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Part of being a responsible adult is using things like sponges and floss regularly. We’re sure you’ve got that part down, but the second part—the part many of us fail at—is replacing these things regularly too! Here are 15 household items to replace regularly.
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Makeup brushes
Every 2 years. While they’re adding things to your face, they’re also collecting things from your face like bacteria and debris. This rule applies even if you wash your brushes regularly.
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Pillows
Every 2 years. Yes, even if you replace the cases religiously and, yes, even if you clean the pillows themselves regularly.
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Bath towels
Every 2 years. If you use the same ones every day, this rule is especially true. You can keep them a bit longer if you rotate your towels and have several sets.
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Water filters
Every 2 to 6 months. This depends on the brand so check the instructions. Failing to replace the filter enough or properly can mean you’re drinking unfiltered water.
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Blush
Every 2 or 3 years for dry blush, every year for cream blush. If you see a film form over your blush, that’s mold and it’s definitely time to toss it.
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Mascara
Every 3 months. When mascara gets too old, it dries out and becomes flaky. Flakes going into your eye could carry bacteria that can cause infections and itchy eyes.
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Face wipes
Every 2 months. They’ll usually become very dry by then and most of the liquid medications will have evaporated.
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Nail polish
Every 1 to 2 years. When a nail polish gets too old, it thickens and separates. When your nail polish looks clumpy it’s time to toss it.
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AC/Heater/Ventilation filters
Every month during busy months. In really hot or really cold months when you’re using your temperature control system a lot, your filter will get dirty fast. And dirty filters will actually make your AC or heater have to work harder, which means a higher bill.
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Concealer
Every year. Or whenever it gets dry.
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Toothbrush
Every 3 months. Keeping a toothbrush longer than this can lead to bacteria buildup, which can cause a slew of oral health problems.
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Mattresses
Every 5 to 10 years. Flipping and rotating your mattress regularly will help you get the most mileage out of it.
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Refrigerators
Every 15 to 30 years. But keep in mind refrigerators have become exponentially more energy efficient each year in recent years, so buying a new one now could save you money in the long run.
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Face masks
Every 1 to 2 years. As face masks age, the ingredients inside start to break down and they can irritate your skin.
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Perfume
Whenever it smells funky. There are no health hazards to using old perfume, but its smell will change or weaken over time.
