Let’s be honest: most of us have things in our homes that are way past their expiration date.

That pillow you’ve had since college?
That sponge that’s basically a “science project”?
That smoke detector battery you swear you replaced last year (but it keeps beeping anyway)?

Yep. We’ve all been there.

So, let’s take a fun, slightly too-honest walk through how often you should actually be replacing common household items versus how long we actually keep them.

1. Pillows

Recommended: Every 1–2 years
Reality: Until they collapse into a sad, flat pancake that offers the support of a soggy tortilla.

Tip: If your pillow folds in half and stays that way… it’s time.

2. Shower Loofah

Recommended:

• Mesh/Plastic: Every 2 months

• Natural: Every 3–4 weeks
  Reality: Until it starts growing its own personality, or worse… its own texture.

Tip: If your loofah smells “earthy,” but you didn’t buy an earthy-scented one? Replace it.

3. Toothbrush

Recommended: Every 3–4 months
Reality: When it looks like it’s been electrocuted.

Tip: If the bristles are pointing in multiple directions like they’re trying to escape your mouth, it’s time to move on.

4. Kitchen Sponge

Recommended: Every 1–2 weeks
Reality: When it becomes as thin as a credit card and smells like regret.

Pro Tip: If the sponge sighs when you pick it up, throw it out.

5. Bath Towels

Recommended: Every 2 years
Reality: When holes appear and you convince yourself they’re “ventilation.”

Tip: If your towel has the drying power of wet paper, upgrade yourself.

6. Mattresses

Recommended: Every 7–10 years
Reality: When you wake up with back pain and finally admit it might not be your age.

Tip: If your mattress has a permanent body dent shaped like a shallow grave… it's time.

7. Oven Mitts

Recommended: When they get thin or scorched
Reality: When they burst into flames.

Tip: If you can feel heat through them, they are not “breaking in”—they are breaking down.

8. Smoke Detector Batteries

Recommended: Annually
Reality: When the chirping becomes unbearable and you finally snap.

Tip: Replace the battery before you end up climbing on a chair at 2 a.m. cursing your life choices.

9. Spices

Recommended: Every 1–3 years
Reality: You own spices older than your children.

Tip: If the paprika is now pink or the oregano is basically dust, toss it.

10. Makeup Brushes

Recommended: Wash weekly, replace yearly
Reality: They’re basically painting your face with yesterday’s decisions.
Tip: If it smells like anything other than “nothing,” run.

11. Cutting Boards

Recommended: When deep grooves appear
Reality: When the grooves are deep enough to qualify as topography.

Tip: If your cutting board could be used in a crime drama reconstruction scene, replace it.

12. Furnace Filter

Recommended: Every 3 months
Reality: When you remember… twice a year… maybe.
Tip: If it’s grey instead of white, your furnace is crying.

The Bottom Line?

We all hold onto home items longer than we should, and nobody’s judging. Life gets busy. Things get forgotten. And sometimes you genuinely don’t want to give up that perfect pillow.

But if you want your home to be cleaner, safer, and just a little less questionable…
upgrading a few things here and there goes a long way.

And hey, at least now you know what to tackle first! (Hint: It’s probably the sponge.)