From chopping boards to toilet brushes – we often take everyday items for granted, expecting them to pass the test of time and rarely replacing them. Hassle.com, the UK and Ireland’s leading platform for booking a local and trusted cleaner online, have identified 10 everyday items that you might need to throw away now
CHOPPING BOARD
Replace: Typically 12 months
Here’s why: Whilst wooden chopping boards may be more hygienic, studies show that chopping boards harbour 200% more faecal bacteria than toilet seats. Although there is no lifespan for chopping boards, deep cuts and colouring stains are a good indicator that it’s time to buy a new one.
PILLOW
Replace: Every 18 months
Here’s why: While some may struggle to part ways with their beloved pillow, they are a magnet for bacteria and other nasty things due to accumulated mould, dust mites and sweat. To make matters worse, the average pillow contains up to 350,000 live bacteria. You can always extend the life of your pillow by washing them every three months at 60 degrees.
DISHTOWEL
Replace: Every Week
Here’s why: When drying your hands, it’s common for people to throw their dishtowel on the kitchen table still damp, without realising this is how hidden germs are born. A study found that 89% of dishtowels are contaminated with E. coli, which can cause gastric diseases. Alternatively, you can extend the life of your dishtowel by washing it once a week at 60 degrees.
TOOTHBRUSH
Replace: Every 3 months
Here’s why: Besides the fact that older brushes are less effective for cleaning your teeth, a recent study found that a single toothbrush contains millions of bacteria per square inch which can easily multiply in number due to the moisture, potentially causing gastric diseases. If you have been ill, throw your old brush away immediately.
SPONGE
Replace: Every week
Here’s why: When using an old sponge to clean up, you are instead spreading dirt and bacteria. On average, there is more than 10 million germs per square inch on a used sponge. If you’ve been scrubbing the toilet, throw the sponge away immediately after use.
TUPPERWARE
Replace: Every 3 months
Here’s why: Whilst an essential for money-savers and the health-conscious who bring their lunch from home, tossing your plastic containers and bottles is a basic step to reducing your exposure to nasty chemicals such as BPA, BPS and phthalates.
CONTACT LENSE CASE
Replace: Every 3 months
Here’s why: Your eyes are the most sensitive part of your body, so it would be wise to avoid using a dirty and contaminated contact lense, right? Studies have shown that lense cases are bacteria magnets due to the moisture created by lense solution, which enables bacteria to mature and spread.
SHAVING RAZOR BLADES
Replace: Every 2 weeks
Here’s why: If you happen to leave your razor in the shower, you may want to reconsider. Moisture, hair residue and foam will enhance the spread of mould and bacteria and will cause facial rashes. To keep your blades clean, store them in a sealed container and wash with alcohol after each use.
TOILET BRUSH
Replace: Every 6 months
Here’s why: Far from the most pleasant item in your bathroom, continuous scrubbing creates moisture on the bristles and case which allows bacteria to thrive and spread viciously. As a tip to extend its life and remove nasty bacteria, fill the case with a mixture of warm water and toilet cleaner and repeat this after each use.
KITCHEN SPICES
Replace: Every 12 months
Here’s why: Providing you store them correctly, your kitchen spices should be thrown out and replaced every year. While spices typically do not go off, they do lose their flavour and can ruin your vibe at your next dinner party.
