13 Surprising Bedroom Items You Should Have Replaced by Now
Updated: Jan. 04, 2023If you need a reason to splurge on new bedding, we have some good news — it's probably reached its expiration date.
Pillows
Let’s be honest, how often do you think about replacing your pillows? “Not too often,” is what most people would answer. That’s a mistake. According to sleep.org, you should be tossing them out every one to two years. “Pillows that are environmentally friendly with allergy covers can last longer,” says Elizabeth Trattner AP DOM, a doctor of Chinese and integrative medicine.
Also, consider that a pillow more than two years old is one-third dead skin, dust mites and bugs. Plus, if you’re waking up with a stiff neck or a backache, there’s a good chance your pillow is responsible. Here are some more telltale signs that it’s time to go pillow shopping.
Mattresses
You can go about ten years before you need to replace that mattress, according to consumerreports.org. “Mattresses now have special allergy covers as well, which can extend the lifetime of a mattress,” Trattner adds. But she warns that if you feel like you’re sinking into your bed, it’s time. The ten-year time frame also depends on what your mattress is made of, how well it’s been taken care of, and how old you are. Here are some definite signs it’s time to invest in a new one.
Sheets
Like your pillows, your sheets should be replaced every two years, according to nbcnews.com. If you frequently wash your sheets, this time frame might be even shorter. “Frequent washing will break down even high-quality sheets,” per marthastewart.com. “Replace them when you see obvious signs of aging, such as stains, fraying hems, or faded patterns.”
Sheets and blankets also tend to last longer if you wash them with non-toxic soap, according to Trattner.
Comforters
Everyone becomes attached to a warm and cozy comforter, so relax: You can go up to 25 years before needing a replacement. “A comforter doesn’t have to support your weight the way pillows and mattresses do, so your comforter should last 15 to 25 years if you keep it covered and air it regularly,” according to marthastewart.com. “Replace it when it begins to look limp and flat or starts leaking bits of filling.”
Besides having a warm comforter, here are some other ways to make your bedroom the ultimate sleeping room.
Carpets
Depending on what kind of carpet you have, its life expectancy varies widely. According to doityourself.com, “Inexpensive, apartment-grade carpet will typically last anywhere from one to five years. A medium grade carpet will last between five and 15 years. The best of the best carpet on the market will last between 15 and 25 years on average.”
Box Springs
Unless your box spring has an obvious defect like broken slats or pronounced sagging, plan to replace it every eight to 10 years, according to furniture.com. These are the 10 things you should never keep in your bedroom.
Dehumidifiers
If you empty the tank regularly, vacuum the coils occasionally and clean the filter from time to time, a dehumidifier can last quite a while. According to dehumidifiercorp.com, “The typical service life of a humidification system, when sized and installed properly, is approximately eight to twelve years.”
Window Blinds
Depending on the type of blinds you have, you may need to plan for replacements. According to blinds.com, “Most people replace their window treatments every seven or eight years.” Signs it’s time to go shopping for blinds include warping, bending, discoloration and frayed edges.
When to replace household items? We have created a list of how often you should replace everything in your home.
Electric Blankets
Toasty as electric blankets may be, they are a potential fire hazard. According to electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk, you should be replacing your electric blankets every ten years. However, if you’re not at the ten-year mark and your blanket has exposed wires, scorch marks or discoloration, or is fraying, making a buzzing sound or smells nasty, it’s way past time to invest in a new one.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
CO detectors only have a five- to seven-year life. Listing a build or expiration date on the label is a recent addition. If there’s no date on yours and you can’t remember when you bought it, you’re probably due for a new one. Here are some other absolutely vital home maintenance tasks you don’t want to overlook.
Windows with Plastic Frames
They may last a long time, but not forever, according to huffingtonpost.com. The lifespan of plastic window frames is 20 to 30 years. But if your frames are damaged, warped or broken, it’s time to replace them, according to forbes.com.
Interior Paint
Your choice of color can influence your mood — here’s a guide to choosing the best shades for your walls. And it may be time to paint again: The paint on your bedroom walls has an expiration date, according to huffingtonpost.com. The site’s experts recommend re-painting every seven to ten years. If you notice your bedroom paint peeling, realtytimes.com suggests starting right away.
Wooden Flooring
As with your window frames, your floors will give you 20 to 30 years worth of service, according to huffingtonpost.com. Some telltale signs it’s time to refinish your floors are scratches, dullness and discoloration, per forbes.com.
Now that you know when to replace everything in your bedroom, check out the life expectancy of these 12 other major household items.
