10 household items you need to replace

UPDATED: Newborn taken from Sabine Hospital
January 11, 2020
Raceland girls provide comfort for cancer patients
January 13, 2020
UPDATED: Newborn taken from Sabine Hospital
January 11, 2020
Raceland girls provide comfort for cancer patients
January 13, 2020

Each January as we launch into a new year, we naturally start to think of new beginnings and fresh starts for ourselves. But how often do we think about our household and starting new with items like mattresses, fire alarms or appliances? 

We tend to hold onto items in our household way longer than we should. Experts have different recommendations on the life span of everything in your home. Check out the list below to see what you should possibly consider replacing this year and the frequency at when things should be replaced.



Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors 

The National Fire Protection Association shares that smoke detectors last up to 10 years and carbon monoxide detectors around seven years. In addition to replacing the actual detectors, batteries should be replaced at least once a year. 

Refrigerator 


This one is a little tricky. While your current model might last you up to 15 years, it could be worth replacing it sooner if you can upgrade to a better energy-efficient model. Energy Star shares that a 10 year old refrigerator could use twice the energy as a newer model. 

Pillows

You really don’t want to know the amount of dirt, drool and germs your pillow holds from hours of use each night. Allergy experts actually recommend replacing standard pillows every six months. Higher quality pillows, like those made from memory foam, can be replaced annually. You can wash your pillows frequently to extend their life. 


Spices

To start, spices should be stored in a cool, dark place. Spice racks near the heat of your stove, while convenient as you cook, reduce the life of your spice. Ground spices and herb leaves should be replaced every year. Whole spices and dried herbs can last two years.

 


 

Makeup


Ok ladies… admit it. You have some eye shadows that you bought years ago that are still sitting in your Kaboodle. Old makeup can contain bacteria and needs to be replaced pretty frequently. Mascara should be replaced every three months. Liquid foundation should be replaced every six months to a year. Powders, including eye shadows and blush, can be replaced every one to two years. 

Kitchen sponge

The kitchen sponge is the germiest thing in your kitchen. You should replace this item every month, if not every week if you hand wash all your dishes. Experts also recommend you sanitize your sponge between every use. 


Air filters

Changing your air filters is important for the air quality in your home as well the life of your air conditioning unit. In a single family home, you can get away with every 90 days. In homes with one pet, replace every 60 days. If someone in your home suffers from allergies or asthma, you may consider replacing every 20-30 days. 

Mattresses


The National Sleep Foundation recommends you replace your mattress every eight years. You should never go more than 10 years sleeping on the same mattress. 

Toothbrushes

According to the American Dental Association, you should replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months with regular use. If you are sick or travel, you should replace your toothbrush immediately. 


Passwords

Ok, so this one isn’t exactly a physical product, but your online safety is important to keep up to date too. Online safety experts have yet to come to an official conclusion or agreement on the frequency in which you should update passwords. The most general consensus is every 90 days, especially for finance related online accounts.