# Household product shelf life and storage guidelines > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/household-product-shelf-life-and-storage-guidelines > Updated: 2026-10-28T03:52:05.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2. Guidelines regarding the storage and expiration of various household items emphasize maintaining safety and efficacy. For food safety, experts such as ASAE suggest transferring opened canned goods to sealed containers before refrigeration. High-acid canned items like tomatoes may last five to seven days, whereas low-acid items like meat or fish typically last three to four days in a refrigerator at 4°C or below. Beyond food, many household staples and cleaning supplies have specific lifespans. Baking soda remains safe to use as it ages, but its leavening and cleaning effectiveness diminishes over time, necessitating storage in airtight containers in cool, dry places to prevent clumping. Other cleaning agents, such as opened bleach, liquid laundry detergent, and hydrogen peroxide, generally remain effective for approximately six months after opening. Disinfectant sprays and all-purpose cleaners often have a shelf life of one to two years. Other common items also require periodic replacement to ensure proper function, including toothbrushes every three months, kitchen sponges, and dried spices. Safety equipment such as fire extinguishers and smoke detectors, as well as household items like pillows, also have recommended replacement intervals. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-28: Baking soda and cleaning products shelf life and storage Baking soda and various household cleaning products lose effectiveness over time. Proper storage in airtight containers is essential to maintain the potency of sodium bicarbonate and other cleaners. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/baking-soda-and-cleaning-products-shelf-life-and-storage ### 2026-09-28: Household safety: Expiration dates for common products and food storage Household experts highlight that many daily items, including toothbrushes, bleach, and spices, have expiration dates, while opened canned foods should be transferred to new containers for safe refrigeration. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/food-safety-and-household-expiration-date-guidelines --- Cite as: Household product shelf life and storage guidelines. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/household-product-shelf-life-and-storage-guidelines