13 Household Items that Need to be Replaced Regularly

Below you will find a list of common household items that need to be replaced regularly. Some of these items you might not be aware that they need to be tossed out, and others you might know about but forget anyway.

I will not only share the products that need to be replaced but also how often. This is a great guide to keep you on top of the things that need to be replaced to stay safe. If you forget easily, then take a minute or two and write on your calendar or create a notification on your phone! This will make sure you won’t forget.

Here’s Our List of Household Items That Need to be Replaced Regularly 

Sponges

This is a huge one that people don’t always realize needs to be tossed. Sponges can become pretty overloaded with bacteria over time. You can clean your sponges by tossing in the dishwasher during a cleaning, in the microwave (if they have no metal), or with essential oils. But you still need to toss and replace anywhere from 2-4 weeks. This depends on how often you use them.

Toothbrush

Replace at least every 3-4 months. Toothbrushes can really lock in bacteria, so replacing on a regular basis is a must. Soak your toothbrush in some strong mouthwash like Listerine to help kill bacteria or in a cup of hydrogen peroxide. Then rinse the brush and put up till you are ready to use. This is a wonderful option to do regularly to keep the bacteria down on your brush.

Water filters

Whether you have a Brita style water filter pitcher or a filter and system connected to your fridge, both need to be replaced. When they need to be replaced will depend of what kind you have. It will say on the packaging. Also, if you have a Brita or pitcher style, make sure to wash the pitcher regularly. It can get dirty and even develop mold on the bottom side of the filter system.

Air filters

If you buy air filters that are reusable, just make sure to clean on a regular basis. Make sure to toss and replace air filters on a regular basis. Some brands will give you a timeline of how long they will last. If not, aim for once a month if you get a lot of dust, or every 3 months max.

Spices

Replace dried leaf style spices every two years. Also, know that each spice also has an expiration date. So if the expiration date takes place before the 2-year mark, still toss. Whole spices have a 4-year shelf life.

Toilet Brush

Obviously, these are used for cleaning your toilet, and that is full of unwanted bacteria. Replace your toilet brush every 3-6 months. If it starts to look pretty yucky just toss, they are cheap. In the meantime, put a little cleaner in the wand holder area that is antibacterial and that will help clean your brush in between uses.

Pillows

Replace pillows about every 2 years. If it is a decorative style pillow that doesn’t get used, I am sure those are fine to keep. Also look at your tags on pillows to see if you can wash your pillows. If so, try to clean them every 2-3 months.

Makeup

Makeup varies on when it needs to be replaced. If you get an eye infection, they say to replace all items right after (mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow, etc). This will help prevent it from coming back. But in general, mascara and eyeliner should be replaced around 4 months. Eyeshadow every 2 years if powder. Any liquid makeup every 1 year. Your makeup brushes need to be cleaned on a regular basis.

Fire Extinguisher

I highly recommend every household have a fire extinguisher. We have a few throughout our home so in case of a fire there is one in close reach. Each month, check to ensure the needle is in the green range on your gauge. This ensures that it is still able to work properly in case of a fire.

Smoke Alarms

Every 2 years for the unit needing to be replaced, and change batteries every time change, or once a year. Make sure to run a test on your alarm every month to ensure it is still working.

Bath Poufs

Replace these every 1-2 months. You can wash but don’t toss in the dryer, let air dry. These can hold bacteria, so I do recommend replacing regularly.

Hair Brush

Make sure, when your bristles begin to show wear, to toss. In the meantime, you can remove any hair and then soak your brush in a cup of warm water, 2 tbs baking soda, and 2 drops lemon or peppermint essential oil. Let soak for 15 minutes, rinse, and then let air dry. This helps clean your brush and remove bacteria.

Carpet

It is best to replace carpet every ten years. Carpet traps in allergens, dust, and more. You can get your carpet steam cleaned in the meantime to help reduce allergies, migraines, and other ailments. Just make sure if you clean your own carpets with a shampoo machine that you get your carpet really dry. If not, it can cause even more allergy issues.