His Favorite Daughter

Everyone knows that household items wear out over time and that they need to be replaced.  I found an article on the Prevention website that listed 14 items that need to be replaced and how often.  So, in case you don’t read the Prevention website, I thought I’d pass along the list.

1.  Pillows - They recommend getting a new pillow each year because of the hair and body oils that the pillow absorbs. (Can you say ‘yuck’?)  If you don’t want to get rid of your favorite pillow, you might want to get a pillow cover/protector which can extend the life of your pillow.  You’re still advised to toss them every two years.

2. Mattress - Prevention is saying that a good mattress will only last 9-10 years.  They recommend replacing it no less than 7 years if you have problems sleeping.  Some reports say that changing the mattress on your bed ever 5 years will help you sleep better and have less back pain.  Now, I have to wonder, is less back pain worth the cost of a new mattress?  Hmm . . .

3.  Smoke detector - Replace these every 10 years because the sensor becomes less sensitive over time.  Since these are so easily replaced, this shouldn’t be a problem.  Between changing them out, it is recommended to check your detector every month and change the batter at least once a year.  Place detectors outside of sleeping areas, in the kitchen, and on each level of your house.

4.  Air conditioners - central or room - can last up to 15 years if they are properly maintained.  Check the filters every 6 weeks, especially when it’s humid outside, and clean the filters or purchase a new one.  Phew, that’s ONE expensive piece of equipment that you won’t have to purchase very often.  Some places suggest that you keep your air conditioner until it stops working.  If you’re diligent to care for it, you may get more than 15 years out of it.

5.   Vitamins - Replace these after 2 years even if they don’t have an expiration date.  While they are produced to last 3 years, there’s no telling how long they were in the warehouse or on the store shelves.

6.  Fire extinguishers lose pressure and are not effective over time, even if they haven’t been used.  If you have a rechargeable extinguisher, it should be serviced when the pressure is low or at least every 6 years.  Otherwise, purchase new fire extinguishers every 10 years.

7.  Here’s some good news!  If you have a water filter system (particularly Culligan, Brita, and PUR) you may be able to keep them long than you thought.  Test have proven that filter systems with expiration indicators can be used 20% longer than is suggested.  So, that means, if you’re told to replace your filter after 100 gallons of water, it will actually purify 120 gallons.  Filters that don’t have the indicator were found to last twice as long as the manufacturer suggested.

8.  Cutting boards - This is another household item that can be kept indefinitely if you properly care for it. If you sanitize your cutting boards after each use, it will continue to stop the spread of food borne germs.  Do you think it looks beat up?  You can replace it if you like.  Here’s how to sanitize your cutting board:  After each use wash your cutting board with hot soapy water.  Rinse the board and then place it into a sink with 1 part full strength white vinegar to 4 parts water.  Submerge the board and let it sit for 5 minutes.  Rinse it with clean water, pat it dry with a clean towel or paper towel, and then let it air dry.  Store it where it will not be contaminated.

9.  Do you wear contact lenses?  Experts recommend that you throw away contact lens solution after 3 months to keep your eyes healthy.  They also suggest replacing your contact lens case every 3 months, as well.

10.  Toothbrushes should be replaced every 3-4 months to be sure they clean properly.

11.  Make-up users are told to replace anything that comes in contact with the eyes every 6 months.  Liquid products such as foundation can be used up to 2 years.  Powder, blush, and items used on the lips can be kept for 3 years.

12.  Antibacterial cream should be tossed after 1 year.  It may still be okay to use, but it starts to lose some of its effectiveness.

13.  Is dandruff a problem?  You can keep these for at least 3 years if they don’t have an expiration date.  Don’t add water to the bottle because it dilutes the preservatives.  If you do, toss what you don’t use after a few days.

14.  Rubbing alcohol is one of those solutions that lasts nearly forever.  Keep using the rubbing alcohol until it’s used up.  The alcohol will kill any microbes that may get into the bottle, so it won’t transfer germs.

Well, there’s the list that Prevention magazine published.  Pretty interesting, if you ask me.  What do you think?