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Dear Pharmacist: I saw you on TV the other day, talking about medicine cabinets and how to clean them out. I caught the tail-end of the segment. Can you explain more about that in your column? I'm sure everyone can benefit. - M.L., Orlando, Fla.

The task of cleaning out your medicine cabinet can be overwhelming because people have accumulated pills, potions and products for years and keep them "just in case."

The problem with this is that some products degrade and after their expiration date, they become useless, rancid or toxic. Here is my simple step-by-step action plan to keep your family safe and protected.

Step 1: Empty your medicine cabinet! This will allow you to find outdated products or those that have changed color, begun to ooze or developed an unpleasant aroma. Nearly every product has an expiration date, even sunscreen and makeup.

Step 2: Sanitize it. Wipe down the empty shelving.

Step 3: Properly dispose of all products and be mindful of the environment. You can't just flush them down the toilet anymore. Don't hang on to outdated items. It doesn't matter if the medication is just a month out of date, it's out of date. You don't want to fool around and take any chances with your family's health. Trash it if any of the following:

It is outdated.

You no longer take it.

You had an allergic reaction, or developed skin rash after taking it.

You got it from a friend; never share prescription medications!

It's starting to deteriorate (crumbling, odor, color change, exposed to humidity).

It's been recalled (you can find recalled products at the FDA website).

Step 4: Sort it. Keep groups of items together, for example, items for wounds such as bandages, gauze, medical tape and antibiotic ointment should be kept together. Eye drops, sterile eye pads and eye wash solutions should be stored together, and so on.

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