around your bathroom. Silicone, bristle-free toilet brushes have a longer shelf life, and they are also more hygienic, as bacteria won’t get trapped in the bristles.