To be honest, I’m not the best when it comes to keeping my home clean and tidy. “Clutter” might as well be my middle name.
That said, I do try to make sure my dishes aren’t piling up in the sink for too long, and that my shower never has the chance to get overgrown with nasty mold.
However, after reading about what might be crawling around on the items below — things I use every day — I’m realizing just how much my bouts of laziness could be causing even more damage than I thought.
Even the things that are supposed to be keeping us clean could actually be spreading more ickiness around instead. I know I’m going to be switching out pretty much every single one of these items as soon as I get home tonight!
Did we miss anything that we should know about in our homes? Leave a comment and SHARE with your friends!
Thumbnail sources: Trip Advisor, Green Zone Carpet Cleaning
1. Loofahs
You might have these hanging out in your shower for months at a time, but studies show you should actually be rotating these every three weeks due to their moist environment.
2. Bath Towels
These bad boys seem to get moldy the second you dry your hands for the first time, which is why it's recommended that you wash and replace them with clean ones after every three or four uses.
3. Bath Mats
After about two weeks, it's time to air this out or replace it completely, something you'll likely realize after one look at the germy truth hiding underneath the fuzzy decorative side.
4. Toothbrushes
This is a big one most of us tend to let slide. But pretty much every dentist would recommend replacing them every two to three months.
5. Bed Sheets
If you think of the skin cells and sweat piling up on these every single night, you'll understand why it's probably a good idea to swap out a new set every one to two weeks.
6. Mattresses
Your cozy bed can last you up to 10 years with proper care and maintenance, such as flipping it every few months, but you shouldn't go longer than that.
7. Pillow Cases
If you're struggling with acne or random cases of bad skin, the germs lurking on your pillow case after just a week of use are likely to blame.
8. Pillows
The actual pillow, however, has a bit more longevity with a roughly two-year lifespan before you should replace, depending on your own personal comfort factors.
9. Laundry Bags
You put both your clean and dirty clothes in this bad boy, but after a few trips to the laundromat or your own washer and dryer, you're pretty much just making those clean clothes dirty again by sticking them right back in the bag. It may be time to pick up a replacement!
10. Makeup Brushes
Regular cleaning every few weeks is essential, but after about two years, you're likely better off getting a whole new set.
11. Kitchen Sponges
You won't be getting your dishes very clean after a week or two with the same mushy sponge clinging to all the old germs, so be sure to grab a new one before soaping up.
Did we miss something you know people aren't replacing quite enough? Let us know in the comments and be sure to SHARE the important tips with your loved ones!
