Seven items you need to replace in your home
Don't risk your chances of illness or infection, replace these household items.
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Your kitchen sponge:
![Photo: www.buynet.my](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2016/01/HH-CLN-0021-600x600-520x400.png)
You need to replace it every week. If you can’t afford to do it every week you can put a soapy sponge in the microwave for a minute to kill germs. This needs to be done because sponges collect bacteria which could put you at risk for food poisoning.
Your toothbrush:
![Photo: www.self.com](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2016/01/toothbrush-bristles-520x400.jpg)
You should replace this every three months or earlier depending on the state of your toothbrush during that time. Toothbrushes need to be replaced regularly because they become less effective over time and they collect bacteria and micro-organisms.
Your baby’s pacifier:
![Photo: static1.squarespace.com](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2016/01/suce.jpg)
Don’t let your child have the same pacifier until he or she is old enough to go without one. These need to be replaced every two months. When the pacifier gets older it is more likely for it to be contaminated with biofilms that increases the risk of colic, ear infections and other unpleasant sicknesses.
Your loofah:
![Photo: g03.a.alicdn.com](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2016/01/2015-body-font-b-wash-b-font-font-b-Loofah-b-font-Flower-Bath-Ball-Bath-520x400.jpg)
Loofah’s are a breading ground for bacteria and should be replaced every three months. During this time they should also be cleaned properly with boiling water and should be left to dry outside the shower.
Your contact lens case:
![Photo: Buzzfeed.com.](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2016/01/enhanced-13524-1453495716-6-520x400.jpg)
An old contact lens case can increase the risk of eye infections and should be replaced every three months.
Your pillow:
![Photo: qpillow.com](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2016/01/Feather-pillows-for-you-520x400.png)
Sudden allergies? It could be your pillow. Pillows are a breading ground for mold, dead skin cells and dust mites. Replace yours every year and a half.
Your spices:
![Photo: laladyblog.com](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2016/01/glass-jarspices-520x367.jpg)
Is your thyme not tasting as good as before? Maybe it’s time to replace your spices. Herbs and spices don’t go off but they lose their flavour after time and should be replaced after one to three years.
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