Kamal Ghorui
It is extremely important from a hygiene point of view to keep replacing your old everyday-use things regularly. While we replace our phones, phone covers and appliances without much thought, there are some household items that go completely ignored. Because of this, these things collect bacteria, or lose their effectiveness. From kitchen essentials to bedroom basics, here are some commonly-used regular items you should be replacing.1. Plastic Ice Cube Trays (Every 2 Years)No body will tell you this but you must replace your old plastic ice cube trays every two years, no kidding. Despite sitting in freezing temperatures, these trays also accumulate dirt over time. They have tiny cracks and scratches that can trap bacteria, freezer smell, and sometimes even mold. If your ice tastes weird or trays look discolored, it’s time you change the trays! 2. Reusable Water Bottles (Every 6 Months)This shouldn’t come as a surprise. Reusable bottles are eco-friendly, but they’re need to be replaced every six months. Even if you wash them daily, moisture can stay in caps or straws, making it unhygienic and they become home to a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. Plastic bottles can also degrade over time. Experts recommend replacing reusable water bottles, particularly if they’re plastic and suggest stainless steel bottles which last longer.3. Bath Towels (Every 2 Years)Change your bath towels every two years! You might be washing them regularly every other day but even after washing, they are dirty. The constant exposure to moisture makes them prone to bacterial buildup which might leave a negative effect on your skin. Change when they feel rough, or smell musty.4. Reusable Grocery Bags (Every 2 Years)You should also keep changing your reusable grocery bags every two years. These are great for reducing plastic waste, but let’s be honest, these are barely cleaned. We keep raw meat, dirty vegetables, and spills which can contaminate the fabric. This leads to bacteria growth and studies have found harmful microbes in unwashed grocery bags. So please change when it starts smelling bad looks disheveled. 5. Bed Sheets (Every 2–3 Years)While we spend half of our time in bed, we barely care to replace the sheets which are rarely replaced on schedule. We must aim at replacing our old bedsheets every two to three years. Sweat, dead skin cells, body oils, and mites build up over time, yes even if you wash regular washing. The fabric fibers weaken and sheets become less breathable. 6. Slippers (Every 8–12 Months)Then comes our slippers which we wear on a daily basis. Our house slippers absorb sweat, dust, and come into contact with bathroom floors and outdoor surfaces. Over time, they lose cushioning. So please throw them away and yourself a pair of new slippers. Worn-out slippers can also harbor bacteria and fungi. Replacing slippers every 8 to 12 months.
