Most people tend to think of replacing their household items when they stop working or show obvious signs of wear. But this lack of a regular schedule can leave you unknowingly open to using items that are past their prime.
Our real estate agents share the following recommendations for how often you should replace these common household items:
- Smoke Alarm Batteries
Replace your smoke alarm batteries every six months. A good reminder is to change them when you "spring forward" at the start of daylight savings time and "fall back" when it ends. - Smoke Detectors
If you're like most people, you may think about changing your smoke detector batteries but not the smoke detector itself. The U.S. Fire Administration recommends swapping out your smoke detector every 10 years. Even if it's working well, check the back of your detector for a manufacturer date and replace it when it's a decade old. - Body Sponges
If you use a body sponge or loofah in the bath or shower, you should replace it every 4 to 6 weeks. They're still wet or at least damp when you get through using them, and in the moist bathroom environment, it may take a while for them to completely dry out. - Pillows
You sleep on your pillow every night, and it accumulates everything from body oil to skin cells to dust mites. That's the last thing you want to be breathing in. Change a plain pillow every six months, even if you use a pillow protector, since it needs to be able to continue to support your head and neck properly. Memory foam pillows can last for 18 to 36 months. - Dish Sponges
You can disinfect your dish sponge using a bleach solution, but you should still toss it every two to four weeks. If you use it often and aren't diligent about disinfecting it, choose the shorter time of two weeks. - Air Filters
Changing your heating and air conditioning filter improves the quality of your indoor air while helping your unit to run more efficiently, resulting in fewer breakdowns and lower power bills. The filter should be changed every 30-90 days, with 30 days being a good rule of thumb if someone in your home has allergies or asthma. If you have pets, change your air filter every 60 days. - Toothbrush
Don't wait until your toothbrush has visible signs of wear before you replace it. If it has bristles that are splayed out, it can actually cause microscopic scratches on your teeth. An old brush can also harbor bacteria. Change your toothbrush every one to three months, and more often if you've been sick. - Water Filters
Most water filters should be changed every six months. If you have a pitcher with a water filter, it may need to be replaced more frequently. This information should be on your manufacturer's instructions. - Cutting Boards
Replace a cutting board every few months if it's used regularly. Over time, it develops small cuts and grooves that make it impossible to get thoroughly clean.
Contact us to visit Naples homes for sale or sell your home in the area. Our goal is to make the entire experience as enjoyable as possible.
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