Why do wipes have expiratioin dates?

[aran_knitter]

????

My MIL got me 2 cases somewhere that "expired" last month - would you keep them or pass them on to others who have more children and would use them sooner?

[fostermomcchr]

I would use them, the exp date really doesn't mean much for wipes, probably just required by the govt or something. I just opened a box that I bought several years ago when they were on clearace and I had coupons so I bought a ton of them. They were fine, still moist, smell great and look normal. Also, if you have wipes that have dried out, simply add some water and they will be fine.

[Manna00]

Originally Posted by fostermomcchr I would use them, the exp date really doesn't mean much for wipes, probably just required by the govt or something. I just opened a box that I bought several years ago when they were on clearace and I had coupons so I bought a ton of them. They were fine, still moist, smell great and look normal. Also, if you have wipes that have dried out, simply add some water and they will be fine.

I wouldn't worry about it. The worst thing that could happen is that they've dried out... this has happened to me so I just added some water.

[MamaJo]

Actually, the expiration date is because they are preserved - when you've got water in a sealed package like that, they have to use a synthetic preservative to keep the nasties from growing. Preservatives don't last forever though....