There are plenty of things in your home that probably needs replacing, or things that you probably have been replacing too often. Here’s a simple guide that you can refer to when you need to know when to replace certain common household items.
General
Garage Doors
Depending on the quality of your garage door, you can expect one to last you around 20 to 25 years. If you have one that is around 10 years old, you might opt to repair a panel instead. You should have no problem with this if you live in Mareeba, as you’ll be able to find a reputable company that offers garage door panel replacement.
Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors can last you up to 10 years, while carbon monoxide detectors can last up to seven years if you maintain them well. Make sure to have these devices serviced and checked semi-annually, and their batteries replaced at least annually.
Air Conditioners
It’s recommended that you install a new air conditioner unit every eight to 10 years. Proper and regular maintenance may prolong your units life, but issues with humidity, frequent temperature fluctuations, and excessive noise mean that it’s time you replace your unit.
Kitchen
Sponges
Synthetic sponges should be replaced two to four weeks. Disinfect your sponge regularly to get rid of harmful bacteria. Natural sea sponges can last a little longer since they’re more resistant to mold and bacteria growth. You can replace these every four weeks to one and a half months.
Cutting Boards
You need to replace plastic cutting boards after at least one to two years of use, especially if they have plenty of cut marks and scratches. Bacteria collect in the knife marks of plastic cutting boards which increases your chance of illness. Bamboo or wood boards are a better investment since they’re much more durable.
Bathroom
Shower Curtains
Shower curtains should be thoroughly cleaned at least once every one to three months. If you don’t wash it frequently, you should expect to be replacing it every year, especially so if you notice any mold or mildew on it.
Bath Mats
Bath mats experience more wear and tear than most items in your bathroom. As such, it’s required that you replace it when it gets too raggedy. You can prolong its lifespan by washing it weekly (less if you live alone) and hanging them out to dry after.
Toothbrush
Toothbrushes lose their effectiveness and become harmful after a few months of use. When your toothbrush becomes spread out, it causes microscopic abrasions on your teeth when brushing. These small abrasions collect bacteria which leads to cavities, bad breath, and gum disease. It’s ideal that you replace your toothbrush or toothbrush head after at least one to three months of use.
Living Room
Carpet
Carpets need to be replaced every 10 years or so, sooner if it’s damaged or well-used. Soiled carpets can cause serious health issues such as allergies, asthma, and skin and eye irritation since they hold pollen, molds, and allergens.
Couch
Couches might be quite expensive to replace, but you won’t have to do it often if you have a high-quality sofa. You should replace your couch every three to five years if it’s overused or sunken-in.
Some items just need a little care to prolong its lifespan, while others need to be replaced after a certain amount of time. Use this as a guide to know which is which.