Some household items have an obvious shelf life. Food, bath and cleaning products all have expiry dates that let you know when they’re past their best. Other things like your TV or fridge, will tell you (most likely without warning) by simply stopping working. Other household items are a bit more of a mystery, and you could be holding onto some things much longer than you should. Find out when you should be getting rid of these common household items below.
Sponges - every week
How long do you think you can keep a sponge around for? Believe it or not, it’s recommended that you change your sponges EVERY WEEK. After a sponge has been used, it’s likely that they are spreading more dirt around than they are cleaning up, with up to 10 million bacteria present on every square inch of a dirty sponge. Changing your sponges regularly and using antibacterial products will help keep you and your family healthy.
Pillows - every two years
Pillows don’t have as long a shelf life as you may think. While a mattress is usually good for ten years, pillows only have a recommended lifespan of two. Even if you regularly clean your pillows and change your pillowcases, they are a breeding ground for bacteria. You may want to consider investing in the best bamboo pillows that can last longer than regular fiber pillows to help you enjoy a comfortable and supportive pillow for longer.
Toothbrush - every three months
Photo: Pexels
Many people hold onto their toothbrushes for too long, which could spell bad news for your mouth. There are several things that could happen if you fail to replace your toothbrush regularly, including gum disease and plaque build up caused by a toothbrush that’s no longer effective. Put a reminder on your phone every three months to let you know when it’s time to replace your toothbrush.
Plastic food containers - every three months
While the point of food containers is to store food (great for meal-prepping!), they do need to be replaced regularly as they can attract a lot of bacteria, as well as containing tonnes of nasty chemicals you won’t want near your food. Consider using more eco-friendly food containers that use fewer chemicals in their manufacturing and always make sure that you clean them thoroughly using some antibacterial dish soap.
Toilet brush - every six months
Your toilet brush is another breeding ground for bacteria, caused by what is being cleaned by your brush as well as the moisture that gets trapped in the bristles. If you’ve had yours longer than you can remember, it’s definitely time to change it, and you should aim to do so every six months to keep your bathroom hygienic.
Knowing when to replace your household items can be a bit of a learning curve. If you’re confused about best before dates when it comes to food and drink, this article could give you some further help to keep your household running smoothly. If you can, recycle anything that you throw out to prevent waste and do your bit for the environment.
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