Should It Stay or Should It Go? How Often to Replace Everyday Household Items

Let’s face it: not everything in your home is meant to last forever. While we’re all for making things stretch, sometimes replacing an item is the healthiest, safest, or most cost-effective move. From air filters to pillows, here’s your go-to guide for how often to swap out everyday essentials—so you’re not living with a germ farm or a fire hazard in disguise.

Pro tip: Set reminders on your phone for replacement dates. Future you will be thrilled.

General Household Items

Air Filters
Air filters work hard behind the scenes, whether they're part of your HVAC system or a standalone purifier. When they’re dirty, they lose efficiency—making your air less clean and possibly jacking up your energy bill.

• HVAC filters: Replace every 60–90 days
• Standalone air purifiers: Every 6–9 months
  (Adjust if you have pets or allergy-prone folks in your home.)

Fire Extinguishers
If yours is disposable, replace it every 10–12 years. Rechargeable models should be inspected and refilled every 6 years. Check the label for the manufacturing date—if it predates TikTok, it might be time.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
These unsung heroes need love too.

• Smoke detectors: Replace every 10 years
• CO or combo detectors: Every 7 years
• Battery-powered units: Replace batteries at least annually
• 
  

Install alarms on every level of your home and near all bedrooms.

Kitchen Staples

Sponges
Bad news: sponges are basically bacteria buffets.

• Replace weekly or biweekly—sooner if it smells weird or looks gross.
• Rinse, wring, and dry it well between uses to slow the microbial party.

Dishcloths & Towels
Rotate these often and wash them after each use. When they lose absorbency or start unraveling, retire them to garage-duty.

Cutting Boards
Plastic or wood—both wear down over time.

• Replace plastic boards every 1–5 years (or sooner if deeply grooved).
• Wood boards last longer but still need replacing when they become tough to clean.

Water Filters

• Fridge filters: About every 6 months
• Pitcher-style filters: About every 2 months
  Always go by your specific product’s guidance—and if the water starts tasting funky, that’s your cue.

Bathroom Basics

Shower Curtain Liners
That warm, damp shower environment is basically a day spa for mold.

• Replace every 6 months—or sooner if mildew appears
• Wipe it down regularly with a disinfectant to prolong its life

Toilet Brushes
Not glamorous, but necessary.

• Replace every 6 months, or earlier if it’s funky, frayed, or discolored

Toothbrushes
Your dentist wasn’t kidding.

• Replace every 3–4 months, or sooner if bristles are frayed
• Run hot water over it before and after each use to keep it fresh

Loofahs
Great for exfoliating. Not great for harboring germs.

• Natural loofahs: every 3–4 weeks
• Synthetic ones: every 2 months
  If it smells weird or looks suspect, toss it.

Bedroom Musts

Pillows & Pillowcases
You rest your head here every night—so make it count.

• Pillowcases: Wash weekly; replace every 1–2 years
• Pillows: Replace every 1–2 years, especially if they’re flat, lumpy, or causing neck pain

Sheets
Even with regular washing, sheets build up dead skin cells, sweat, and dust mites.

• Replace every 18–24 months
  (Pro tip: if your pet sleeps with you, bump that up a bit.)

Bonus Round: Misc. Items to Watch

• Hot water bottles: Replace every 2–3 years
• Surge protectors: Every 2–5 years
• Bath towels: Every 2–5 years
• Reusable earplugs: Every 3–6 months
• Mascara: Every 4–6 months
• Makeup sponges: Every 3 months

Final Thoughts
A little proactive maintenance can go a long way toward keeping your home clean, safe, and running smoothly. So go ahead—ditch that ancient sponge or replace the pillow that’s older than your Netflix account. You (and your immune system) deserve it.

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