The Actual Lifespan of 7 Common Household Items
The verdict is in. Some household items are built to last forever and some simply are not. So exactly how long does that sofa or set of drapes have before they are considered DOA? We’re going to take a look at the actual lifespan of 7 common household items and let you decide whether you’re good to go or if it’s time for a little Snohomish County retail therapy.
The first item on our list is the seemingly invincible shower curtain liner. Let’s face it, the only time we really give this poor fella the time of day is when we are actually moving in and need to put the shower curtain up. After that moment, you’re hard-pressed to even realize your shower curtain actually has a liner. Depending on the amount of usage, the average person should replace their shower curtain liner every 3 to 12 months. Keep an eye out for mold and mildew growth and, in order to prevent illness, be sure to replace your liner should this become a problem.
Next is an item that, if it becomes too old, makes promises it simply can’t keep. We’re talking about your mattress. Every night you walk into your bedroom, completely and utterly exhausted, yet when you lay down on your old, lumpy mattress, sleep seems virtually impossible. Slick salespeople, some right here in the Mill Creek area, will try to convince you that if you purchase their “new and improved” mattresses for thousands of dollars that you will be guaranteed nights of blissful sleep for the rest of your life. This is simply not so. Experts suggest replacing your mattress every 8 to 10 years regardless of its make-up. If you purchase a mattress with a lifetime guarantee, be sure to keep the paperwork in a very safe place. Chances are you are going to need it eventually.
Everyone loves a good shag carpet, right? Well, if your budget is not quite there yet and you purchase apartment grade carpet for your home, you can expect to get anywhere from 1 to 5 years of life out of it. Step it up a notch and purchase medium grade and get roughly 5 to 15 years out of it. If you’re thinking more long-term, you can also purchase higher-end carpets and get an estimated 15 to 25 good years from it.
Your pillows are not something you would think about cleaning on a regular basis, however, studies show that they will have a much longer existence if you do. If you’re not the regular pillow cleaning type, you will most likely find yourself replacing your pillows every 6 months. A good way to gauge whether or not it’s time for a new pillow is to fold your pillow in half. If it stays folded and doesn’t spring back, it’s time for a new pillow.
Your sofa is generally the primary piece of furniture in your living room. Your couch will survive movie nights, sick kids, “trampoline” parties, and lots of snuggling. To avoid discomfort and getting sucked into the depths of the worn out sink holes between the cushions, it’s a good idea to make a new sofa purchase every 7 to 15 years.
Another bath item that definitely needs to be replaced on a regular basis is your bath mat. Due to the amount of moisture that collects in bathmats, they can become littered with bacteria, mold, and mildew. Your best bet is to replace your bath mat every 1 to 2 years and be sure to give it a good washing at least once a week.
Last but certainly not least, let’s talk about the most used appliance set in just about every American home…the washer and dryer. Between sporting events, kids, pets, spills…you name it; the average family’s washer and dryer run almost constantly. You don’t want to risk waiting until your washer and dryer break down to consider purchasing a new set. Keep an eye on how well your washer and dryer are doing their jobs. If you notice them not working as well as they should, it’s time to invest in a new set. Generally speaking, you should expect to replace your washer and dryer every 10 to 15 years.
