10 Household Items You Should Replace More Often Than You Think
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Some household items wear out more quickly than you might realize. Of course, we remember to replace things like food and cleaning supplies, but there are certain everyday items that fly under the radar, quietly decaying or becoming covered in dirt and bacteria.
With time, they lose their effectiveness or can even be harmful to your health. If you’re wondering why your allergies are a mess, or things aren’t as fresh as they used to be, maybe it’s time to replace the following items.
Pillows
We may all love our cozy pillows, but did you know that pillows should be replaced every 1-2 years? With time, pillows lose their shape and support, and you are back with neck pain and sleepless nights. They also pick up dust mites, sweat, and bacteria that can cause allergies. If your pillow is no longer providing you with that fresh ‘ahh’ feeling, it’s lumpy or yellow in color, it’s time to get a new one.
Toothbrushes
Here’s a big one people forget: toothbrushes! In fact, you should be replacing your toothbrush every three months or even sooner if the bristles become frayed. An old toothbrush can harbor bacteria, and worn-out bristles aren’t as effective at cleaning your teeth. A quick tip? Change it out after a cold or the flu so that it doesn’t linger with germs.
Kitchen Towels
Kitchen towels are used a lot and can very quickly become unsanitary. They soak up spills, dry dishes, wipe down countertops, and they pick up bacteria. Kitchen towels should ideally be washed after each use and laundered every few months if they’ve started to thin or fray. Funky smell? Don’t forget that—it means your towel’s seen better days.
Air Filters
Air filters are crucial to keep your home’s air clean and are often forgotten. Depending on your system, and whether you have pets or allergies, air filters should be changed every 1-3 months. Not only will a dirty filter reduce your system’s efficiency, but dust and allergens will be recycled throughout your home.
Water Filters
Fridge filters and countertop water purifiers should be replaced regularly to ensure you’re getting quality water. Filters can get clogged with contaminants over time, and when they do, you’ll know because your water will taste off and potentially even unsafe to drink. A good rule of thumb is every 2-6 months, depending on usage.
Sponges
One of the dirtiest things in your home is probably the humble kitchen sponge. From food particles to bacteria, sponges soak up everything and are a breeding ground for germs. According to News24, sponges are a breeding ground for bacteria, it’s best to replace your sponge once every 1-2 weeks to prevent spreading bacteria around your kitchen.
Shower Loofahs
Though they do a good job of exfoliating your skin, loofahs also trap dead skin cells and moisture, which means you have the perfect place for bacteria and mold to grow. Change your loofah after 3 to 4 weeks to help avoid skin irritation or infection. If you’re not sure when you last replaced your oil, consider this a gentle nudge to do so!
Bath Towels
Sure, bath towels seem like they’ll last forever, but they do tend to lose their absorbency and freshness after a while. Towels should be replaced every two years and washed after three or four uses. If your washing doesn’t seem to help, as your towels smell musty or feel rough, it’s time for some new, fluffy ones!
Mattress
For the most part, people hold onto their mattresses for far too long. The type and quality of a mattress should be replaced every 7-10 years. Mattresses degrade over time and this causes back pain and poor sleep quality, as this Sleep Foundation article attests. On the other hand, they accumulate dead skin cells, sweat and dust mites yikes!
Makeup Brushes
If you’re like most people, it’s been a while since you last replaced your makeup brushes. Face touching these tools everyday can give you break outs and also skin irritations. It’s important to keep up with regular cleaning of them and replace them every six months to a year, depending on how high-end the brushes are and how often you use them.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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