Use-by-dates for household items you wouldn't usually think about

Even though you deal with them daily or use them on a regular basis, you don't usually stop and ask yourself how long those kitchen utensils have been sitting there or for how many times you got your favorite pair of trainers out for a run.

When we think about expiration dates or use-by-dates, we usually tend to think about food. Usually it's packaged food that comes with printed dates on it so that the consumer knows before which date it is best to use the product at its highest quality. You might know that most groceries can still be eaten after the expiry date, which is mostly informative, being only a case of lower quality consumption.

Not just looking at food, a diversity of other everyday items that we rely on actually have a use-by date, meaning that we need to be aware of usual lifespan of our household objects and look out for physical signs that tell us when they have to be ditched.

With refrigerators, TV sets, radios, washing machines and other electronical devices wearing out from longtime usage, it shouldn't be a surprise the prime of pillows, sponges and toothbrushes passes eventually and must be changed.

This guideline on timely replacement of household and personal items is more than a a reality check on deep cleaning, it is an incentive on how to keep track of your health status and maintain it over time.

Let's see how some examples :

Running shoes are specially designed to provide a comfortable and stress-free movement for runners, to avoid injuries to the legs and joints. Running shoes should be chucked after 250-300 miles in the case of runners, as they tend to lose their quality cushioning in time. Try to buy new fitness shoes if you work out regularly.

As for sports bras, it would be ideal to change them every six to twelve months. Due to the extra effort that it has to go through, the fabric of the sports bra will lose its elasticity and structure. Handwash or machine wash it on the gently cycle in cold water so you can have a supportive bra that prevents breats soreness, stretching and sagging for a longer period of time.

In the personal hygiene department, toothbrushes are expected to be thrown out every twelve weeks. As bristles break down, fray and begin to have a scruffy aspect, toothbrushes lose their effectiveness in cleaning teeth, making them vulnerable to dental cavities. Old toothbrushes are subject to bacteria and can harbor germs, so it is recommended to always get a new toothbrush after being sick.

The loofah is also prone to accumulating bacteria, so bin it in three-four weeks time so you don't get infected through open cuts or even acne when using it in the shower. Bacterial infection is also possible when you cut your skin with razor blades during shaving. Be careful to replace your disposable razors after four to five shaves and let them dry out after using them, if you don't want rashes or skin irritation.

When it comes down to the kitchen area, kitchen sponges gross anyone out and you know when their end is near when they start to become flaky and slimy. Until then, use this quick and clever trick : microwave them for a minute or put them in the dishwasher and they'll be good as new. Some prefer a microfibre kitchen cloth because it can be washed several times in a row, proving their resistivity.

Some say that cuts and scars in cutting boards are reason enough for their disposal, but a proper sanitization with a thorough detergent and hot water wash and a bathe in a one part white vinegar to four parts water solution will eliminate any bacteria hidden in the cracks. Wood chopping boards should be preferred to plastic ones.

Get rid of your sunscreen bottles at their expiry date, because chemicals decompose and make the lotion deteriorate, especially if you keep the bottles in a hot environment, making them unable to protect you against harsh UV rays.

Last but not least, let's not forget about your sleeping paradise, the bed. Pillows are breeding ground for dust mites and strange odour. Pillows collect dead skin, fungal spores, hair and body oils so the best thing to do is get rid of them once every two years to avoid allergies and bacteria. If you have a special relationship with your beloved pillow, double its life by covering it up with a cotton pillow protector or a dust mite resistant pillowcase and washing them weekly together with your sheets.

It is advised, in your health's interest, to not let issues like these that seem minor slip your mind and aggravate or burden your lifestyle. Toss away things that don't fit anymore or aren't as effective as in the beginning, because they simply won't last as long as you let them.