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.
Nic Shacklock from Online-Bedrooms.co.uk said: “We don’t realise how often things in our home may need replacing from a hygiene point of view. If things look clean, we simply leave it be. However, there’s a real danger of not replacing some of these items such as the toilet brush or even frying pans after a certain period, as the germs that linger can cause a wide range of health problems.
“Have a look around the home and think about how long you’ve had some of these items. If they’ve been in use for a long while, it may be time to get the bin bag out.”
How often everyday items should be replaced:
Shower curtains - three months
The excess amount of water hitting the shower curtain leads to mould growth due to the heavy moisture conditions. With the constant showering, it’s best to swap these out every three months as there’s only so much mould spray can do to stop its growth.
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Bed sheets - two years
Bed sheets that have been used for two years are a welcoming home to germs and even dust mites. They still like to infest bedding even after it’s been cleaned, so once you’re noticing a foul smell or even itchiness from sleeping on the sheets, they likely need replacing.
Sponges - when the smell lingers
There’s no time frame for when sponges should be replaced, but if they start to smell after excess usage, it’s a clear indication they need swapping out. To make them last longer be sure to ring out any excess water after each use.
Chopping boards - one year
The marks from knives can cause bacteria to deepen into the chopping board and could potentially lead to contamination of food, which can be potentially harmful when it comes to preparing meats and fish.
Toilet brush - nine months
Nobody wants a dirty toilet brush in their home, particularly one which has outstayed its welcome. While they can be cleaned with bleach and toilet cleaner, the bacteria tend to linger on the stems of the brush. They should be swapped out every nine months at the least.
Protective phone screens - one year
Research shows that our mobile devices can be as filthy as a toilet seat, in particular the front screens. Many people buy a cover for the front to prevent the screen from being damaged, but this can accumulate tons of bacteria from the constant typing and swiping which is why it’s recommended to replace it once a year.
Rugs - three years
For many, rugs are the centrepiece features in a home, underneath the beautiful display lies a haven for germ infestation. Vacuuming the rug and constantly walking over it leads to harmful bacteria going deeper into the material.
Toothbrush - six months
The bottom of the toothbrush is a pit for bacteria, even if the toothbrush is cleaned thoroughly. It can be swimming in a pool of germs if it’s left in a holder beside the sink. Every six months it’s worth investing in a new one to prevent any illness occurring from simply brushing your teeth.
Towels - two years
Although most people wash their towels regularly, they may need to go every couple of years. Bacteria and fungi can linger on towels which can result in skin rashes and illness, even after they’ve been soaked and cleaned.
Pans - five years
The bacteria in pans builds up from heavy usage even after a deep scrub. But they do manage to last around five years before they need replacing. Check if any smells continue to linger and whether food stains are able to be cleaned out first before swapping for a newer model.
