Cleaning and organising are not the only things which count as home maintenance. It is also about understanding when the regularly used household items need replacement. The daily use products we are talking about accumulate germs and bacterias, they lose their efficiency, and if not replaced, also become safety hazards. While it’s tempting to keep these things a “little longer” or “until they come to an end,”, it is better to replace them without thinking too much or thinking about the health factor, whichever suits you. Let’s have a room-by-room look of the products that need replacement frequently. Go on, and replace these as soon as you see:KitchenUnderstand, your kitchen is one of the busiest and also the dirtiest spaces in your home. Some items here, we generally ignore but we should not.• Sponges and dish clothes (within 15 days)
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At any cost, replace kitchen sponges and dish clothes more frequently. constantly exposed to food debris and moisture, making them breeding grounds for bacteria. Experts recommend changing these every 15 days or immediately they start emitting foul smell. Wash them everyday, after every use and put them to dry in the Sun.Shubhi Chatterjee, a full-time homemaker from Kolkata, says that she has a routine of replacing her kitchen clothes and dishwash sponges every 7-10 days. “It is absolutely non-negotiable. I change them every week.”• Water filters (every 3 to 6 months, depending on the quality of water in your area)
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Water filters lose their efficiency because they keep getting clogged with hard water impurities. Change the filters every 3–6 months and pitcher filters every 1–2 months.• Spices (check the expiry)You must check the expiry dates on the spice packets and use them accordingly. Generally if opened and unused, replace every 6 months. Opened packs lose their flavor and freshness. You can store whole spices for 3–5 years.• Cookware (5 years, depending on the material they are made of)As a rule of thumb, cookware should be replaced every 5 years or if the coating deteriorates. Quality cookware can last a long time. Non-stick pans should be replaced as soon as they lose their coating. “I prefer using non-toxic cookware. I have ceramic utensils. If I see any kind of scratch on my pan, I don’t use them for cooking. Instead, I make a hanging pot or put them out for dog and bird water,” said Prerna Shah, who works in a MNC in Bengaluru, Karnataka.Bathroom
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Your bathrooms are prone to humidity and a wide range of bacteria and mold thrive here. So it is very important to replace items such as:• Toothbrushes (every 3-4 months)As per dental professionals, you must replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months, if needed sooner too.“I buy a family pack of four toothbrushes, and my whole family replaces the old one every 2 months. I keep a check on my dental health because it’s absolutely important,” said Arup Kumar, a bank employee from Kharghar, Maharashtra.• Loofahs (2-3 months)
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Replace your bath sponges or loofahs every 2-3 months. You can’t even imagine how dirty these can be after staying wet and collecting dead skin cells.• Toilet brushes (6-12 months)Your toilet brushes can collect immense; replacing them every 6–12 months ensures cleanliness.• Towels (1-2 years)Over time, fibers break down and absorb odors. Towels and mats should be replaced every 1–2 years. Bedroom
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While some bedroom items are replaced less frequently, dusty or worn bedding can affect sleep quality and allergies.• Bedsheets (every 2-3 years, depending on the quality)You sleep on those sheets, wash them every two-three days. Experts suggest replacing every 2 years, depending on wear and quality.• Pillows (within 2 years)Pillows accumulate body oils and allergens. It is suggested to replace your pillows every 1–2 years.• Mattresses (within 8-10 years)A good quality mattress supports sleep and body. Most mattresses start to lose support after about 8–10 years.Big Appliances and Furniture (10-15 years)
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Large appliances means big investments. Home appliances like refrigerators, ACs and washing machines, among others, can last up to 15 years with proper maintenance. Rather than a strict timeline, it also depends on the quality. performance and repair history.Replacing or changing household items regularly is not only about making your house beautiful. It is also about health and safety. Also, replacing daily-use items should be a routine which only helps ensure a healthy home and environment.
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