15 common household items that are past their expiry dates
You know when to replace the milk, but how about these common household items? While it’s not as clear cut as with your groceries, furniture and accessories need replacing too.
1. Pillows
When to toss: Every two years
Replacing your pillows is important for hygiene reasons, but you also risk sleeping without adequate head and neck support on a tired old pillow. Memory foam and latex are more durable than other types (like polyester) and hold their structure for longer, so may need to be replaced less often. Here’s a test: Try folding your pillow in half. If it doesn’t bounce back to its original shape when depressed, it’s time to get a new one.
2. Slippers
When to toss: Every six months
Your cosy slippers provide the perfect conditions for fungal infections to spread, so wash and replace more often than you’re currently doing.
3. Smoke alarms
When to toss: Every 10 years
The date should be visible on the base. When you replace the batteries – once a year – lightly dust to keep the vents clear.
4. Towels
When to toss: Every two years
Your towels get quite the daily workout. Frequent trips to the washer and dryer mean they’ve probably seen fluffier days – and look a little limp and discoloured on your towel racks. Give your bathroom an instant facelift by buying new ones and donate your old ones to the local animal shelter.
5. Toothbrushes
When to toss: Every three months
Are your toothbrush bristles looking more splayed than Einstein’s hair? If it’s worn out – or worse, contaminated with germs – you’re not getting the proper oral care you need. Do your teeth and gums a favour by switching.
6. Loofahs
When to toss: Every month
That thing you rely on to keep your skin silky and smooth is actually a breeding ground for germs. The warm, moist conditions of your shower encourage the growth of bacteria, yeast and mould, which can lead to irritation and infection when used on freshly shaved skin. Replace every month and, if possible, allow it to dry out of the shower.
7. Mattresses
When to toss: Every seven to 10 years
Adults lose up to 285 ml of fluid each night and shed up to 454 grams of dead skin cells each year, all of which are absorbed by our mattresses and bedding. When you’re done comprehending those nasty numbers, consider the fact that a bad mattress can cause and exacerbate back pain, too. As well as replacing every seven to 10 years, flip yours over every six months, vacuum once a month, buy a mattress protector and wash it every other month.
8. Steam mops
When to toss: Every five years
Depending on the price and warranty, you can expect your steam mop to last for about five years. Look out for signs of wear – like poor steam production or water leakage – as any breakdowns will impact its ability to clean.
9. Sponges
When to toss: Every month
Magnets for microscopic filth, swap them out every month, or as soon as they begin to stink – a sure-fire sign of contamination. Wring them out after every use and make sure they’re rid of food particles.
10. Wooden spoons
When to toss: Every five years
Food safety extends beyond your groceries. Wood absorbs moisture, which can foster bacteria. Replace your wooden utensils every five years or when you start noticing cracks or discolouration.
11. Chopping boards
When to toss: Every three years
When you start seeing deep cut marks, it’s time to replace. Keep separate boards for raw meat, poultry and seafood and ready-to-eat foods to prevent the dreaded salmonella spread.
12. Water filters
When to toss: Every three to six months
Water filters catch bacteria and mould over time. Don’t want nasties to end up in your glass? Replace the cartridge twice a year – and more often if you have a large household who frequently use it. This includes the water filter built into your fridge.
13. Fire extinguishers
When to toss: Every 10-15 years
Check the date on the extinguisher and make sure you know when it was last replaced. You should also regularly scan for cracks or holes in the pipe to see if it needs to be serviced.
14. Air filters
When to toss: When dirty and clogged
You’d be amazed to see how much dust and debris gets caught in your AC filter. And changing it can improve your AC’s efficiency by 5-15 per cent. How often depends on your usage – some manufacturers recommend every six weeks, but even more so if you have pets, allergies and don’t regularly vacuum.
15. Surge protectors
When to toss: Every two years
Keep your electronics protected by purging your surge protector every two years. These power strips work by absorbing excess voltage into a metal oxide varistor (MOV) so your appliances don’t take the hit. The protective MOV degrades as more is absorbed over time, becoming less effective and offering less protection the more it’s used.
Written by Kathleen Lee-Joe. Republished with permission of Domain.com.au.