It’s time to give your house a good cleaning and throw away all the clutter you’ve accumulated over the past year. But how do you know if you’re getting rid of the right things at the right time, or are cleaning everything properly? I like to keep on a schedule and change everything out when I do my daylight saving times checklist.
From your kitchen to your bedroom, here are household items you need to throw away or clean, and when.
Pillows
Most of us do not clean our pillows often enough to keep them fresh and bacteria-free. The first sign of a dirty pillow is an unpleasant smell, but there are many more problems with not changing your pillows on a regular basis. Dust mites can build up inside the pillow, leading to allergies or infection. You should be washing your pillows every three months at least.
Mattress Covers
Most people think that when they sweat when they’re sleeping that it goes into the sheet – and it does, but it usually goes below the sheet and so we have mattress covers that will help protect the mattress. Eventually, a mattress cover is going to become contaminated with microbes.
You can wash the mattress cover once every three months. However, over time, it’s going to lose its ability to hold on to the pathogens and they will eventually get into the mattress. So change your mattress cover every year. If you do not have a mattress cover, it is best to invest in one. If you are not using one, you should replace your mattress every 6 to 8 years. You can find comfortable mattress on sale and be sure to invest in a good cover.
Bath Towels
You should replace your bath towels every year to 2 years. If you are using one, it is time to get rid of it and invest in a new towel. After about one year, the quality of the material starts to decline and bacteria can grow much easier on old towels. If your towels are starting to smell musty, it’s definitely time to get new ones.
Toothbrush
You should replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. However, you do not have to buy a new toothbrush every time. Rotate out your old toothbrushes with ones that are brand new so they all get used evenly over the course of the year.
Kitchen Sponge
Kitchen sponges are one of the dirtiest items in your home. If you have used a kitchen sponge for over a month, it is time to replace it. Over time, sponges start to get full of bacteria and they also lose their ability to clean your dishes well.
Slippers
Slippers are an essential item to have in your home for when you get out of the shower or want to avoid walking on tile or hardwood floors with bare feet. Slippers typically last up to 6 months before they need to be replaced, especially if you wear them often.
Shower Liners
You should be washing your liner every month. If you are not washing it frequently, it’s a good idea to change it once a year, especially if you see signs of mould or mildew.
Bath Mats
Just like towels, you should be replacing your bathmats every few years. You are stepping on it every day, so it will most likely wear out faster than your towels.
