Alert: These 10 Home Items Actually Have a Lifespan
It's pretty obvious when it's time to replace your milk or an everyday essential like your toothbrush, but the expiration dates of some common home items aren't always that clear.
While they aren't as clear cut as the ones you'll find on your groceries, your furniture and accessories do have expiration dates. And according to Apartment Therapy, few people know what they are. In fact, 54% think furniture should last 20 years or more.
We've got news for you: Your sofa will probably be dead and done, long before that. Here's a look at the average lifespans for 10 of the most common items in your home:
1. Mattresses: Expect to keep your mattress for 5-10 years, regardless of whether it's a spring mattress, made of memory foam, or even a water bed.
2. Shower Curtain Liners: Because they're so regularly exposed to water, shower liners are prone to mold and mildew. As such, it's best to replace them every 3-12 months.
3. Carpet: The least expensive carpet option, apartment grade, will last you 1-5 years, while medium-grade carpet should hold out for 5-15 years. If money isn't an issue, more expensive high-end carpets can last 15-25 years.
4. Pillows: If you're not cleaning your pillows regularly, expect to replace them after 6 months, though they can last up to 3 years as long as you keep them in tip-top shape.
5. Bath Mat: Your bathroom rugs endure a lot of wear and tear every day, so picking up a new one every 1-2 years will keep the space feeling fresh and clean.
6. Sofas: Who hasn't encountered a seating arrangement marked by a sofa that's clearly past its prime? To avoid such a snafu in your home, bring in a new model every 7-15 years.
7. Washer and Dryer: It's best to replace these appliances before they break down or start doing a shoddy job of cleaning your clothes, so expect to buy new models every 10-13 years.
8. Cutting Boards. Once a plastic or wooden cutting board appears to be worn or starts developing grooves that are difficult to clean, it's time to find a replacement. Keep in mind that simple hot, soapy water is the best way to clean a cutting board. You can then air dry or pat it dry with paper towels.
9. Pots and Pans. While you may think cookware pretty much lasts forever, that's not exactly the case. Non-stick pots and pans should be replaced after about five years.
10. Kitchen Sponges. A kitchen sponge is typically used multiple times during the day, and so there's no surprise that it's a breeding ground for bacteria-up to 362 different species to be exact. For that reason, sponges should be replaced every one to two weeks.
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