⏰ Regularly Replace These 10 Household Items

Your home is filled with items you use every day, and so it stands to reason that some of them need regular replacing. And even if we know it, intellectually, sometimes they just fall off the radar. From kitchen essentials to bedroom necessities, here are 10 household items you should be swapping out more often than you think.

Sponges Kitchen sponges collect bacteria quickly. Swap them out every 1-2 weeks to prevent germ buildup. Disinfecting them in the microwave or boiling water can help extend their life slightly.

Water Filters If your fridge or pitcher has a water filter, make sure you replace it every 2-6 months, depending on usage and manufacturer recommendations. A clogged filter reduces effectiveness and can introduce contaminants.

Smoke Detector Batteries Your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors need fresh batteries at least once a year to ensure they function in an emergency. Some newer models have 10-year batteries but should still be tested regularly.

Air Filters (HVAC & Furnace Filters) HVAC and furnace filters collect dust, pet dander, and pollutants. Replace them every 1-3 months to maintain clean indoor air quality and improve system efficiency.

Cutting Boards Plastic and wooden cutting boards develop deep grooves that harbor bacteria over time. Replace them every couple years, or sooner if you see deep cuts or stains that won’t come out. We argue for tossing the plastic cutting boards and replacing with wooden or bamboo #chefskiss

Fire Extinguishers Check the expiration date on your fire extinguisher. Most last 5-15 years, but it’s crucial to ensure yours is in working condition and get a replacement if it’s expired.

Pillows Even with pillowcases, pillows accumulate dust mites, dead skin, and allergens. Replace them every 1-2 years for better sleep hygiene and support. One last ditch effort to extend the lifespan of your down/down-alternative pillow is to toss it into the dryer to fluff it up.

Brooms You can tell a broom’s condition just by looking at it. If you’ve got broken, bent or falling out bristles, the time has come to get a new one. *Pro Tip* To make your brooms last longer, store them bristles-up.

Toothbrushes Your toothbrush harbors bacteria and loses effectiveness over time. Replace it every 2-3 months or sooner if the bristles become frayed.

Surge protectors If your surge protectors do NOT have an auto-shutoff feature, replace them every 3-5 years. Otherwise, they’ll continue to pass power to your devices long after their surge protection has worn out and perform no function.