Some things wear out. Others just turn gross slowly, without looking like it. And that’s the trap: if it’s not fraying, moldy, or falling apart, we assume it’s fine. But plenty of the stuff we touch, scrub with, or eat from daily has a secret expiration date, whether it’s printed on the label or not.
Most of these things don’t come with warnings. They just get more disgusting over time while still looking fine. And because they seem usable, we hang onto them. But swapping out a sponge or a loofah isn’t hard. Neither is tossing a worn-out toothbrush nor a stained container. If anything here made you pause and think, “Wait… when did I last change that?”, you might be on to something.
On that note, the following are nine household items that experts say should be replaced more often than many of us realize. If you’re feeling brave, you should probably check your bathroom right after this.
Pillows
They still feel soft, sure. But over time, they collect dead skin, oils, dust mites, and bacteria, with studies showing older pillows harbor higher microbial loads. That cloud you rest your face on every night? It’s a germ sponge. Even the decorative ones on your couch aren’t innocent.
Dermatologists suggest swapping them out every 1–2 years (3 years with proper care, especially if they’re synthetic fills like polyester. You can stretch it a bit longer with hypoallergenic covers and by tossing them in the dryer every month to kill dust mites. But if your pillow smells off, feels lumpy, or leaves you congested in the morning, it’s probably time.
Bonus fact: Latex pillows can last 3–5 years, but the general 1-2 year guideline still applies to most common pillow types.
Kitchen Sponges
You know they’re disgusting. But did you know just how disgusting? One 2017 study found 362 types of bacteria living in the average used sponge, with populations dense enough to rival what’s found in toilets (findings show up to 45 billion bacteria per square centimeter in sponges, a density similar to fecal contamination levels). Yes, really.
If it’s more than two weeks old (or still sitting wet next to the sink), toss it. You can sanitize it in the dishwasher or microwave (wet, never dry), but the safest move is to keep a stash and rotate often. Don’t wait until it smells like mildew to call it quits.
Point to be noted: Microwaving or dishwashing wet sponges can reduce bacteria by ~60%, but these methods may fail to eliminate pathogens like Salmonella and can favor resilient strains.
Pro tip: It is increasingly recommended that sponges be replaced weekly and brushes used (which dry faster and harbor fewer bacteria).
Toothbrushes
It doesn’t matter if the bristles still look okay. After a few months of daily use, they’re bent, softened, and probably teeming with germs — especially if it’s been near someone else’s brush or if you’ve been sick. Dentists recommend a new one every 3–4 months. Or immediately if you’ve just had the flu, a cold, or strep. Your mouth deserves better than a worn-out germ rake.
Actionable Tip: Set phone reminders every 3 months or use color-changing bristle indicators (available on some brushes) to track replacement times.
Cutting Boards
A few knife marks seem harmless… until they harbor bacteria you can’t see and can’t scrub out. Meat juices, veggie bits, and dishwater all seep into those grooves. Wooden boards are significantly safer over time due to their natural bacteria resistance.
Once the surface starts to feel uneven or looks deeply scored, it’s time. While wooden boards should be replaced when deeply scored, warped, or if seams separate (common in laminated boards), well-maintained boards last 5–10 years. However, plastic boards are easier to sanitize initially but degrade faster, making wood a better long-term choice.
Pro tip: Use separate boards for meat and produce. Clean with soap and hot water after every use, and if you really want to go the extra mile, dry thoroughly and periodically oil with food-safe mineral oil. That board isn’t as innocent as it looks.
Bonus fact: Although wooden boards require extra care to prevent mold growth, Hardwoods like maple resist moisture better than softwoods.
Loofahs and Shower Sponges
Exfoliating feels good, but remember that your loofah is full of dead skin cells, soap residue, and damp bacterial colonies. Stored in a humid shower, it basically becomes a breeding ground for mold. And every time you scrub, you’re rubbing all that right back in.
Dermatologists recommend replacing loofahs every 3–4 weeks. If it starts to smell even a little off, that’s not just “shower smell.” That’s your cue. The same goes for visible mold (black, green, or pink spots) and texture changes (sliminess, disintegration). A clean wash cloth is safer (if laundered after 1–2 uses and replaced every 6–12 months), and you can simply toss it in the laundry.
Point to be noted: Synthetic shower poufs can last up to 2 months but require thorough rinsing, drying, and disinfection (methods include bleach soaking weekly).
Razors
If it drags across your skin instead of gliding, you’ve already waited too long. Razors dull quickly, and every time you use them, they pick up dead skin, hair, and moisture. Left in a damp shower, they can grow bacteria fast.
Dermatologists say to replace the blade every 5–7 shaves. Not weeks. Shaves. That’s sooner than most people think. Skin irritation, razor burn, or tiny bumps could be your dull blade quietly rebelling.
Plastic Storage Containers
Scratches and stains aren’t just cosmetic. Over time, worn plastic can trap bacteria and start leaching chemicals into your food, especially if you microwave it (Microwave-safe labels only indicate the container won’t melt—not that it’s free from chemical leaching). Some of those compounds, like BPA or phthalates, are linked to hormone disruption and worse.
If your containers are cloudy, stained, warped, emit odors, or are etched from forks, they’re done and could potentially compromise safety and hygiene. It’s also best to avoid containers older than 10 years (pre-2010s), as they likely contain BPA.
Best practices: Prioritize containers labeled #2 (HDPE), #4 (LDPE), or #5 (PP), which are safer and more durable. Switch to glass when you can. It lasts longer and doesn’t mess with your leftovers.
Nonstick Pans
A chipped pan doesn’t just make your eggs stick — it means the coating is failing and may release microplastics. Most modern nonstick coatings no longer contain PFOA or perfluorooctanoic acid (phased out by 2015), but older or low-quality pans might. When that slick surface starts to peel or bubble, it’s time to bin it.
Even if they look fine, heavy use wears them down over time. Inspect your pans often and replace them the moment you see damage. No cooking spray will restore the coating. Superficial scratches, though (e.g., from silicone tools), don’t always require replacement.
Point to be noted: Historically, PFOA (a type of PFAS or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) was used in the production of PTFE (Teflon). While PFOA is banned in modern cookware, some newer nonstick formulations use alternative PFAS compounds. Ceramic coatings are PFAS-free.
Bonus fact: Overheating nonstick pans (above 500 °F/260 °C) releases toxic fumes, causing “Teflon flu” (polymer fume fever). This is a critical safety consideration beyond coating damage.
Humidifier Filters
They’re supposed to add moisture to dry air. But if you’re running one with an old filter, you’re also adding mold, bacteria, and minerals from standing water. Many people clean the tank but forget the filter entirely, and that’s the part doing the work. Filters in evaporative models require weekly rinsing and thorough drying to prevent microbial growth.
Most filters need to be swapped every 1–2 months. If yours has turned brown or smells funky, it’s overdue. Evaporative humidifiers (common in portable units) require filter changes every 1–3 months, depending on usage and water hardness. For daily use, replacements every 6 weeks are advised. Ultrasonic models with ceramic filters require less maintenance but still need attention.