Being frugal
isn't smart if you put off replacing these items.
Emmet Pierce • February
8, 2021
Everything you use has a shelf life. At home, it’s easy to
overlook stuff that needs to be replaced. But smart households try to stay on
top of these tasks.
Whether you’re forgetful or are just trying to save money,
there can be consequences for using outdated or worn-out parts and products —
including accidents and illness. And, if you plan to replace these items,
you’re more likely to shop for a good deal than if you buy them in an
emergency.
What follows are several things you should consider
replacing right away.
1.
Your toothbrush
Generally, replace toothbrushes every three to four
months, advises the American Dental Association. Replace them more
frequently if the bristles look frayed or worn.
Replace it: Buy a new toothbrush.
2.
Your pillow
Pillows help you sleep comfortably by supporting your head
and neck. A worn-out pillow no longer gives that support, potentially affecting
your sleep and even your health.
Many doctors say you should replace pillows every two years,
according to SleepFoundation.org.
Meanwhile, keep pillows clean. For detailed instructions,
see “How to Clean 16 Awkward Household Items.”
Replace it: Shop for bed pillows.
3.
Heating and air conditioning filters
Heating and air-conditioning filters protect you from
allergens such as smog, smoke, dust, animal dander and pollen. So, when your
HVAC filters don’t function properly, your health could suffer.:
Replace it: Find air conditioner or furnace filters.
4.
Worn-out tires
Don’t delay replacing your vehicle’s worn-out tires. Driving
on bald tires to save money doesn’t pay off if it causes an accident.
You not only could face large medical bills, but also, if
you’re at fault for causing an accident, you could be held financially liable.
Replace it: Warehouse clubs
like Costco are a good bet for new tires.
5.
Worn-out athletic shoes
Sneakers weren’t meant to last forever. As they wear down,
the cushioning and support they provide diminishes, which could put you at
higher risk of injury when you run or walk for exercise.
Ayne Furman, a podiatrist, writes for the American Academy
of Podiatric Sports Medicine (AAPSM) that one situation in which shoes should
be replaced is when the outer sole has worn through to the midsole.
Furman explains:
“The midsole is intended to be shock absorbing and in some
shoes serves to control excessive foot motion. After certain amount of
repetitive load is placed on the midsole it will compress, not rebound and
absorb shock or control the foot as well as it did when new. In some cases, the
midsole can deform and compress unevenly, which can create an alignment change
of the foot. This can lead to over-use type injuries.”
In general, though, how often you should replace your
sneakers depends on how often you use them, how old they are and what signs of
wear they have, according to the AAPSM. The academy explains more and offers
photos on its website.
Replace it: Consider
buying women's or men’s sneakers online. You can
access an amazing array of shoes for sports and leisure.
6.
Kitchen sponges
Kitchen sponges especially are breeding grounds for
bacteria, a 2017 study in Scientific Reports revealed. The researchers
suggested replacing sponges weekly.
If you can’t bear the thought of throwing them away that
often, clean your sponges in the washing machine — on the hottest setting —
with powder detergent and bleach, a study co-author told The New York Times. Then use them
somewhere “that is less hygiene-sensitive, like the bathroom” and get a new one
for the kitchen.
Don’t bother cleaning sponges in the microwave. The study
found that this method actually can enable the worst bacteria in sponges to
proliferate.
Replace it: Buy kitchensponges.
7.
Toilet brushes
Perhaps the most disagreeable job around the house is
cleaning toilets.
When someone has an illness, that can make the task even
more unpleasant but necessary. For example, a toilet brush used after someone
in your household has had a gastrointestinal illness should be tossed it out
immediately and replaced, biology professor Elizabeth Scott, co-director of
Simmons University’s Center for Hygiene and Health in Home and Community,
tells NBC News Digital’s site Better.
Buy a spare brush or two so you can switch them out quickly.
Replace it: Buy toilet bowl brushes.
8.
Water filters
Water filters in refrigerators, faucets and home filtration
systems should be replaced regularly. Check the product manuals to learn when
and how to change them.
Water filters have varying life spans. For example, Consumer Reports says refrigerator
filters often need to be replaced twice yearly.
Replace it: Find the water filter you need.
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