When to replace 8 common household products

If you can still use it, why would you lose it? This is often about the mentality of changing things around the house. But this mentality may mean that you are using a loofah or an ineffective toothbrush that breeds bacteria. Knowing the due date (actually throwing things when they arrive) can prevent everyday items from harming your health. It's time to abandon the old one and replace it with the new one.

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1. Toothbrush

Protect your oral health oral hygiene. The American Dental Association recommends replacing the toothbrush every three to four months - if the bristles wear out faster. Worn bristles are less effective in cleaning te and prevent gum disease. Also, do not cover the toothbrush or store it in a closed container. The moist environment makes them more conducive to the growth of bacteria.

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2. Mattress

If your mattress is more than ten years old For a long time, it is time to sell it. The National Sleep Foundation says you should switch to a new one every nine to ten years. Old mattresses collect dust mites, mold and mold. But if you are upset at night, consider switching to a new one. A study by Oklahoma State University found that when mattresses were replaced five years later, participants reported better sleep quality and less back pain.

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3. Loofah

You will cancel your cleaning shower if you use more than a month of silk melon. All corners and gaps in these natural sponges are particularly attractive to bacteria. Leslie Baumann, MD, dermatologist at the Baumann Cosmetics Research Institute in Miami Beach, said that it should be replaced at least every 30 days because bacteria may accumulate, especially in humid environments.

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4. Pillows

Buy a new pillow every one to two years, unless you like smell, dust mites, allergens And bacteria. SleepBetter.org says pillows lose their fluff after a few years, causing incorrect support for your neck and spine, which ultimately leads to poor sleep. Check if your pillow has passed the folding test: fold or push the pillow down to release. If it doesn't restore its shape, then it's time to change it. Please note: Most pillows cannot withstand more than one or two washes.

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5. Disc Sponge

Food Safety Specialist Jeff Franken says if you are not sure about your sponge Where, or if you have been using it for more than a week, throw it away. Pathogens from the counter, sink and food can enter the sponge and cause foodborne illness seconds. "In dangerous areas, bacteria begin to double - from 41 to 135 degrees Fahrenheit - so within four hours, you may have millions," Neilken said. “In 10 hours, you might have billions of dollars.” You can put the sponge in the dishwasher for a long time after each use, or leave the completely soaked sponge in the microwave for two minutes. But even better, use a reusable towel and put it in a disinfectant.

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6. Contact case

Prevent eye deformation The American Optometry Association says, such as pink eyes, at least every three months Replace the contact lens case once. After each use, clean the contact lens case with a sterile solution. Let the case open and dry.

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7. Smoke Alarm

Don't risk the fire of a house because of a smoke alarm that you no longer have. . US Fire DepartmentReplace the battery in the battery-powered smoke alarm at least once a year and replace it every 8 to 10 years. However, since the decade is a long time to remember something, to make sure you don't forget, write the date of purchase in the permanent market inside the alert - and check it at the same time every year.

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8. Battery

Invalid disposable battery after seven years - Rechargeable bat three After five years, teries stopped charging. You can safely discard disposable waste in household waste, but you should recycle rechargeable batteries, including batteries in cameras, cell phones, laptops, and power tools. why? According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, recycling batteries helps to remove chemicals and heavy metals, including mercury and lead, from landfills and air, reducing the risk of disease and birth defects. Recycling information is available online, and sites like Call2recycle.org can guide you.

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What do you think?

Do you have anything to toss? Are any of them on this list? do you know? Date of Expiry? What other content do you think should be listed? Share your suggestions and questions in the comments below!

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