If you're doing some spring cleaning this weekend, here's a list of five things you've been hanging onto for WAY too long. And it's time to replace them . . .
#1.) YOUR PILLOWS. You should replace them every year. Oil from your hair and skin soaks into the fabric, and they become a breeding ground for bacteria and dust mites. Pillow covers that keep dust mites out can make them last two years.
#2.) YOUR MATTRESS. According to the National Sleep Foundation, a GOOD mattress lasts ten years. If you have a bad mattress, replace it as soon as you can.
#3.) VITAMINS. Most vitamins are good for THREE years if they're stored in a cool, dry place. But by the time you buy a bottle, it's already been sitting in a warehouse for a year. So get rid of them after TWO years.
#4.) FIRE EXTINGUISHERS. You should recharge fire extinguishers every six years. If yours is on "LOW," obviously have it recharged sooner than that. If it's a fire extinguisher that's NOT rechargeable, replace it after ten years.
#5.) CONTACT LENS SOLUTION. You should chuck this stuff after three months. Once the seal is broken, it's easy for germs to get in the bottle. You're supposed to get a new contact lens CASE every three months too. And lastly . . .
#6.) KEEP YOUR AIR CONDITIONER UNTIL IT DIES! It's one thing you don't need to throw away. If you maintain it, an air conditioner can run for up to 15 years.
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