9 everyday items that need replacing more often than you think

Yahoo

08-07-2025

With Amazon Prime Day here, big-ticket buys are on the shopping list for many – think air fryers, tech, early Christmas presents and fancy skincare solutions.
But, it's also the perfect time to restock the hard-working, everyday essentials you use all year long.
While some household items feel like they'll last forever, many have a shorter shelf life than expected. From toothbrushes that stop cleaning properly to pillows full of skin mites (the horror), knowing when to change specific items can keep your home cleaner, safer and healthier.
Here are nine everyday items you should consider replacing regularly – along with the Amazon product on offer we suggest purchasing while it's discounted.
Replace every: 3 months.
The NHS recommends changing your toothbrush, or electric brush head, once the bristles start to splay. Worn bristles won't remove plaque effectively and can irritate gums. If you're looking to upgrade yours, the Oral-B models are consistently highly rated by users for a reason.
Replace with: There's a variety of models and colours to choose from, and thanks to Prime Day, all at a hugely discounted price. For example, this Oral-B iO 3 option is reduced by over £80, and shoppers say it's "really good value for money" given the features and the difference it made.
Replace every: 1–3 years.
Even with frequent washing, bath towels gradually lose absorbency and can harbour bacteria and musty odours. According to Good Housekeeping UK, towels should be replaced every couple of years – especially if they feel rough, look frayed or never seem to smell fresh.
Replace with: Prime Day is a great excuse to stock up on plush new ones. Customers love these Utopia Towels 4-pack, for their quality (they're made from 100% cotton), price and quick-drying absorbency (handy in the morning rush). They have over 17,000 reviews, with one shopper saying they feel "hotel quality".
Descale every: 1-3 months
Replace every: Five years.
If you live in a hard water area, you've probably noticed white chalky build-up (limescale) inside your kettle. Which? recommends descaling regularly to keep it energy-efficient and safe to use. If your kettle takes ages to boil or smells odd, it's time to upgrade.
Replace with: This Russell Hobbs Inspire Electric 1.7L Cordless Kettle comes highly recommended with 75% five-star reviews. Shoppers praise its sleek design, quiet, quick boiling time and practicality – it's easy to lift and fill thanks to the cordless design.
Replace every: 1–2 years.
Pillows gradually fill up with dust mites, sweat and skin cells. Even with frequent washing, allergens can remain inside the stuffing. Allergy UK advises replacing pillows yearly to reduce allergies and improve sleep quality.
Replace with: These Adam Home Pillows 4 Pack are on Amazon UK's bestseller list for a reason; glowing reviews cite value for money, comfort (not too hard or too soft), with one customer saying they feel like "sleeping on a cloud." What could be better?
Replace (or wash) every: Weekly or every few months if silicone.
Porous sponges contain a multitude of bacteria and, because of the material, they can be harder to disinfect to ensure there are no nasties breeding. New bacteria grow on a wet sponge every 20 minutes, according to an expert.
Replace with: Scrub Daddy sponges are made from a polymer foam (called FlexTexture) that resists absorbing water. This makes it less likely to trap moisture and breed bacteria. The sponge also stays firm in cold water for tough scrubbing and softens in warm water, making it versatile for different tasks without needing multiple sponges.
Replace every: 7–10 years
Even the best mattresses don't last forever. Over time, they lose support and can collect dust mites and allergens. The Sleep Council recommends replacing yours at least every 7+ years, or sooner if you wake up with aches, your mattress feels lumpy or you notice sagging.
Replace with: This Emma Original Mattress has almost £100 off. The award-winning mattress (unlike traditional memory foam) adapts to your body shape and bounces back faster. Made with Airgocell foam, it offers enhanced airflow to keep you comfortable throughout the night. The bottom layer of High Resiliency Extra foam also provides added support for your back while you sleep.
Replace every: 3-5 years
Non-stick pans are kitchen staples, but the coatings don't last forever. Non-stick surfaces can start to degrade after a few years, especially if you use metal utensils or overheat them. Once the coating scratches or flakes, it's time to replace your pan.
Replace with: The Ninja Zerostick Classic 24cm Frying Pan is compatible with all hob types, so you can have peace of mind knowing it's about to become your new cooking best friend, whether you have gas, electric, ceramic or induction Its non-stick coating has also been improved and features what Ninja calls 'Zerostick', which is extremely durable and backed by a 10-year guarantee. It's also scratch-resistant, and dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. Additionally, the pan is PFOA, lead, and cadmium free.
Replace every: 2 weeks
It's easy to leave your razor sitting in the shower, but did you know all that steam, hair and leftover shaving foam creates the perfect breeding ground for mould and bacteria, and can blunt your blades faster? If you're a daily shaver, you need to swap yours every couple of weeks.
Replace with: This Gillette's Venus Extra Smooth Swirl Women's Razor comes with three refill blades, and its pivoting handle means you'll get a close shave without nicks and cuts (very important). Reviewers say it's especially gentle on sensitive skin and "feels fancy," so even a quick shave feels like a treat.
Replace every: 2-5 years.
Deep grooves from knife cuts can trap bacteria. The Food Standards Agency says you should replace boards when they become worn or heavily scratched, with wooden boards lasting around five years and the plastic variety around two years (though it depends largely on damage).
Replace with: These Colour Coded Chopping Boards Sets are especially great to avoid cross-contamination or for separating veggie and meat meal prep. Customers rate its handy stand, and that they are dishwasher safe and easy to clean and good quality (so are not flimsy).
Read more on Amazon Prime Day deals:
Hurry, a litre bottle of Pimm's is just £13.50 on Amazon (Yahoo Life UK)
The best early Prime Day deals, from heatwave essentials to household favourites (Yahoo Life UK)
Genuinely great value Amazon bulk buys you won't find cheaper anywhere – yes, we checked (Yahoo Life UK)