10 household items you own that need replacing right now
While you're indefinitely a queen at washing your makeup brushes (right? RIGHT?) and using these genius hacks to get stains out of clothes, you probably haven't considered how unclean these 10 household items are.
Because while you might shove them under squeezy liquid or in the washing machine now and again, they might still be festering with germs - which is why Hassle.com, the UK and Ireland's leading platform for booking a local and trusted cleaner online, have outlined when (and why) you should be throwing them away.
Chopping board
Replace: every 12 months
Why? Whilst wooden chopping boards may deemed more hygienic, studies show that thery can 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 a new one.
Pillow
Replace: every 18 months
Why? As you probably already know (but are in denial about), your pillow isa magnet for bacteria and other nasty things due to accumulated mold, dust mites and sweat. The average pillow contains up to 350,000 live bacteria - and considering you put your face on it every day? You might want to get a new one.
Dish cloth
Replace: every week
Why? When drying dishes or hands, people often throw a tea towel on a kitchen surface whilst it's still damp - which is exactly how hidden germs are born. A study found that 89% of dishtowels are contaminated with E. coli, something which can cause gastric diseases.
Washing them weekly at 60 degrees helps extend their life, but keeping them for extended periods of time isn't particularly hygienic.
Toothbrush
Replace: at least every 3 months
Why? We all know that old toothbrushes are less effective for cleaning teeth, but a recent study also 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.
Sponge
Replace: every week
Why? When using an old sponge to clean up, you're actually spreading dirt and bacteria, rather than cleaning it. On average, there is more than10 million germs per square inch on a used sponge - so it's probably worth investing in some new ones.
Plastic containers
Replace: every 3 months
Why? Plastic containers might be crucial to money-saving and 'prepping like a boss' (oh hey Joe Wicks), but they are also prime for nasty chemicals such as BPA, BPS and phthalates.
Contact lense case
Replace: every 3 months
Why? Your eyes are the most sensitive part of your body, so putting anything near them that might be contaminated or dirty is a big no no. Studies have shown that lense cases are bacteria magnets due to the moisture created by lense solution, which enables bacteria to mature and spread.
Razor
Replace: every 2 weeks
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 stop getting a close shave. To keep your blades clean, store them in a sealed container and wash with alcohol after each use.
Toilet brush
Replace: every 6 months
Why? Continuous scrubbing creates moisture on the bristles, and in turn allowsbacteria to thrive and spread. Plus, if it's been down your toilet on multiple occasions? Probably time to change that bad boy for a new one.
Spices
Replace: every 12 months
Why? While spices typically do not go off, they do lose their flavour and can ruin your food without you really realising - so even if you store them correctly and you have more than enough to last a year, it's still worth considering giving them the chuck.
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