When was the last time you bought new towels? Or changed your water filter? What about throwing out your old dish sponge and cleaning rags? Our homes, even the cleanest ones, are full of everyday items long past their expiration dates. The pillows, makeup brushes, shoes, and appliances we all hold on to for way too long all harbor germs and bacteria that could be affecting the overall cleanliness of your home. A lot of the time, we hold on to these things simply because we don’t know when to throw them out or replace them. To make things a little easier, we’ve compiled a list of some everyday household items and their expiration dates to help you create a healthier, cleaner home.
Around the House
Smoke detectors: Every 10 years
Smoke detector batteries: Every 6 months
Air conditioners: Should last 10-15 years
Air filters: Once a month
Medicine: Read the expiration labels then safely dispose
Cleaning rags: Once a month or after 30 uses
Carpet: Replace every 5-15; depending on wear
Couch: Replace very 7 to 15 years; depending on wear
Kitchen
Dish sponges: Replace every 2-4 weeks; depends on how often you use and clean disinfect it
Water filter: Every 2 months
Spices: Replace ground spices every six months, and whole spices every three to five years.
Nonstick cookware: Every 5 years, or when coating is damaged
Big appliances: Every 10 years Small kitchen appliances: Every 10 to 12 years
Bathroom
Hand and bath towels: Wash daily and replace every 2 years
Shower liner: Wash weekly and replace yearly
Bath mats: Every 2-3 years
Toothbrush: Replace every 2–3 months, or sooner if the bristles begin to fray
Toilet brush: Every 6 months, or sooner if the bristles begin to fray
Makeup brushes: Every three months, and makeup sponges every 1-2 months
Bedroom
Bed Sheets: Every 2-3 years
Pillows: After a year or 2
Mattress: Every 8-10 years
Pillowcases: Should be washed weekly and replaced every few years