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Do you need to replace these everyday items?
No matter how well you look after your gadgets and appliances, everything has a shelf life. Find out which items might need replacing soon and how to do it
We all want to save money and avoid throwing things away unnecessarily. But there are reasons some things need replacing more regularly than others - perhaps due to hygiene or safety reasons.
As a general rule, the best way to keep things out of landfill is to invest in the most reliable products. By becoming a Which? member, you can access reviews of products our experts have found - via rigorous lab testing - to be the most reliable.
Below, we suggest a list of everyday items that need replacing regularly - and, where possible - some recycling recommendations.
When to replace toothbrushes and toothbrush heads
The NHS says you should change your manual toothbrush (or toothbrush head if it’s an electric toothbrush) every three months, where possible.
Why should I replace them?
Studies show toothbrushes are far less effective at removing plaque after the initial three months of use, as the bristles become worn. Dentists also say it’s important to change your toothbrush following illnesses such as mouth infections.
Given that many toothbrushes and toothbrush heads end up in landfill, you may feel reluctant to replace them as regularly as this. We have investigated eco-friendly products to replace your plastic toothbrush, including an electric toothbrush made of aluminium and corn starch, as well as manual toothbrushes made from natural materials.
And bear in mind that if you have an electric toothbrush, it’s likely you will be able to keep it - as opposed to the toothbrush heads - for several years. When it does stop working, you may be able to dispose of it via a kerbside recycling collection or you can take it to a recycling centre. Companies such as Colgate and Philips also operate recycling programmes. You can read more about what these schemes accept in our advice on how to recycle your plastic toothbrushes.
Looking for a reliable toothbrush? See our pick of the best electric toothbrushes.
When to replace cleaning products
It might surprise you to learn that some cleaning products have a shelf life. Eco firm Ecover, for example, says its products keep for at least 18 months, while other manufacturers say two years is standard.
Why should I replace them?
The chemicals in the products may start to degrade over time, becoming less effective. Most of the plastic bottles are recyclable once any film sleeves are removed.
Water companies say household cleaning products should only be disposed of in small amounts down the drain if they are heavily diluted.
The general guidance is that the same amount of water should be used to dilute the dregs of any fluid as the volume of the original container, but the more dilution the better. This is because cleaning fluids are a mix of alkalis, acids, and corrosive and irritating chemicals, which can be harmful to the bacteria that are used to treat wastewater.
Always read the label on each container, as this will give specific guidance on how best to dispose of the contents. And remember not to dispose of multiple different products at once, as they may react with one another and release dangerous gasses such as chlorine.
If you’re looking to update your cleaning products, see our guides to the best cleaning sprays.
When to replace ear plugs for sleep
Ear plugs used for sleep should be replaced regularly, for hygiene reasons.
Disposable ear plugs should only be used once, unless the manufacturer advises otherwise.
Boots, which makes one of the disposable foam ear plug brands we tested, suggests you wash them in warm, soapy water and allow them to dry and replace them after one or two washes when they no longer return to their original softness and shape.
Reusable ear plugs can last from three to six months with daily use, providing they are cleaned regularly. Check the instructions that come with your ear plugs for the exact length of time they should be used for.
Alpine, which makes one of the reusable ear plugs we tested, says their lifespan depends upon how often you use them. If you use them every day, Alpine recommends replacing them after three to four months.
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Why should I replace them?
Wax or silicone ear plugs aren’t meant for long-term use. Ears are warm and dark, making them a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, which can build up on dirty ear plugs.
As well as the risk of infection, they can stop fitting your ear as well and lose their effectiveness. It is difficult to recycle most ear plugs, but check the packaging for guidance.
You can sign up to a Terracycle scheme whereby you buy a zero waste box specifically for the disposal of foam ear plugs. You fill the box and then schedule a collection or use the pre-paid label to post them for recycling.
However the smallest box is £132, so this does come at a sizeable cost.
Looking for a quiet night? Read our reviews of the best ear plugs for sleeping.
When to replace smoke alarms
Fire services recommend replacing your smoke alarm every 10 years - although some may come with specific instructions that tell you how long it will last.
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Why should I replace them?
Over time, smoke alarm sensors become less sensitive, meaning they may not detect heat or smoke as well as they once did.
They may also behave erratically, such as beeping for no reason. Data from GOV.UK suggests someone is 10 times more likely to die in a fire if there is no working smoke alarm in their home.
For safety reasons, it is important to ensure your alarms are checked and replaced regularly. Many local authority recycling centres will accept smoke alarms - but make sure the batteries are removed first.
Read our guide to the best smoke alarms to discover the model our testing found was 'truly outstanding'.
When to replace Sodastream bottles
The bottles will need replacing approximately every three years.
Why should I replace them?
Repeated use of the bottles as pressurised containers over a period of time subjects them to wear and tear. However, they are made of PET (polyethylene terephthalate), which can be recycled along with the other recyclable plastics in your household.
Are Sodastreams good for the planet? Find out in our guide: best Sodastreams and sparkling water makers.
When to replace infant car seats
Some manufacturers specify you should stop using the car seat after a set amount of time. This can range from five to 12 years, depending on the type of seat.
Why should I replace them?
The main reasons are safety-related.
A car seat may be exposed to high temperatures and high levels of light intensity just from being in your car all day, so the materials may start to degrade - plus there may be wear and tear on the harness and buckle, particularly if they’ve been removed for cleaning.
This means an old, well-used seat may not provide the same level of protection as a newer seat.
Car seat technology and regulations can move on quite a bit in 10 years, so it’s important to use the most up-to-date car seat for your child.
That said, given the cost of a car seat and concerns about landfill, many parents can find getting rid of a car seat a difficult decision.
In the past, recycling car seats has been a challenge but there are some brands that are making it easier. Well-known names like Silver Cross and Maxi Cosi say they have made it easier to recycle their car seats.
Silver Cross has a recycling service, with customers able to book a free collection for their car seat, while Maxi Cosi says its seats can be taken to local recycling centres, where the components are broken down and recycled separately.
For more details on how to recycle a car seat, read our article - what should I do with my old baby car seat? Or if you're ready to buy a new one, head to our expert reviews and guides on child car seats first.
When to replace pillows
Different types of pillows have different lifespans, so it’s worth factoring that in when you buy them.
The National Bed Federation - a trade association representing UK and Irish bed manufacturers and their suppliers - says every two to three years is a good benchmark.
Usually, feather and down pillows have a longer lifespan than synthetic ones and retain their support and height for longer. Latex pillows are also very good at retaining their shape.
Why should I replace them?
There are two main reasons. As your pillow starts to sag and lose its shape, it will no longer offer your neck the support it needs.
Another, less palatable reason, is that our pillows hoard dead skin, mould and dust mites, which can exacerbate allergies. If you want to know how to prevent dust mites building up in your bedroom, see our guide.
There are ways of prolonging the life of your pillows - for example by regular cleaning and using a pillow protector. Knowing how often to wash your bedding is key to keeping it fresh and lasting longer.
Recycling pillows is not easy. Generally, councils advise you drop them at a local recycling centre, although the charity Recycle Now says pillows are not typically recyclable.
You may want to consider repurposing old pillows - for example, as a kneeling pad when doing gardening - or some animal charities may be interested in using them as bedding. Some stores - including some Dunelm outlets - also offer a recycling service.
Looking for the perfect pillow? Read our guide to the best pillows for front, back and side sleepers.
When to replace a mattress
You should expect to replace one about every eight to 10 years, although you can help it go the distance by knowing how to clean a mattress.
Why should I replace them?
If you are trying to sleep on a sagging, shapeless mattress, it may affect the quality of your sleep. According to the NHS, an uncomfortable bed is one of the most common causes of insomnia. Supportive, comfortable bedding should help you sleep more peacefully.
When we test mattresses, we roll heavy barrels over each mattress 30,000 times to simulate 10 years of use, so you know our Best Buy recommendations will stand the test of time.
In addition, if your mattress has not been regularly cleaned, it can become home to some unwelcome visitors. Read our advice on how to get rid of bedbugs.
If a mattress ending up in landfill is high on your list of concerns, we have tips on how to dispose of a mattress.
Mattress past its best? Head to our round-up of the best mattresses to find a new one.
