While we want to stretch a dollar and make the items that we use on a daily basis last as long as possible, we also want to avoid contracting and spreading germs throughout the house. These strategies will help you identify when it’s time to toss these 7 common household items, and provide you with tips to help them last longer.

Toothbrush

Sore throats and infections can be contracted from the bacteria on your toothbrush. Replace your toothbrush once monthly, before bristles show visible signs of wear, and after any type of infectious illness. Daily, or at least once a week, place it in a glass of hydrogen peroxide overnight to kill germs and prolong its life. Rinse the toothbrush under running water before brushing.

Hair Brush

Examine the bristles regularly for wear or damage. Replace the brush if bristles are damaged to prevent damage to your hair. If the bristles are in good condition use a comb to remove hair from the brush. Stubborn hair can be carefully cut away from the brush with scissors. Then, soak hair brushes and combs in a sink filled with hot water and several drops of shampoo. Rinse well and allow to dry completely before reusing.

Sponges

In the process of cleaning our bathrooms, kitchens, and bodies, synthetic sponges collect bacteria and should be replaced every few months or at first sign of wear, mold, or staining. While the option of purchasing a synthetic sponge embedded with antimicrobial ingredients sounds like a way to avoid mold and bacteria formation, the ingredients, particularly Triclosan, may pose negative health risks. There are natural ways to clean sponges. Once a week, sanitize synthetic sponges and mesh bath sponges by soaking them in undiluted, distilled white vinegar for at least five minutes. Another way to kill germs is to microwave a wet sponge (but not a mesh sponge) on high for one minute, or run through the dishwasher.  To prolong the use of any sponge, allow it to air dry after use and never leave it sitting in water.

Mascara

Mascara needs to be replaced more frequently than any other makeup product to avoid possible eye irritations and infection. As the wand is being repeatedly transferred back and forth from the mascara in the tube to the eyelashes, the chance of bacteria growth is great. Discard the mascara as it dries out or after 90 days, whichever occurs first.

Pillows

The longevity of a pillow depends greatly on its quality. To increase the life of your pillows, don’t put them in the washing machine. Instead, wash your pillow cases often and use zippered pillow protectors. Sleep Number offers this advice on how to test pillows to determine whether or not it’s time to toss your current pillows:

  • Feather/down pillows: Fold the pillow in half and squeeze out the air. If the pillow stays folded when you release it, it’s time to buy a new one. If your feather or down pillow springs back into its original shape, it’s good for a few more years.Synthetic pillows: Place your pillow on a flat surface. Fold it in half and squeeze out the air. Place a hardcover book on top of the pillow. If the pillow “tosses” the book and bounces back to its original shape, it’s good for now.

Check out our story on Dust Mites!

Mattress

Sleep is essential to our well-being, so it is important to ensure that we have a good mattress set. Sleeping on a sagging or worn mattress can attribute to aches and pains, preventing you from getting sound sleep. How long you should keep a mattress before replacing it depends on the original quality and type of mattress, the amount of use, and other factors.

The general consensus for the duration of a traditional mattress is 7 -10 years. Quality beds with programmable air-filled mattresses should last ten years or more. “Evaluate your mattress for replacement when you change your clocks twice a year. Gaining or losing sleep is already on your mind,” The Better Sleep Council. They also offer these indications that you may need a new mattress:

  • You wake up with stiffness, numbness, aches and painsYou get a better night’s sleep somewhere other than your own bed (such as a hotel)Your mattress shows visible signs of overuse (it sags, has visible tearing, ripping, holes, staining, or damage)You are tired after a full night’s sleepYour mattress is 7 years old or older

Water Filters & Cartridges

The water quality and your consumption will determine whether you should change the filter more frequently than the manufacturer suggests. If you detect a change in taste, odor, or clarity, or notice a decrease in water pressure these are indications that the filtration system needs to be replaced. Brita™ suggests replacing their brand of filter every 40 gallons or about every two months. Users with hard water should replace filters more often.

  • Deborah Tukua
  • #molongui-disabled-link
  • January 25, 2023
  • How To Have A Pollinator Party Pre-Game!
  • Deborah Tukua
  • #molongui-disabled-link
  • December 6, 2022
  • Heat Therapy: How And When To Treat Pain With Heat
  • Deborah Tukua
  • #molongui-disabled-link
  • September 27, 2022
  • Learn More About Hummingbird moths
  • Deborah Tukua
  • #molongui-disabled-link
  • August 19, 2022
  • How to Avoid A Skin Rash In The Garden