12 Things That It’s Time to Throw Away or Replace for the Sake of Your Health

Our emotions affect the amount of stuff we have. For example, a study has discovered a link between the fear of decision-making and the tendency to accumulate clutter. However, even if you’re among the lucky ones who only own things that “spark joy,” it’s good to know when it’s time to replace certain everyday items for your health’s sake.

We at Bright Side want to help you make sure that your house is completely safe, which is why we’ve found these 12 things you should throw away.

1. Lamps with cold light

A study published in the American Journal of Public Health concluded that using fluorescent light bulbs causes problems for eyesight because of the UV radiation. This leads to eye diseases, such as cataracts, pterygia, and others. To avoid this, you can opt for bulbs with a warmer light or full-spectrum lighting, which imitates natural sunlight.

2. Lens case

We should replace lens cases after 3 months of usage to wear lenses comfortably and safely. Additionally, specialists recommend cleaning it after each time it’s used and keeping the case open and dry.

3. Antibacterial soap

Antibacterial soap often contains triclosan, an ingredient that is believed to change how hormones work. Also, it may contribute to increased resistance of bacteria to antibiotics. Regular soap performs just as well against bacteria, so it is recommended to just use that.

4. Lip gloss

Even though this type of product is less likely to be a good environment for growing bacteria than mascara or liquid foundation, it’s still best not to hold on to lip products for longer than 6-12 months.

5. Plastic cutting board

Plastic cutting boards are easier to clean compared to wooden ones, which is why they were considered safer. However, it turns out that harmful bacteria tend to hide in the grooves of plastic cutting boards. So, in order to avoid food poisoning, it’s better to replace cutting boards that have cracks, cuts, or hard-to-clean stains on them.

6. Harmful air fresheners

A lot of air fresheners contain many phthalates, dangerous chemicals that may lead to birth defects, hormonal abnormalities, as well as reproductive problems. According to a study, these chemicals were found in some products that were actually advertised as “all-natural.”

7. Water filters in your fridge

If you don’t change the filter in your fridge on time, the taste of the water may become worse, the fridge might break faster, and worse of all, you might start getting dangerous chemicals mixed with your water. The longevity of a filter depends on many factors, so it would be a good idea to look up the guidelines for your refrigerator.

8. Vacuum filter

Vacuum cleaners can significantly enhance the air quality of your house, as they catch not only dust, but also pollen, mold, and some other particles. However, for your vacuum to perform well, you should change the filter regularly. Frequency depends on what vacuum cleaner you have and how often you use it, but generally, it should be done every 3-6 months.

9. Hairbrush

According to experts, it’s best to change a hairbrush after approximately 6 months of usage. If you do it less regularly, the bristles might get broken or bent, which is why they can damage your hair.

It’s important to remember that you should clean them regularly — once every 2-3 weeks or even more often if you use a lot of hair products. Otherwise, the buildup from hair products, dust, and other particles can transfer to the hair and scalp.

10. Plastic containers

Plastic containers are sometimes made of hazardous chemicals that can get into your food, even more so if you put the container into a microwave. Consuming those chemicals can lead to metabolic disorders, reduced fertility, etc. So it’s probably high time to get rid of plastic containers and opt for the glass kind.

11. Showerhead filters

Showerhead filters are great for decreasing the amount of heavy metals, chlorine, and harsh sediment in the water you use, which is especially important for those of us with sensitive skin. Of course, for them to work properly, we have to replace them regularly. Frequency depends on how much water you use; usually, it is recommended to do this once every 6 months.

12. Mattresses

A mattress’s quality impacts your sleep. And in addition to that, it can accumulate dust and allergens, which leads to worsening symptoms for people with asthma, allergies, and more. The longevity depends primarily on its materials; for example, an innerspring mattress can last up to 10 years, and a memory foam one, 10 to 15 years.

Do you have anything in your house that you should throw away but never get around to doing so?