Spring has sprung me into action, and I've been clearing out my basement in preparation for a massive garage sale. In one dusty corner I unearthed a box of paint and glue that I'm sure I haven't touched since my university days (hand-me-down furniture looked so much better when decoupaged and painted bright colours).
I wasn't sure whether decades-old spray adhesive would still be sticky, so before I put it in one of the "toss," "donate" or "sell" piles, I did a bit of research to see whether craft supplies have expiry dates. Here are a few general guidelines and tips I found.
- Paint: Unopened cans are good for up to 10 years; opened, two to five years. Throw it away, though, if it appears mouldy or smells off. Paint made before 1978 could contain lead, and paint made before 1991 might contain mercury, so check the label. Always dispose of paint according to the laws in your area.
- Spray paint: Keep for up to five years. Again, check with your local disposal guidelines.
- White, wood or decoupage glue: It's good for about two years if kept tightly sealed. (Lesson I learned: Before you frustrate yourself by trying to pick the glue out of the cap, make sure the whole bottle hasn't dried up!)
- Krazy Glue or Super Glue: Elmer's Krazy Glue has a shelf life of about 12 to 18 months, so test it out before attempting to attach your hard hat to a steel girder.
- Stamp pads and markers: If a stamp pad has dried out, you can try to revive it with product called Perfect Ink Refresher. Try dipping dry markers in vinegar – if they've run out of ink, this method won't work.
- Thread: If it's on a wooden spool, it might be too old and brittle to handle going through your sewing machine.
- Bobbins and pins: Throw out any bobbins or pins that are bent or rusty, as they can damage your machine.
Things that never go bad, like zippers, buttons and fabric, can still go out of style – or just multiply beyond control. If you really don't think you'll use them, donate them to an organization such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Canada or Salvation Army, or a local church, day care or retirement home.
Happy spring cleaning! Now to tackle the ol' spice cupboard....
(BTW, if you have any McCormick spices in your cupboard, here's a fun game for a rainy afternoon.)
