Nothing lasts forever, but it’s not always clear when something needs a good scrubbing and when it’s past its prime.
Here are 10 things in your life along with some recommendations on how often they should be cleaned and when they should be tossed.
1. Stainless steel water bottles
A beloved 40-ounce Stanley tumbler might be able to survive a car fire, but it’s not immune to mold and bacteria. Rinse the cup and clean the straw with a narrow brush after every use and wash in the dishwasher or deep clean with soap and hot water a few times a week to avoid icky buildup. Don’t forget to remove and soak the rubber gasket in warm soapy water. Use a scrubber to clean the gasket and the groove that it fits into on the lid. A good stainless steel water bottle can last years if maintained and cleaned regularly.
When to toss it: Replace it if you see cracks, dents or scratches, especially on the inside or near the seal or lid; your water smells or tastes funky; or there’s discoloration on the inside, seal or lid.
2. Bedding
You’re not the only thing under the covers. You also share your bed with dead skin, dust mites, bacteria pet dander and more. Wash sheets in hot water every one to two weeks, and launder blankets pillows, comforters and bedtime stuffies every six months. Wash bedding more frequently if you have pets that sleep in (or across) your bed, you sweat a lot in the night, have allergies or sleep naked.
When to toss it: The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) recommends that you replace your pillow at least every 2 years. The Martha Stewarts of the world suggest replacing sheets every 5 years and comforters every 15-20 years.
3. School backpacks
As a rule, backpacks should be washed once or twice a year. For kiddos, winter and spring school breaks are the perfect time. If a backpack is being used to store exercise or gym clothes or last month’s Lunchables, more frequent laundering may be needed. If the backpack is machine washable, place it in a pillow case (or turn inside out) to keep straps and zippers contained. After washing, open all pockets and compartments and air dry thoroughly.
When to toss it: Replace a school backpack if it’s damaged, your child has outgrown it or it no longer provides proper support.
4. Wooden cutting boards
Whether you use it for the perfect charcuterie board or to prep meat and veggies, wooden cutting boards are a staple in every kitchen – and require frequent cleaning. The US Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service recommends washing cutting boards (on both sides) with hot-soapy water and rinsing with clear water after every use. Depending on how often you use your board and what it’s used for, you should disinfect it at least once a month with a solution of one tablespoon of unscented chlorine bleach and one gallon of water. Cover the surface with bleach and allow it to stand for several minutes before rinsing with clear water. Air dry or pat dry the board with paper towels. Tip: Use a separate board for meat to help eliminate the risk of cross-contamination.
When to toss it: Cutting boards should be discarded once they become excessively worn or develop hard-to-clean scratches and grooves.
5. Toothbrushes
Germs and bacteria are naturally found in your mouth. And while most are harmless, some can cause illness when transferred to toothbrush bristles and handles. Wash your toothbrush with hot water after every use and rub your thumb over the bristles to release toothpaste and other gunk. A final rinse in cold water will help keep bristles firm. Avoid storing multiple brushes together in the same holder or drawer to prevent spreading germs to family members.
When to toss it: In addition to a buildup of germs, toothbrush bristles begin to break down and become less effective. The American Dental Society recommends replacing toothbrushes or toothbrush heads every 3-4 months – or more often if the bristles look matted or frayed – or after an illness.
6. Kitchen sponges
Your kitchen sponge is probably the germiest, dirtiest thing in your house. Don’t just take our word for it. A scientific study found that, on average, sponges are home to 54 billion bacterial cells. The findings also revealed that most Americans wait a month or more to replace grimy sponges, and 1 in 10 use the same sponge for up to 5 months. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), microwaving or boiling kitchen sponges may reduce some of the bacterial load, but it won’t guarantee you’ll reduce the potential cross-contamination of hands, kitchen counters and food.
When to toss it: Time to update your Costco list. Ideally, kitchen sponges should be replaced at least once a week.
7. Toilet brushes
Your kitchen sponge is the grossest, but that doesn’t mean your toilet brush is off the hook Experts recommend cleaning your brush and holder with a bleach solution after every use to kill bacteria that may be burrowing in the bristles.
When to toss it: Even with regular cleaning, you should swap out your toilet brush every six months, or sooner if the bristles look worn or damaged. As bristles flatten over time, you could risk scratching your porcelain bowl, which gives germs yet another spot to settle.
8. Computer keyboards
From gaming and work to homework and home shopping, we spend a lot of time on computers. But keyboards are one of those things most of us don’t think about cleaning. Here’s a super fun fact that may get you more motivated: Researchers have found that keyboards are dirtier than toilet seats. To eliminate germs, wipe your keyboard surface with a disinfectant wipe weekly and opt for a deeper clean every couple months. Use compressed air to get the crumbs out, and use rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab to clean between the keys.
When to toss it: A properly maintained keyboard can last for years. But if it has unresponsive or malfunctioning keys or physical damage or you experience discomfort due to poor ergonomics, you’re probably due for something new. Recycle your old keyboards and other electronic waste at Staples or Best Buy locations or through special E-waste recycling events in your city or county.
9. Bath toys
When not cleaned regularly, bath toys can be a breeding ground for bacteria, mold and fungi. Clean your children’s tub stash at least weekly, and more often if someone in the household is sick. The most effective cleaning method is to soak toys for at least 10 minutes in a solution of a half cup bleach (or white vinegar) and 1 gallon of warm water. Squeeze thoroughly to empty bleach water from inside and rinse well with tap water.
When to toss it: Even when cleaned regularly, it’s a good idea to replace toys every six months. Any toys with black or dark green build-up on the inside should be thrown away immediately.
10. Plastic food containers
Your homemade Hellfire Chili is awesome, but who wants to see evidence of it on a food storage container a month later? A combo of dish soap, hot water and some heavy-duty scrubbing is the best way to break down persistent oily patches. If that doesn’t do the trick, try a paste of baking soda and water. Persistent stains and odors could be a sign of lingering bacteria or food residue, which can affect food safety and increase the risk of cross-contamination.
When to toss it: There’s no hard and fast rule, but food experts generally recommend that you replace frequently used containers every month. Storage containers you only use periodically should be fine for about three months. Immediately discard any containers with visible damage or unrelenting stains or odors. Otherwise, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the specific container you have.
