Replacing These Household Items Is A Good New Year Resolution For 2017
At the beginning of a new year, a practical good year resolution is always to take a look around your home and assess what might need replacing.
While you may think that items around the home are good until they fall apart or get used – that is not always the case. We have found a list compiled by the Cameron Team of some often-overlooked items that should be replaced before they reach their physical lifespan.
1. Living Room
Area Rugs – The lifespan of an area rug is about 10 years, depending on its quality and the amount of traffic it receives. If your area rugs have stains that a professional cleaner cannot remove, are starting to unravel, or have taken on a permanent odour, it is time to change them out.
Sofa – Does your sofa smell? Do the cushions have a permanent indent? Are the armrests stained? In 1985, a good-quality sofa lasted around 14 years. In the past 10 years, it’s dropped to about 8 years. Just like mattresses and pillows, sofas also collect your body oils, skin cells, etc. - which can irritate allergies. So, it may be time to replace yours.
Throw Pillows – See “Pillows” under Bedroom.
2. Kitchen
Cutting Boards – The guidelines for wood and plastic cutting boards are basically the same. Cutting boards can be used for a long time if they’re properly disinfected after each use. However, when they become warped or start to form deep grooves/cracks, it’s time to replace them. A warped board can be a safety hazard when you try to cut on it and grooves/cracks can harbour bacteria even after washing (that includes in a hot dishwasher). Butcher blocks can be sanded and refinished, but many wood boards are made of multiple pieces of laminated wood and can’t be easily refinished.
Spices & Herbs – It’s interesting that spices and herbs are given a shelf life from 1 to 4 years (whole spices lasting the longest), because most lose their pungency by 6 months. It is best to throw it away and buy new when this time rolls around.
3. Bedroom
Pillows – Replace your pillows every year. Hair, body oils, and skin cells soak into the stuffing causing bacteria and dust mites to breed, which can lead to an increase in odour and allergies. You can extend the life of your pillows by using a protector.
Sheets – The general guideline for sheets is to replace them when they’ve worn out. However, if your sheets are stained and discoloured, it’s a good idea to buy new ones, especially if you replace your mattress. Those stains could be signs that something else is sharing the bed with you.
Mattresses – Every 5 to 10 years is the guideline for replacing mattresses. How often really depends on how much you sweat and sleep. Just like for pillows, what your body sheds makes the mattress a breeding ground. Does your mattress feel a little heavier after having it for 5 years? That’s the collection of skin cells and mites.
4. Bathroom
Toothbrush - The Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, because frayed bristles do not clean as well. Consider doing it sooner if you’ve been sick and store your brush close to others. Toothbrushes do not kill bacteria in your mouth and prevent you from getting sick. Concerned about the bacteria on your toothbrush? Soak it in vinegar for 30 minutes and make sure you clean the brush holder with dish soap and hot water.
Toilet Brush – Despite its intended use, a toilet brush can last a while if it is disinfected after each use. If the brush feels sticky or slimy, turns yellow, or starts to look frayed, it’s time to replace it, because it’s no longer cleaning your toilet well.
Towels – It is recommended that you replace your towels every 2 years. Consistent use causes the fibres to break down. This can make it harder for you to get dry. If your towels have an odour you cannot get rid of, you should replace them sooner. That odour could be caused by bacteria or mildew, a form of fungus.
Bath Mat – These have similar guidelines as towels. You should replace them every 2 years, unless you track a lot of dirt across them. While you should be cleaning these almost as often as your towels, ground-in dirt particles can be left behind, even after a wash cycle. Depending on traffic, you may want to replace sooner.
Shower Curtain Liner – The constant exposure to water means that shower curtain liners are prone to mould and mildew. They should be replaced every 3 to 6 months. If there are black specks in your bath water, you have waited too long.
Vitamins – While medications have a long life expectancy, vitamins lose their potency after 2 years. So it is best to replace them if they have not been used.
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We hope this list helps you freshen up your home and start the year feeling renewed.
Source – Cameron Team Blog