14 Household Items That Should Be Replaced Quicker Than You Think

There are some household items that we all forget need replacing. After all, if it’s not broken, why fix it?

However, not replacing these household items can compromise your health and well-being. Even if the object won’t cause bodily harm if used for too long, it will still be less effective. Either way, it’s best to follow the guidelines on how often you should replace each item for the best results.

Here, we’ve found the most surprising household items we forget need replacing. These are the things that need replacing quicker than we thought, and usually aren’t thought about or go under the radar by homeowners.

1. Cooking Spices

You might not use the entire container of cooking spices before the expiration date, but you should still replace them that often. Keeping them longer won’t make you sick, but they won’t be as flavorful or have health benefits.

Dried cooking spices and herbs can last one to two years. Ground spices can last six months, and whole spices will retain their flavor for three to five years.

2. Toothbrushes

Consider replacing your toothbrush every three to four months, even if you don’t notice any wear and tear. If the bristles start splaying out, you’ve waited too long. You might notice splaying before the three-month mark, and you’ll want to change it sooner if that happens.

Splayed bristles can scratch your teeth and leave places for bacteria to breed. It can lead to cavities and bad breath and can increase your risk of gingivitis or gum disease. Even if your toothbrush isn’t splaying, bacteria and debris end up on your bristles, so frequent change-outs are ideal.

3. Sponges

Researchers found 45 billion bacteria microbes per square centimeter after examining used kitchen sponges. If your sponge smells bad or you notice mold or mildew buildup, replace it immediately. Not replacing them can lead to illness if you clean your dishes with them.

Consider replacing them weekly to prevent getting sick from the bacteria. It’s best to use different sponges for your dishes and keep any used for food or cleaning separate.

4. Carpet

You might think that if your carpet still looks decent, it doesn’t need replacing. However, it should be replaced at least every five to 15 years, depending on how often the space gets used and how dirty it gets.

Carpets hold mold, pollen, and allergens and could trigger asthma and allergic reactions. If you have pets, you might consider replacing your carpet even sooner.

5. Refrigerator Filters

If you use the water and ice from your refrigerator, you’ll want to change your filters at least every six months. Replacing the filter helps prevent chlorine, lead, and other debris from entering your drinking water.

When you replace the filter often in your refrigerator, you know you’re drinking fresh, clean water. Follow the manufacturer’s suggestions for which type of filter to use and how to replace them to ensure you’re doing it correctly.

6. Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors expire after ten years, so you should replace them that often. You should also replace the batteries yearly to know that your smoke detectors work if a fire occurs.

A smoke detector can save you and your family if a fire breaks out in your home. Every second counts, and making sure you have a working detector can make all the difference.

7. Air Filters

Not replacing the air filters in your HVAC unit can not only lead to illness and respiratory problems but can shorten the life of your system. When the filter is dirty, your furnace has to work harder and can break sooner.

These filters should be replaced every one to three months, depending on how dirty it’s gotten. Consider aiming for the one-month timeframe to improve indoor air quality, especially if you have pets.

8. Pillows

Your pillows can trigger allergies and breakouts because they collect dead skin cells, bacteria, and dust mites. Replace the ones on your bed and any decorative pillows from couches every one to two years to prevent health issues.

If you’re unsure how long you’ve had your pillow, you can watch for signs of needing a replacement. These signs include lumps or sags in the pillow or experiencing neck and shoulder pain after waking up. Plus, if your allergies seem worse when you first wake up, it could be a sign your pillow is full of allergens.

9. Bath Toys

Kids love bath toys, especially the ones that squirt water. If you have any, consider replacing these toys every two months because mold grows inside them.

All bath toys, even ones without holes, should be washed weekly. As you wash them, check for any signs of mold so you can throw them out immediately.

10. Loofahs

Bath loofahs hold bacteria and mold since they often get stored in damp showers and never fully dry out. It’s best to replace your loofah every month, but if it smells weird before then, replace it immediately.

Using dirty ones can contribute to allergies, asthma, acne, or itchy rashes. If you have broken skin and use a dirty loofa, it can cause an infection.

11. Water Filters

If you use a whole-house water filter, you should replace it every six months. For pitcher water filters, aim to change them when they’ve filtered 40 gallons of water or been in the pitcher for two months.

Using old water filters means potentially consuming bacteria. Plus, dirty filters can contribute to water filtration system breakdowns or costly repairs.

12. Cutting Boards

Using cutting boards creates grooves with the knife you can’t clean properly. Eventually, bacteria, mold, and viruses grow in the grooves and can cause food contamination or give you an infection.

Most cutting boards, including plastic ones, should be replaced after a year, but high-quality wooden ones can last longer. Watch for deep grooves from the knife to know when you should replace yours.

13. Toilet Brush

Toilet brushes harbor bacteria and residue from cleaning the toilet. It’s best to replace them every six months. In between replacements, you should rinse the brush after each use and let it dry before putting it away.

If the bristles on your toilet brush start looking damaged or worn down, you should replace them no matter how long it’s been. When you use an item for cleaning, you want to be proactive on replacements.

14. Shelf Liners

Consider replacing your cabinet shelf liners every two to three years. If you don’t replace them, food crumb buildup and moisture can make the shelves look dirty and develop bacteria.

The non-adhesive shelf liners typically last longer since you can remove and clean them. You’ll also be able to clean under them and prevent moisture from causing issues.