Welcome to All
in the Detail... I am so glad you are here!
When was the last time you looked at one of your household
items and said, “I wonder if this is still OK to use or maybe I should throw it
away and get a new one?” I bet I have said this to every single kitchen sponges
at one time or another!
So, how long has it been since you replaced your
kitchen sponge or even your mattress? And when did you buy that fire
extinguisher under your kitchen sink? So, you know what the shelf life for a
jar of dried oregano is?
Our homes are filled with so many items that often
fade into the background as we go about our daily routines that we might not
even think twice about its ‘expiration date’.
Let’s take a moment and look at some of our household
items and see if it’s time to toss and refresh.
In the Kitchen
How often should I replace the kitchen sponge?
That go-to kitchen sponge that is constantly used
multiple times of the day is the one item that needs to be tossed on a regular
basis. Depending on whom you ask, it ranges from once a day to once a week. Aim
for replacing it every 5-7 days. Extend its life by tossing it every day into
the top rack of your dishwasher to kill bacteria. Do not wait until it “looks
bad.” It’s what you can’t see that you should worry about the most
How long do herbs and spices last?
Of course, the answer here will depend on how often
you hit up your spice cabinet when cooking. For the average cook, there are a
core batch of bottled herbs and spices that get used often, like cinnamon,
oregano, and thyme. Then we tend to accumulate miscellaneous herbs for the
occasional recipe that then rarely gets used again. The result can be a spice
cabinet filled with spices that are losing their flavor. Dried spices can last
up to 3 years. Take inventory and toss any that you can’t remember the last
time, if ever, that you used it.
In the Bedroom
How often should I replace my mattress?
Generally, mattresses should be replaced every 5-10
years. There are plenty of factors to consider, like how often you sleep on it,
how often you rotate it, etc. If you start to consistently experience a bad
night’s sleep, or you can’t remember the last time you bought a mattress, then
it could be a sign that it’s time to replace your mattress. When you do buy a
new mattress, consider purchasing a mattress
pad to help extend the life of the mattress
How often should I replace my pillows?
Replace bed
pillows every 6-12 months. Pillows accumulate all sorts of things, like dead
skin cells, your body’s natural oils, drool and dust mites. Not to mention,
their stuffing will eventually break down and not deliver the support that you
experienced when you bought them in the first place.
In the Bathroom
When should I replace my bathroom towels?
Let your
senses be your guide. If it seems like your towels have lost their absorbency
or have a smell that won’t go away even after a washing, then it’s probably
time to replace them. Did you know that there are tricks to washing your bath towels that can keep them fluffy and soft
longer?
When should I replace my toothbrush?
According
to the American Dental Association, replace your toothbrush every three to four
months or whenever the bristles begin to fray.
When should I replace the bath pouf?
Just like a
kitchen sponge, a bath pouf can be a breeding ground for bacteria and germs.
Plan to replace a pouf at least once a month. Hang it between uses so that it
dries completely.
When should I replace the air filters?
This can
depend on your climate and your location, but generally, you should replace air
filters every three to six months.
Do fire extinguishers need to be replaced?
Most of
us add a few fire extinguishers around the house and then forget about them.
Most extinguishers will work five to 15 years. If the pressure gauge needle is
in the green areas, then it should function just fine. If it’s not, or if it
looks like there is some wear and tear that makes you question whether it will
work, then either replace it or have it serviced by a qualified professional.
When should I replace the smoke detectors?
Replace the
batteries every year. While you’re up there, check the date of manufacture. If
it is greater than ten years old, then replace the entire unit.
Now, what have you have around your house that you might need
to take a look at and make a decision?
A big thank you to Country Door for the help with this post.
