January 2022

There probably isn’t a thing in your refrigerator right now that doesn’t have an expiration date. But many of the other things in your apartment or townhome were never meant to last forever – and they don’t have an expiration date. In fact, some of those things can even be harmful if you keep them around too long. Yes, we’re talking about you, bacteria-laden sponge. Here are five things worth replacing regularly.

Toothbrushes

The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush every three months. Given the bacteria that naturally lives in your mouth and that your toothbrush spends a lot of time being wet, you don’t want to think about what can grow on it. And anytime you’re sick, it’s a good idea to replace your brush as soon as you recover.

Shower Curtain Liners

These get coated with product residue and spend a lot of time being wet. Sometimes the wet side can cling to the side of your bathtub making it take even longer to dry. All of that promotes the growth of mold and mildew. How often you do this typically depends on how often you shower. If your curtain liner looks cloudy or you spot any signs of mold, buy a new one.

Fire Extinguisher

First off, we hope you have one. Every apartment should. While they last a very long time, every extinguisher will cease to function at some point. Make a point of checking the gauge on your extinguisher’s handle every few months or so. The needle should be in the green area. If not, replace it.

Sponges

Of all the items in your apartment, this is the one that can become really gross long before you know it or replace it. They can be used to wipe up all sorts of spills from perishable food items that become absorbed and held. They also sit wet for hours. To avoid spreading the inevitable bacteria as you wipe with a sponge, replace it every couple of weeks.

Bed Pillows

Our pillows accumulate a lot of body oils, skin cells, and dust mites over time. Also, fhe fibers of the filling break down over time, making them less supportive. And while regularly washing pillows can extend their life, they should be replaced every two years.