Five household items you probably aren't replacing enough

Smoke alarm

All smoke alarms have a maximum service life of ten years and need to be tested regularly. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services recommends testing your smoke alarm monthly and changing the batteries annually.

Toothbrush

According to the Dental Association's Oral Health Committee, your toothbrush should be changed every two to three months. Although, if you start to notice it’s wearing out sooner, change it.

Chopping board

If there’s one piece of kitchenware you use every day, it’s your chopping board. There’s no set in stone rule for when to replace a chopping board. Keep an eye on it and when it starts to look a bit gross, it’s time for a new one. 

That said, there are several ways to clean and care for your chopping board. 

Click here for tips on how to look after your chopping board.

Sponges

How often do you replace your sponge? Every fortnight? When it looks grubby? A recent study in Scientific Reports says you should be chucking that germ haven out every week.

Pillows

While the spotlight has been on how often you should change your pillowcase, the pillow itself is often forgotten. 

According to choice.com.au, pillows should be replaced at least every two years, “but our experts tell us it all depends on the type of pillow you have.”