1. Filters
While you probably change your water filter regularly, there are plenty of other filters in your home you might not even realize. If you don’t swap out these used filters for fresh ones, problems can arise — warns professional organizer Shantae Duckworth, founder of Shantaeize Your Space. According to Duckworth, filters in air conditioners, wall-mounted units, portable air purifiers, or range hoods get clogged over time with dust, allergens, and other debris, leading to less clean air and forcing the devices to work harder.
“When this happens, not only does the air quality drop (which can worsen allergies or asthma), but the devices have to work harder. This extra strain can shorten their lifespan and increase your energy bills.”
Remember, replacing filters once a year is just the minimum; depending on how often you use them, you might need to change them more frequently. “Changing filters at least once a year (or more often depending on the item and usage) helps everything run smoothly and ensures you breathe cleaner, healthier air at home,” adds Duckworth.
2. Plastic Food Storage Containers
If your leftovers no longer stay fresh in your plastic containers, chances are you’ve been holding onto them too long. “Even if they look perfect on the outside, over time they can get scratched or warped, especially with frequent microwave or dishwasher use,” explains Duckworth.
Those tiny scratches can trap bacteria, making them harder to clean thoroughly, and old food smells or stains can build up. Plus, if the containers are very old or their origin is unknown, harmful chemicals might leach out when heated. “Replacing them once a year is an easy, affordable way to keep your kitchen safer and more hygienic,” she adds.
3. Pillows
When was the last time you replaced your pillows? If you can’t remember, it’s time to get new ones — and enjoy better sleep too. Leslie Kilgour, founder of Get It Straight, recommends swapping pillows annually. “They absorb sweat, oils, and dust mites, which can lower sleep quality and trigger allergy symptoms.” If you’ve invested in pricier pillows but don’t want to replace them yearly, consider protective covers that shield the inner pillow between the pillowcase and the pillow itself.
4. Shower Curtains
Shower curtains are usually easy to clean (many can be washed on gentle cycles in the machine). “They can quietly develop mold and mildew,” Kilgour points out. “But getting a new curtain is an inexpensive upgrade that instantly refreshes your bathroom!”
5. Sponges and Dish Brushes
Rinsing sponges and brushes well or even putting them in the dishwasher doesn’t guarantee they’re free of bacteria. Kilgour says these tools should be replaced at least once a year, but ideally every few weeks.
“Honestly, they should be tossed every few weeks, but if you’ve been using the same sponge or brush for over a year, it’s definitely time to replace it!” she says. “This simple refresh not only makes your home cleaner but can surprisingly boost your energy.”
6. Underwear and Socks
Have your grip socks lost their stickiness, or is your underwear not as comfy as it used to be? Unfortunately, underwear and socks don’t last as long as we’d like. “They’re the hardest-working pieces in your wardrobe,” says Angelia York, vice president of Saint Louis Closet Co. “You wear and wash them daily, so they wear out faster than you might expect.”
York suggests checking if the waistband has stretched, the fabric has thinned, or if they’ve lost elasticity. “Investing in new ones isn’t just more comfortable — it also helps all your clothes fit better.”
7. White T-Shirts and Everyday Basics
You might love your favorite white t-shirt or cozy sweatpants, but if you wear them every day, York recommends replacing them annually. “White t-shirts, tanks, and basic tops are wardrobe staples, but they fade, yellow, or lose shape quickly,” she reveals.
“No matter how careful you are with washing, these clothes lose their fresh, clean look after multiple wears. If a white piece isn’t truly white anymore, it’s time to get a new one.”
