1. Filters

ALL of them, including: furnace, dryer, HVAC, range hood, etc. HVAC filters should be changed every couple of months, easy to do your self or hire a company to do it, as well as service it. Cleaning your dryer is easy, you take out the lint from your dryer’s lint trap which is a huge fire hazard (along with this, aim to clean out your dryer vent at least once a year). Oven range filters, one that’s commonly missed, should be cleaned every 1-3 months. Air purifier filters should be replaced according to the manufacturer notes.

2. Smoke Detectors

These should be tested every few months & replaced after 10 years from the date of manufacture. Most smoke detectors now include carbon monoxide detectors as well. If you are switching our your smoke detectors, make sure your new ones include this feature. 

3. Cleaning Supplies

These materials are so easy to hang onto well past their expiration dates. Most multi-surface cleaning sprays & disinfecting sprays last about 2 years. Things like your kitchen sponge, toilet brushes & laundry detergent are kept 58% longer than they should be by most Americans.

4. Pillows + Mattress

Our heads are on our pillows for roughly 8 hours a night. Pillows are one of the most used items in our homes. If you do not use a pillow protector, experts say to replace your pillow every 6 months. If you do use a protector, aim for every 1-2 years. Mattresses are often passed down to us & used forever due to their cost + inconvenience. It is a good idea to replace your mattress every 5 to 10 years. Amazon + other online companies have made this VERY easy with their mattress-in-a-box products. Order it to your doorstep, open the box, lay the mattress out, let it expand for a day & boom, place it on your bed- you’re good to go!

5. Spices

This one is so hard to keep track of, but did you know that ground spices should be replaced every 6 months? Set a reminder in your calendar for July & December to go though your spice rack! Keep those recipes tasting sharp!

If you are similar to the average person, these things are not going to be top of mind 24/7. Hopefully, this was a quick refresher or new information that you can easily apply to your home. Even a little bit goes a long way! Plus, if you ever get to the point of selling your home, your regular home maintenance & attention to these details will truly shine + help you get ready to hit the market!