How Often To Replace 14 Common Household Items
April 11, 2022
source: Hip 2 Save
We all have basic, everyday items lying around the house that we use on a very regular basis. But how often do you actually consider how old that item is, and whether or not it’s time for a replacement? Frequently used items wear down over time, and can even be host to a wide range of germs in some cases (yuck!). Here’s a guide for how often to replace these 14 common household items.
1. Sheets
You sleep on them every night, but when do you actually swap them out for a brand new set? Even when washed regularly, bed sheets should be replaced about every two years.
2. Toilet Brush
Your toilet brush has a tough job! Be sure to toss it and get a new one once or twice a year.
3. Shower Curtain Liner
Over time, your shower curtain liner will experience a buildup of hard water stains, soap scum, and more. Replace it with a fresh one every three to four months.
4. Towels
As a rule of thumb, you should be washing your bath towels every two to three uses. When they lose their absorption abilities, start to smell, or it’s been about two years, it’s time for a new set.
5. Mattress
You sleep on your mattress every single night – even the highest quality mattresses don’t have a 50-year lifespan! Depending on the quality of the mattress, it’s best to replace them every seven to eight years.
6. Small Kitchen Appliances
Small kitchen appliances like toasters, blenders, immersion blenders, coffee makers, and food processors should be replaced every 10 to 12 years, on average.
7. Bath Mat
Firstly, it’s good practice to wash your bath mat at least once a week. And when it’s not in use, be sure it’s hung up to dry! Bath mats should be replaced every year or two.
8. Sponge
I’m definitely guilty of keeping my kitchen sponges for far too long. When they start to look rough or hold an odor, it’s time to toss them.
9. Throw Pillows
Even throw pillows that are strictly used for decorative purposes should be replaced every five to 10 years. It’s best to buy throw pillows with removable covers so you can wash them regularly.
10. Door Mat
When the bristles on your door mat start to wear down or break off, it’s time for a new one.
12. Cookware
Even non-stick cookware will lose its non-stick coating, and will have to be replaced every five years or so.
13. Duvet Insert
Duvet inserts can last for a long time, particularly if you have a good quality duvet cover. However, they should still be replaced every 10 to 15 years.
14. Couch
Couches can be expensive, so you may consider one to be a lifelong investment. However, couches will become worn down over time, lose their firmness, and the fabric can thin. Depending on the quality and wear of the couch, they should be replaced every eight to 15 years.
Print out this handy guide to hang on your fridge or tack to the inside of your pantry so that you can remember when to replace these items!
Consulting this list from time to time will help to ensure your household items are in good, working condition and that you’re replacing them when necessary. I definitely haven’t been replacing some of these items nearly as often as I should be, but now I know!