How Often You Should Replace 20 Things in Your House

Most people wait until the bed of their hairbrush cracks before they purchase a new one, but it should actually be replaced every 6 months to 1 year. It all depends on the quality of your brush, how often you use it, and how much product you put on before combing your hair. Like a hairbrush, many other household products have their own shelf lives that we tend to overlook.

Bright Side did some digging into 20 items we use at home to find out when we should exchange them for shiny new ones, so we can make the best use of them.

1. Yoga mat — every year

It depends on how often you use the yoga mat, what kind of activities you use it for, and the quality of the mat itself. It’s advisable to look for wear and tear, but typically, a mat lasts about a year. The signs that you need a new one include thinning, foul odor, and slipperiness.

2. Bra — every 6-9 months

A bra has come to the end of its life when the band is stretched out, the fabric’s worn out, and the underwires come in contact with your breasts. But even if it hasn’t come to all those, you should still get rid of your bra after 6-9 months.

3. Toilet brush — every 6 months

A toilet brush should be cleaned as often as you clean your toilet and replaced at least every 6 months. Wooden toilet brushes may last a little longer than that, but it’s still important to replace them regularly.

4. Contact lens case — every 3 months

Contact lens cases should be cleaned after each use and kept open to dry between cleanings. They should be replaced every 3 months.

5. Mattresses — every 8-10 years

Although it depends on the type and quality of the mattress you use, the rule of thumb is to buy a new mattress after about 8-10 years. You may also need to consider other factors such as allergies, muscle stiffness in the mornings, and noisy springs, to see if your current mattress needs to go.

6. Shower head filters — every 2-6 months

Depending on how often you use the shower, what kind of filter you use, and how many people use the same shower, the exact answer may vary. However, in general, you should at least have it changed after 6 months or about every 10,000 gallons of water usage.

7. Menstrual cup — every 6 months to 10 years

Reusable menstrual cups should be washed and wiped clean before each use and emptied at least twice a day. They are durable and have a lifetime of 6 months to 10 years, depending on which brand you use.

8. Washing machine — every 10 years

On average, a washing machine can be used up until its 10th year. But it depends on the make, how often you use it in a day, and the load per use.

9. Bath mats — every 2 years

Bath mats should be washed every other week, unless you share the bathroom with someone else, in which case it should be washed weekly. Still, you have to replace them, and the general rule is to do so every 2 years.

10. Sports bra — every 6 months to 1 year

If you wash and wear a sports bra 3 to 4 times a week, you may need to replace it in 6 months because it will no longer be able to support your breasts. However, if you want it to last longer, you may want to skip the washing machine and dryer, and hand wash it instead.

11. Kitchen sponges — every week

If you don’t use a dishwasher, you might use your kitchen sponge multiple times a day. In such a case, it’s probably best to invest in a big pack of sponges and switch to an unused one on a weekly basis.

12. Toaster — every 6-8 years

The average life expectancy of a toaster is 6-8 years, but you can extend its life by cleaning it regularly to remove excess breadcrumbs.

13. Carpet — every 10 years

Even with proper care, carpets must be replaced eventually. Most manufacturers estimate you’ll need a full replacement after about 10 years.

14. Reusable steel water bottles — 12 years

Even though they’re reusable and durable, they don’t last forever. Still, they can be used for over 12 years and can be recycled when you dispose them.

15. Smoke detector — every 10 years

The batteries for your smoke alarm need to be changed every year, but the smoke alarm itself also has a shelf life. In general, it would no longer work well after 10 years. It’s a good practice to check the date of manufacture on the back of the alarm.

16. Dishwasher — every 10 years

You should retire your dishwasher if it is already a decade old. Other reasons you should change the dishwasher even if it hasn’t reached 10 years include it not working well and if the cost of the repairs exceeds 50% of the price of a new dishwasher.

17. Coir doormat — every 6-10 years

Doormats made from coconut husks are durable and easy to clean. You may want to go for a thicker doormat to increase its longevity, especially if used where it will be stepped on a lot.

18. Running shoes — every 450-550 miles

It’s important to think about whether your running shoes give you enough support for your running style. Typically, they should be swapped to a new pair every 450-550 miles, but if they don’t show signs of excessive wear, you may be able to wear them for longer without increasing the risk of injury.

19. Refrigerator — every 15 years

If the refrigerator is less than 8 years old, you might want to consider repairing it. But if it’s more than 15 years old, it’s better to get it replaced. When it’s between 8 and 15 years old, you should also think about what type of refrigerator it is and whether it is environmentally efficient.

20. Couch — every 7-15 years

You might feel reluctant to change sofas unless you’re redecorating or moving to a new place, but their lifespan is 7 to 15 years. It’s time to look for a new couch when the fabric is frayed. You may choose to reupholster if they hold sentimental value and are still good in structure.

How often do you change the items in your home to brand-new ones? Can you name other things that we tend to forget replacing?