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How Often to Replace Everyday Household Items

Illustration of everyday household items

We spend so much time making our homes cozy, clean and comfortable—but even the most well-loved essentials don’t last forever. From pillows that lose their fluff to towels that quietly retire themselves after years of service, it can be tricky to know when it’s time for a refresh.

Our editors decided to do some research on just how often we should be replacing the everyday items that keep our homes running smoothly. Some of the findings are to be expected—especially for items regularly exposed to bacteria like toothbrushes or toilet brushes. But others are more surprising. Read on for the full breakdown. You may want to bookmark this page for future reference!

Your Simple Guide for What to Replace When

How Often to Replace - Infographic

Some items simply wear out over time (we’re looking at you, bath towels). Others, like air filters and mattresses, can impact your comfort, health, and even energy bills when they’ve seen better days. Replacing things on the right schedule helps you:

  1. Keep your home cleaner and healthier
  2. Get the best performance out of everyday basics
  3. Avoid waste by replacing items only when they really need it

Think of this as a little home maintenance made simple—no guilt, no guesswork.

Replace Cleaning-Related Items Every 1-6 Months

The items you want to be replacing most frequently are the ones related to cleaning and hygiene, which comes as no surprise. These items are especially prone to bacteria buildup.

  • Kitchen Sponges: Replace weekly or immediately if you notice a sour, mildewy smell.
  • Loofahs:Replace every 1-2 months, as they can collect dirt and dead skin cells.
  • Toothbrushes: Replace every 3 months. You may want to replace sooner if you’ve been sick, to get rid of any lingering germs.
  • Shower curtains: Replace every 2-3 years to prevent bacterial or mold growth. If you see visible mildew or soap scum that won’t wipe off easily, it’s probably time for a new shower curtain even sooner.
  • Fridge water filter: Replace every 6 months. Bacteria can get in there and
  • Microwave charcoal filter: Replace every 6 months or as soon as you smell food smells from previous meals while cooking. Note that charcoal filters are only found in over-the-range microwaves, as they have built-in venting systems.

Other Cleaning-Related Items Can Last 6-12 Months

There are other items tied to self-care and cleaning that last a little longer before needing to be replaced. These are items that either can be washed between uses or that don’t get used daily.

  • Toilet brush: Replace every 6-12 months. This is probably no surprise, given how much bacteria can be on there!
  • Air purifier filter: Replace every 6-12 months to ensure your purifier is doing its job and keeping your indoor air clean.
  • Bath mat: Replace every 18-24 months or when backing starts to wear out. If your bath mat or bathroom rug is washable, it’s a good idea to wash it weekly so it doesn’t start to smell mildewy.
  • Makeup sponges: Replace every 3-6 months to prevent bacterial grown that can cause breakouts or even skin infections.
  • Kitchen gloves: Also known as dish gloves, you’ll want to toss and get a new pair every 6-9 months. This is usually when the rubber starts to break down.

Bedding Should Be Replaced Every 1-3 Years

We know bedding needs to be regularly laundered, but did you know layers like pillows and sheets can still wear down and take on allergens with repeated use? Here’s now often experts advise you replace each item.

  • Bed pillows: Replace with brand new pillows every 1-2 years. Over time, they become flatter and less supportive; plus, they can take on dust mites or other allergens with repeated use.
  • Sheets: Replace every 2 years. It is possible sheets can last longer with regular care, but fabrics do start to wear out, especially after machine washing again and again.
  • Bath towels: Replace every 2 years due to threads beginning to wear down and pull. Similarly, they can take on mildewy odors even after machine washing, which is a sign they need to be replaced.
  • Mattress Toppers: Replace every 2-3 years. Mattress toppers can wear down over time and the weight of your body night after night, which makes them good candidates for replacement.
  • Hairbrushes: Replace every 1-2 years. They can take on buildup over time, and are also prone to broken bristles after repeated use.
  • Cutting Boards: Replace every 2-3 years, depending on the material. Plastic cutting boards tend to wear out first, while wood cutting boards can become grooved, cracked or warped from repeated use and washing.

Upgrade Furniture & Appliances Every 5-15 Years

Finally, there are those larger, often more considered purchases like mattresses and sofas that are designed to really last. But even these items break down over time. Here’s how often you should be looking to make a swap.

  • Nonstick cookware: Replace every 5 years or sooner if you notice peeling.
  • Mattresses: Replace every 6-8 years to ensure they’re still giving you the support you need.
  • Couches: Materials tend to break down after 7-15 years, making them important to replace.
  • Small Appliances: Items like mixers or blenders should work well for 10-12 years, depending on the brand and quality.
  • Smoke Detector: Replace smoke detectors every 10 years to ensure they are still working.
  • Duvet Insert: This falls outside the category of furniture and appliances, but duvet inserts tend to get pretty flat and worn through by 10-15 years. If you notice it feels lumpy or flat, or if the filling is coming out, it’s time for an upgrade.

Ready for a Refresh?

Do you have items in your home in need of replacement? Fortunately, Bed Bath & Beyond is your one-stop shop for all things home, Check out our assortment of everything from sheets to small appliances for all your upgrade needs today.