Expired, dangerous stuff hiding in your house: Fire extinguishers, recalled products and lots more
Look around your house, and you’ll see things you never even realized have a shelf-life — and I don’t mean things like food that have a best-by date.
Take fire extinguishers. Over time, they can lose pressure. Those and smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years or so.
Bike helmets only last about five years. After that, they start degrading. Ladies, toss your mascara after a few months or pink-eye-causing bacteria can grow. Oh, and bleach gets 20% less effective each year.
We haven’t even gotten to the tech! Some gadgets are security and safety risks, too. Scan this list to make sure you and your family are safe.
1. Old phones sitting in a drawer can start a fire
YouTuber Arun Maini, who runs a popular channel called Mrwhosetheboss, has collected every Samsung flagship phone since 2010. He noticed a scary pattern. The phone’s batteries are swelling enough to crack the glass and split the cases.
It’s not just Samsung phones. Any gadget with a lithium-ion battery is susceptible to damage over time. A swollen battery is a serious issue that can lead to fires, injuries, and property damage.
Rummage through your drawers for your old phones, and look for any signs of battery swelling. If you see it, here’s what to do:
- Don’t try to charge a swollen phone. Charging a swollen battery can trigger a fire or explosion.
- If you have an older phone with an easily removable battery, carefully separate the battery from the case. If you have a newer phone, don’t attempt to remove the battery yourself.
- Put the swollen phone in a fireproof bag and contact the manufacturer. You may not be able to exchange an old model or get anything for it. However, at the very least, arrange for it to be recycled or disposed of properly.
When it comes to storing old phones, follow these rules of thumb:
- Turn off the phone and put it in a cool, moisture-free place.
- Charge the battery to 50% if you plan on storing it for a long time. Check the battery every six months or so and charge it halfway.
Maintenance can go a long way in getting more years out of your phone. Tap or click for my simple guide to properly clean your iPhone or Android inside and out.
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