Contact The Editor
Articles By This Author
You're not the only one under your roof that's getting older. Your stuff is aging, too. We all have products that we continue to use, even though they're well past their prime. It may be hard to let go of certain things, like the beloved towels you've washed too many times to count or your favorite oven mitts - burn marks and all. Go ahead, hang onto those. But there are some household items you should replace, even if they're not showing signs of excessive wear and tear.
It's smart to do a room-by-room assessment periodically, with an eye toward figuring out what you need to toss before things lose their efficacy or even harm your health. Here's what to look for.
• The kitchen
Sponges: You can't always tell by smelling or looking at them, but perpetually damp sponges are breeding grounds for bacteria that could make you sick, says Chuck Gerba, a professor of environmental science at the University of Arizona in Tucson. "In our research, we've found that the bacteria get to really high numbers in three to four days." That's why it's important to disinfect sponges every day or two by putting them in the microwave for 30 seconds or running them through the dishwasher. Even if you do that, replace sponges every one to two weeks, says Kristin DiNicolantonio, senior director of stakeholder communications at the American Cleaning Institute in D.C.
Mops: Their job is to clean floors, so you may expect them to be dirty. But it's wise to replace mop heads every two to three months, because "dirty mops spread grime instead of removing it," says DiNicolantonio. Toss it sooner if it smells bad or the fibers are worn down. To extend the life of a mop, rinse it thoroughly after each use and let it air dry.
Cleaning products: These lose their effectiveness over time, says DiNicolantonio, and they don't always have an expiration date printed on the bottle. In general, cleaning products should be replaced after one to two years, she says. Toss them sooner if they show changes in color, smell, or texture.
Cutting boards: If they have lots of cuts or scratches, it's time to replace them because those indentations can harbor bacteria that could make you sick, Gerba says. (You've probably heard that you should use separate cutting boards for meats and produce - and that's still true.) To prolong their lifespan, plastic cutting boards can be put in the dishwasher for cleaning; wooden ones can be cleaned with a diluted bleach solution or disinfectant.
Nonstick pots and pans: Stop using them and toss them if the surface is scratched or flaking, says Ryan Sinclair, a professor of environmental microbiology at Loma Linda University. "Nonstick cookware contains forever chemicals called PFAS that are potentially carcinogenic," he says. "If the surface is flaking, microparticles can get in your food and stay in your body." When it's time to replace nonstick cookware, Sinclair suggests choosing cast iron or stainless steel pots and pans, which don't contain chemicals that can flake off.
Plastic food-storage containers: If they're changing color or texture or becoming brittle, it's time to get rid of them, Sinclair says. The reason: As they degrade, many plastic containers shed oxidized compounds that can get into your food and hence your body. When it's time to replace them, glass or metal food-storage containers are healthier options.
Fire extinguishers: They often have a manufactured date stamped on them, and they typically have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years from that date, says Susan McKelvey, communications manager for the National Fire Protection Association. It's wise to check a fire extinguisher on a monthly basis to make sure it's still pressurized (the needle should be in the green zone). And if you do use it, even for a small fire, you need to replace it.
• Hallways
Smoke detectors: These should be replaced every 10 years from the date they were manufactured, not when you bought them, says McKelvey. Use one for too long and the risk is that it won't effectively recognize smoke and activate the alarm when you need it.
Carbon monoxide detectors: Depending on the model, carbon monoxide detectors have a lifespan of seven to 10 years from the manufactured date. Here again, if you continue using it beyond that, it might not recognize a problematic level of this colorless, odorless, poisonous gas in your home.
• Bathrooms
Toothbrushes: The American Dental Association recommends replacing toothbrushes every three or four months, sooner if the bristles are noticeably matted or frayed. A worn-out toothbrush won't clean your teeth effectively, leaving you more vulnerable to plaque and cavities.
Toilet brushes: Replace these about every six months or sooner if the bristles are bent or if there are signs of discoloration or lingering odor, DiNicolantonio says. "Worn brushes clean poorly and can harbor bacteria." To prolong their use, be sure to disinfect and rinse toilet brushes thoroughly after each use and let them air dry, she says.
Shower curtain liners: Because of the moisture-rich environment they're in, shower curtain liners can harbor mold and mildew growth, which can become airborne during a shower, potentially irritating your lungs or skin. Washing the liners regularly can help prevent that buildup, but if stains or odors persist, it's best to replace them.
• The bedroom
Mattresses: The typical lifespan of a mattress is between seven and 12 years, depending on the type and quality. But you don't need a calendar to tell you when to replace it. If you regularly wake up with stiffness, soreness or lower-back pain, it's time to consider getting a new mattress, says Michael Breus, a psychologist and founder of SleepDoctor.com. "A mattress has two functions - support, which is all about making your spine aligned so the muscles have a chance to relax, and comfort, which involves how long the product will keep you in that relaxed position."
Stacey Colino is a writer specializing in health, science and lifestyle issues.
(COMMENT, BELOW)