40 Household Items You Didn’t Replace for a While — But Should

We all have those household items we hold onto a little too long, whether it’s for sentimental reasons or simply because we forget they need replacing. It’s easy to overlook the wear and tear that everyday use inflicts on our belongings, but maintaining a clean and healthy home requires regular updates. Hygiene is crucial, and outdated items can harbor bacteria or lose their effectiveness, impacting our daily lives.

By staying mindful of when to replace household essentials, we can create a healthier environment for ourselves and our loved ones. Taking a proactive approach to refreshing our home can make a significant difference in our overall well-being. Let’s explore how often we should replace some everyday household items to keep our homes safe and clean.

Cutting Boards

Plastic cutting boards should be replaced frequently, especially if they have cut marks or scratches. These imperfections can harbor bacteria, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses. Research indicates that plastic boards can retain more bacteria than wooden ones, making them harder to disinfect once they become too damaged. Moreover, plastic cutting boards can also develop unpleasant odors over time due to trapped bacteria.

Investing in bamboo or wood cutting boards is a better option for both your kitchen and the environment. Bamboo is a sustainable resource, although it can be harder on knives. Wood boards, while not as renewable, are gentler on your knives. To maintain these boards, use food-grade mineral oil to prevent cracking and warping. Disinfect them with three percent hydrogen peroxide, allowing it to fizz and kill germs. Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of your cutting boards significantly.

Food Storage Containers

Plastic food storage containers can pose safety risks, particularly those marked with a #3 or #7 recycling symbol, which may contain BPA and PVC. Reheating food in plastic containers is also discouraged due to the potential for chemical leaching. If your container becomes cloudy, warped, stained, or scratched, it’s time to replace it. Alternatively, repurpose old plastic containers for non-food storage, like organizing craft supplies or hardware.

Glass containers are a safer option for food storage and reheating, as they do not leach harmful chemicals. However, their lids often have rubber seals that can attract bacteria, yeast, and mold. To keep these seals clean, soak them in hot water with a capful of bleach a few times a year. Inspecting and cleaning the seals regularly can prevent mold buildup and ensure your containers remain safe for food storage.

Water Filters

Whole house water filters require replacement every six months, while pitcher water filters should be changed every 40 gallons or two months, whichever comes first. Using expired filters can lead to bacteria buildup and reduced filtration efficiency, essentially filtering water through a clogged, dirty filter. This compromises water quality and can strain your filtration system, leading to potential repairs or replacement.

Neglecting to replace water filters can result in unpleasant tastes and odors in your water. Additionally, using out-of-date filters means that contaminants such as chlorine, lead, and other harmful substances may not be effectively removed. Regularly replacing your water filters ensures clean, safe drinking water and helps maintain the performance and longevity of your filtration system.

Sponges

Sponges should be replaced every two to four weeks, depending on usage. While running them through the dishwasher or microwave can kill some bacteria, it won’t completely disinfect them. Avoid using the same sponge for dishes and cleaning surfaces, and definitely keep them away from raw meat to prevent cross-contamination. Regularly switching out your sponges can help maintain a more hygienic kitchen environment.

Though sponges are inexpensive, they are typically made of plastic, which can contribute to environmental waste. Natural sea sponges are a more eco-friendly alternative, as they are naturally more resistant to mold and bacteria growth. Additionally, you can cut down on waste by using cloth dish rags, which can be washed and reused multiple times. Ensuring proper sanitation practices with sponges can reduce the risk of spreading harmful bacteria.