As someone who’s lived in her current apartment for close to four years now, there are definitely some things I hoard, or worse yet, forget to throw out. There are old sheets, and a pillow definitely far too old to stay on my bed, but sometimes I just can’t bring myself to part with certain household items — even though I know it’s for my own good.
And while old bedsheets might not be the worst offender, there are several household items that need replacing far more often than most people realize. Think of your kitchen sponges, old mattress toppers and definitely that old shower liner that might have mold growing on it. Replacement timelines vary widely. Some items, like pillows, can last up to two years, while others, such as shower liners, may need replacing every few months. Here’s what professional home and cleaning experts say about which household items need to go sooner than expected.
Pillows
“Most pillows should be replaced every 1–2 years,” says Dr. Regina Lark, founder of A Clear Path, a Los Angeles–based organizing and estate transition company. “Over time, they accumulate dust mites, skin cells, body oils and lose structural support, which can affect neck alignment and sleep quality.
Lark says, Try this trick: fold your pillow in half – if it doesn’t spring back, say goodbye because it is clearly past its prime and time to go! If you also have one too many pillows on your bed (like me) or pillows with visible stains, make sure you get rid of them asap.
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Kitchen Sponges
According to Lark, your kitchen sponge is germier than you think. “Kitchen sponges can contain more bacteria than a toilet seat.” Many times, you’ll hold onto a kitchen sponge till it starts to fall apart, but that leftover food you see sticking onto it after repeatedly cleaning your dishes, that means it’s time for that sponge to go.
Essentially, any kitchen item that stays damp over time is a home for bacteria (drying towels and faucet mats), so replace/wash them often — weekly or bi-weekly if you can.
Bath Mats
“Bath mats sit in a damp environment and collect skin cells, so replacing them every one to two years (and washing frequently) reduces mold and bacteria exposure,” says Sofia Martinez, a cleaning expert, professional organizer, and CEO of Sparkly Maid Austin. If you don’t have a washable bath mat, you should clean it weekly and spot-clean when you do see a stain.
Plastic Food Storage Containers
“Plastic food storage that gets scratched or stained can trap bacteria,” says Amanda Wiss, founder of Urban Clarity, a Brooklyn-based professional organizing and move management company. “When replacing, consider moving to glass containers which will last significantly longer and be safer,” she adds. Don’t hold on to those plastic containers you get from takeout; instead, invest in glass containers for their durability.
Just be mindful of the rubber seal that holds the lid in place. The rubber gasket’s “job is to create an airtight (and sometimes leakproof) seal between the glass container and the snap-lock lid,” says Lark. “Over time, these gaskets can stretch, crack, absorb odors, or trap mold — which is often a sign they should be replaced, even if the container itself is still perfectly good.”
Toothbrush Holders
Toothbrush holders usually harbor a lot of bacteria as they’re damp. Sometimes you’ll even see mold on the inside of toothbrush holders, and over time, if they’re not regularly maintained, they may develop an odor too. Lark says you should be cleaning your toothbrush holder at least once a week and replacing it about every six months.
Mattress Protector
“Mattress toppers in particular vary by quality, so aim to reassess annually and replace when support is lost or odors develop,” says Wiss. “Those yellow stains are sweat-induced and can smell or develop bacteria.” Many of us also forget to replace our mattress toppers, even though we’re making sure to change the rest of our bedding.
Martinez recommends replacing mattress protectors every one to three years. “Repeated washing slowly breaks down the waterproof layer and eventually they stop doing their job.”
RELATED: Best Mattress Protectors, According to Testing
Shower Liners
“Shower liners are inexpensive but can hide mold and soap scum in folds, so replacing them every 6 to 12 months keeps bathrooms fresher,” says Martinez. She adds that while people might launder their shower curtains, they forget to replace the liner often.
Shopping Totes
“One of the items we get rid of most during organizing sessions is reusable grocery or tote bags,” says Wiss. “Most people use 2–3 totes regularly, and have the others just in case.” Those extras are rarely used but collect dirt and take up valuable closet and shelf space.” Make sure to replace your totes once they rip or collect dirt and stains, but make sure you’re not holding on to more than two or three — only keep as many as you need.
Reusable Water Bottles
“Reusable water bottles also harbor significant bacteria because they’re handled constantly but rarely sanitized,” says Lark. The bacteria and dirt settle in the crevices of the bottles and can be hard to clean. “You have to get into the creases and crevices of the lid,” adds Wiss. With plastic bottles, you also want to make sure to throw them out and replace them once they start developing cracks.
RELATED: We Tested Dozens of Water Bottles to Find the Absolute Best Ones
Cutting Boards
Last but not least, replace your plastic cutting boards every one to three years, depending on use, and every three to five years for wooden boards — unless of course they develop cracks. Cutting boards that are scratched can harbor bacteria over time, according to our cleaning experts. “Really, anything with moisture and food residue is a bacteria hot-spot waiting to happen,” adds Wiss.
