Times flies much too fast and therefore things that need our attention do not always get it. Unfortunately, that means that some gross things in our house that we should change, remain with us for much longer than they should. Check out this list of things in our house that need to be replaced and how often.
Here is a list of often forgotten things that need replacing every few months…
Toilet brush:
Replace this item every few months. Whether you disinfect it our not bacteria builds up. As well, when the bristles flatten, the brush handle could scrape the side of the toilet resulting in scratches and new places for germs to hang out.
Water Filters:
In order for water filters to do their job of keeping your water clean from contaminants and impurities, change the filters regularly. Replace faucet-mounted filters every 3 months, whereas replace pitcher filters every 2 months. For any other type of filter, check your owner’s manual.
Earplugs:
Replace earplugs every 3 – 6 months, depending on how often they are used. Earwax, sweat, and dust can affect the effectiveness of the earplugs. On many models, you only have to replace the tips. Foam earplugs, should be washed with soap and water and replaced every few days.
Mascara:
Every time the mascara wand goes from your eye to the tube, germs and microbes start to fester in the tube. As a result, replace mascara every 2 – 4 months.
Toothbrushes and Toothbrush Heads:
Dentists recommend replacing your toothbrush (or head) every 3 months. If the bristles are bending and breaking it’s time to replace it or you might be brushing too hard.
Things that need replacing every few years include…
Surge Protectors:
If your surge protector does not have an auto-shutoff feature then you need to replace it every 3 – 5 years. If you do not replace them the surge protection aspect will wear out, leaving you unprotected. You should also replace them after any major event such as multiple outages in rapid successions or if there was a lightening strike nearby.
Infant Car Seats:
If you bought a second hand car seat or are hanging on to one for your next born, be aware that car seats have expiry dates. Car seats typically have life span of 6 – 7 years. Replace them after a major impact.
Booster Seats:
Similar to infant car seats, booster seats also have an expiry date of typically 10 years after the manufacture date. Again, if in an accident, replace the seat immediately.
Plastic Cutting Boards: Replace plastic cutting boards every 2 years. Tell tale signs of the cutting board needing replacement is when a sponge snags on cuts or scratches. Bacterial can thrive in those grooves and pass on their germs to food.
Soda Stream Bottles:
Soda Stream bottles have an expiration date written on the bottle. They need to be replaced every few years or they run the risk on the plastic weakening and exploding (it is a small risk however)
Sunscreen:
Sunscreen breaks down over time so your bottle from last year may not protect you this year. This breakdown can happen quicker if left in the car in the heat or in direct sunlight. Most sunscreens have an expiration date (usually about 3 years) and if it does not then get rid of it.
Air Purifier Filters:
To keep your air filters working properly check your owner’s manual to ensure you are replacing your filters in a timely manner.
Smoke Detectors:
Replace smoke detector every 10 years from the date of manufacturing. The manufactured date be printed on the unit.
Other items to keep an eye on include…
Bike Helmets:
The lifespan of bike helmets vary but they should always be replaced if they have been in a crash. Keeping the helmet in a car or indirect sunlight will also result in the foam breaking down sooner than expected.
Pillows and Mattresses:
Pillows and mattresses vary so much and so do their lifespans. If you notice them losing its shape, or you notice you are not as comfortable as you were, it is probably time to replace it.
https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/replace-household-essentials/
