Experts say how often you should replace towels, sheets, toilet brushes and other things around the house

From shower curtains to chopping boards, there are things around the house that many of us probably don't replace as often as we should do. They can all be home to germs and bacteria, for one thing.

Now, interior experts from Online-Bedrooms.co.uk have revealed how often Britons need to replace ten of the most common items to avoid a germ infestation. When the durability of household items starts to wear down, a simple clean or bleach can only keep it surviving for a short while before it will need replacing for good.

While many use the good old smell test to check its condition, a fresh scent doesn’t mean that it’s not covered in harmful bacteria. Towels, chopping boards and even phone screen protectors require replacement annually, with things like toothbrushes and shower curtains needing to be changed more often.