Whether it's a layer of tell-tale mould (which you may choose to scrape off) or a slight pong (which you may decide to ignore), we know in our heart of hearts when it's time to consign a food item to the bin.
Much in the same way we know when an item of clothing is a due a date with the washing machine.
You might even be one of those super-virtuous types who knows when it's time to replace various make-up items and wash their tools.
But to our surprise and alarm, it's not just food and cosmetics which have a best-before.
Our homes are literally chock-full of things which, while not strictly 'perishable', do have expiration dates - and some are pretty unexpected.
Here, according to research conducted by Brightside, is a list of the household items we really shouldn't hang on to for too long
Slippers, every six months. Those comfy, trusty, maybe-a-little-bit-pongy slippers of yours, which you slip your tired feet into every night?
They should be washed / replaced every six months as they are perfect environment for spreading fungal infections.No matter how attached you are to them, you need to part with them
Pillows, every 2 to 3 years. Your bed might be your happy place but consider replacing your pillows every two years or so, as they can quickly become homes for dust mites and can cause neck problems due to losing their shape.
Hairbrushes, every year. Not only should hairbrushes be cleaned once a week, they also need to be replaced once a year.
And if you own a brush made from natural boar bristle, then that's every 7 - 10 months. Wash your brushes every week
Shower Sponges, every two weeks! One of the worst offenders on the list, sponges and shower puffs breed fungus every two weeks, so need replacing regularly.
Alternatively, they can be boiled in hot water to purge them of any nasties.
Towels, every 1 to 3 years. Even regular washes can't prevent our towels from being the perfect environment for bacteria growth.
Toothbrushes, every three months. So we all know you can't hang on to these for too long. But be aware - if you've had a cold or the flu, you ought to replace your toothbrush straightaway or you risk getting ill again.
Children's dummies and soothers, every 2 to 5 weeks. Dummies made from latex run the risk of cracking through use, and these cracks can cause germs to breed.
Spices, every 1 to 3 years. Over time, even the most pungent of spice lose their smell and flavour. Any ground spices should not be kept any longer than six months.
Flour, every 6 to 12 months. First grade flour needs to be replaced at least every six months, whereas high grade flour can be replaced every year.
And this...
Extension leads - this is a surprising one. Because any lead only has a certain capacity and when this is exceeded, the lead can go bad, which can cause serious problems.
Do you look around and feel your home could do with a good spring cleaning? Just put up a job request on Houshold.ie and all you have to do is sit back, relax and let one of our service Providers do the job!
