When to Replace Household Items
With our busy lives, there are little things that often get overlooked, like keeping track of how long we’ve used our pillows or bath towels. However, replacing these things in a timely fashion is efficient and helpful in having a smoothly run household. See our list of top five household items that might be overdue for a replacement.
With our busy lives, there are little things that often get overlooked, like keeping track of how long we’ve used our pillows or bath towels. However, replacing these things in a timely fashion is efficient and helpful in having a smoothly run household. See our list of top five household items that might be overdue for a replacement.
Sheets
When to replace: Every 2 years or when showing signs of wear.
While your comforter or duvet may be a major design element in your bedroom, the sheets underneath need some attention, too. How often your sheets need to be replaced is affected by how many sheet sets you own and how often they’re laundered. Watch for stains, frayed hems, or fading patterns to determine if you’re due for some new bed linens. For helpful tips, see our Sheets Buying Guide.
Mattress
When to replace: Every 7 to 10 years.
Quality sleep is crucial for a balanced, healthy life, and a good mattress can make all the difference in getting the sleep you need. If it’s been seven years or more since you purchased your mattress, then it’s time for a new one. In time, mattresses are weighed down with dead skin cells and sag from worn out materials. Significant advances have been made in sleep technology, so chances are that better support, comfort, and sleep are waiting for you. See our Mattresses Buying Guide for more help.
Pillows
When to replace: Every 6 months for polyester pillows; every 18 to 24 months for down or other fills.
If you suffer from allergies, your pillow might be the culprit. Pillows trap dust mites, dead skin cells, and other allergens that weigh a pillow down and reduce its loft and ability to support. A quick way to know if your pillow needs to be replaced is to fold it in half. If it doesn’t spring back to its usual form, it’s time for a new one. For other helpful tips, see How to Know When to Replace a Pillow.
Bath Towels
When to replace: Every 2 years.
Plush, fluffy towels are a delight in the bathroom. But with use and repeated washings, bath towels become threadbare, less absorbent, and musty smelling. Proper care can extend the life and effectiveness of your towels, but if it’s been more than two years, it’s time to replace them. For helpful tips, see our guide How to Care for Bath Towels.
Nonstick Cookware
When to replace: Every 2 to 3 years, sooner if scratched.
Nonstick cookware makes cooking and cleaning quick and easy. But when your nonstick pots and pans are scratched, they release toxic, odorless fumes when heated. So if your pans are damaged, it’s best to toss them. For more tips, see our guide How to Care for Nonstick Cookware.
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