Things You Should Replace Once A Year and Spring is the Right Time.
There’s more to it than clearing out the cobwebs and vacuuming the gnarly coils under your refrigerator. You also need to get rid of the old (and, let’s face it, gross) -- and bring in the new.
Your toothbrush
Technically, you’re supposed to get rid your toothbrush every three to four months, but if you can’t remember the last time you changed out yours, now’s the time.
Batteries on your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
These are not the items that you want to go dead. Install new batteries and make sure they don’t go beep in the night.
Eye makeup and foundation
Your eye makeup is one big area for bacteria. Change out your mascara, eyeliner and foundation.
Your sneakers
If you live in your sneakers, you may need to get new sneakers. But for most people, their sneakers see enough wear and tear that they won’t provide good support after a year of use.
Your kitchen sponge
Cleaning your kitchen sponge in the dishwasher or with a quick zap in the microwave is better than nothing. However if you’ve just used your sponge to scrub every inch of your kitchen, it’s time to get a new one.
Baking soda in your fridge/freezer
Your baking soda helps absorb the odors from last night’s leftovers. Spring for a fresh box to keep your fridge smelling good.
Your pillows
After a year of use, your pillows are loaded with dried saliva, flakes of dead skin and those icky creatures they attract -- dust mites. Using a washable pillow cover beneath your pillowcase could help you keep your pillows for longer, but if you don’t use covers, change out your pillows every year.
Your water filter
Whether you have a stand-alone filter or one linked to your fridge, it needs to be replaced to help keep your water chemical- and contaminant-free.
Your sunscreen
Once opened, your sunscreen starts losing potency. Most sunscreens do last for two to three years, but it might be a good idea to trade yours out now for better protection.
Cedar in your closets
Keep the moths at bay by freshening the cedar in your closets -- either by sanding the cedar blocks to refresh the scent, or by replacing them.
Your toilet brush
Even if you’re fastidious about disinfecting it regularly, it still has the grossest job in the house. Trade it in for a fresh one to minimize germ transmission
Canned goods and bottled water in your emergency kit
Even canned goods won’t last forever -- so go ahead and use that soup and beans that you have stockpiled (or donate it to your local food bank) and swap in some fresh supplies.
