- Sleep experts advise replacing your mattress every 7 to 10 years.
- Depending on wear and tear, replace underwear every six months.
Image: FILE
Personal effects refer to items that are of significance to an individual mostly worn or used for hygiene purposes.
Sustaining hygiene and replacing objects as needed are critical for comfort, general well-being, and personal hygiene.
Changing your personal effects regularly depends on the kind of item and how it's used.
The items we own also play a role in how and where germs decide to colonize, which is why we need to replace many personal items we use daily.
Clothing: How often you wash your clothes depends on how much you wear them and how dirty they get.
Clothing such as jeans and jackets serve a longer period and replaced after two years. For socks, one should change them every four-seven months.
Inner wears: Depending on wear and tear, replace underwear every six months. Bras should be changed every six to 12 months, or sooner if they become less elastic or have lost their shape.
Toothbrush: If the bristles on your toothbrush fray or become worn out, replace it every three to four months. An outdated toothbrush may contain bacteria and be less effective at cleaning your teeth.
Makeup brushes: To avoid the accumulation of bacteria, oil, and makeup residue, clean your makeup brushes at least once a week. If brushes start to lose their efficacy, become deformed, or shed bristles, replace them as needed.
Towels: To keep them hygienic and fresh, wash bath towels after every three to four uses. If towels get threadbare, lose their absorbency, or start to smell musty even after washing, replace them as needed.
Pillows: If your pillows start to lump, flatten, or lose their shape, replace them every one to two years. Antiquated pillows may contain bacteria, allergies, and dust mites that can harm your health and quality of sleep.
Mattress: Sleep experts advise replacing your mattress every 7 to 10 years. Mattresses lose their comfort and support with time, which causes discomfort and poor sleep quality.
Shoes: Depending on the material, craftsmanship, and amount of wear, shoes have different lifespans. With careful care, high-quality shoes can last for several years with proper care.
Regularly check your shoes for evidence of wear and tear, such as torn heels, worn-out soles, or soreness when wearing them. Shoes can be replaced after a year or two depending on the durability.
Kitchen sponges: To maintain efficient cleaning and stop the formation of bacteria, replace kitchen sponges every one to two weeks. The sponge that starts to smell, turn discoloured, or exhibit wear should be thrown away.