time to change thingsImage Credit source: Pexels
The things we use daily have become such a normal part of our lives that we do not even pay attention to them. As soon as you wake up in the morning, you have a toothbrush in your hand, after taking a bath, you have a towel, comb, razor, pillow cover, water bottle…. All this is an important part of our daily routine. But have you ever wondered how long these things should be changed after being used? Most people do not change them until they become completely spoiled, smelly or useless. This carelessness can gradually affect our health.
Actually, there are many everyday things in which bacteria, fungus and dirt keep accumulating and we are not even aware of it. Even things that appear clean can become home to germs from inside. In such a situation, it is important to change these things in time. Let us tell you in this article how often things used in daily life should be changed.
Also read: From dark to milk, which chocolate is the healthiest? Harvard doctor told
When should toothbrush be changed?
The toothbrush used for cleaning teeth should be changed every 3 to 4 months. Or when the bristles start spreading. Since the toothbrush is used directly inside your mouth, its cleaning and timely replacement is very important. Bacteria gradually start accumulating in the brush fibers, worn out bristles are unable to clean the dirt accumulated between the teeth properly, which increases the risk of plaque, cavity and gum disease.
Use the towel for this amount of time
People keep using towels for many years. But this should also be changed in time. It is said that, the towel should be replaced after 1 year. Also, it is important to wash it after every 3 days. Because using a towel after bathing makes it wet, bacteria can grow due to moisture. At the same time, the fibers of very old towels become hard, which causes friction on the skin. Therefore, it is important to dry the towel in the sun, wash and change it on time.
pillow and pillow cover
We keep our head on the pillow for several hours every day. Sweat, hair oil, dead skin cells and dust gradually accumulate inside the pillow. This can lead to the growth of dust mites, which cause allergies, sneezing, respiratory problems and acne on the face. If the pillow has sagged, lost its shape or starts to smell, it is time to replace it.
Razor / Shaving Blade
An old blade creates more friction on the skin. This can cause problems like cuts, irritation, rashes and ingrown hairs (hair growing inside the skin) during shaving. Moisture and hair particles accumulated in the blade promote bacteria, which also increases the risk of infection. Therefore, you should change the razor after using it 5-6 times.
When to change comb/hairbrush?
A layer of hair oil, dust, dandruff and hair products accumulates in the comb. In such a situation, it should be cleaned every week, and it is also necessary to change it after 6 or 1 year. A comb with broken or bent teeth can also damage the scalp.
Change the utensil scrubber too
Kitchen sponge is counted among the most germ-carrying things in the house. Small particles of food get trapped in it, which when combined with moisture, gives bacteria an opportunity to grow rapidly. Cleaning utensils with a dirty sponge can further contaminate them, which increases the risk of stomach infections and food poisoning. In such a situation, the sponge or scrubber should be changed after 3 weeks.
Water bottle (especially plastic)
Plastic bottles develop scratches over time, which can accumulate bacteria and become difficult to clean completely. If the bottle starts smelling, changes color or a cloudy layer is visible inside, then it is better to replace it. It is important to wash the bottle daily with hot water and soap. Try to use steel or glass bottles as these are considered safer.