How Often Should You Change Everything in Your Bathroom?

Out of all the rooms in the house, it's safe to say that the maintenance of your bathroom is the least prioritised. Who takes care of those towels, toiletries, or even the toilet until heaven forbids something goes wrong? However, think about it: how often do you change items in the bathroom? In this post, we will consider how long the most popular bathroom items serve, how you can understand that they must be replaced, and what is an indicator that it's time for you to upgrade those items. So, here is to some good reading and ensuring your bathroom is as neat and usable as a bladder allows. 

1. Towels and Bath Mats.
Towels:

• How Long Do They Last? Around 1 to 2 years, depending on the number of times you wash and use the towels, is an average duration that most towels should last longer. 
• When to Replace? Your towels need to be changed when they feel like sandpaper and no longer soak in moisture. Additional signs include unravelled seams and a nasty odour after laundering. 
• How Should You Wash Them? Wash towels in warm, clean water with a moderate detergent to maximise the lifespan of towels. Please do not use a softener, as it reduces the cloth's ability to soak up water. If you must use a dryer to dry the towels, use low heat settings.

Bath Mats:

• How Long Do They Last? Bath mats usually need to be replaced once within 1 to 3 years. 
• When to Replace? Look for noticeable areas of the bath mats with signs of mould, discolouration, and unpleasant odours. When those signs appear, it usually means it is time for them to be replaced.

Pro Tip: Regularly clean your bath mats and let them dry to prevent moulds. 

2. Shower Curtains and Liners. 
Shower Curtains:

• How Long Do They Last? Cloth shower curtains last six months to a few years, subject to usage and care. 
• When to Replace? If the shower curtain has unsightly stains and odours or shows signs of stains and discolouration, it usually means it is time to get a new one. 

Shower Liners:

• How Long Do They Last? Shower liners consist of a thick plastic sheet placed inside the bathtub or shower area, and they usually need to be replaced every six months to one year. 
• When to Replace? When tears start appearing or mould forms, it's out with the old and in with the new. 

Pro Tip: Rinse your liner after every shower as part of your hygienic measures.

3. Toiletries and Personal Care Products.

Toothbrushes:

• How Long Do They Last? Toothbrushes should be replaced every 3 to 4 months.
• When to Replace? When a toothbrush's bristles are worn out, purchase a new toothbrush to maintain effective dental hygiene.

Makeup and Skincare Products:

• How Long Do They Last? Liquid makeup can last between 6 months and one year, whereas powdered products have an approximate shelf life of 2 years.
• When to Replace? When the scent is not noticeable in your scented products, a change in texture or package, or all are signs that it needs to be replaced.

Pro Tip: Keep your products in a warm, dry area to extend their shelf life.

4. Bath and Shower Fixtures.
Showerheads:

• How Long Do They Last? Good showerheads can last a few years, approximately 5-10 years.
• When to Replace? If you're experiencing low water pressure or uneven sprays, it might be time to consider a new one.

Pro Tip: Regularly clean your showerhead to remove mineral deposits—soaking it in vinegar can work wonders!

Faucets:

• How Long Do They Last? Faucets can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years.
• When to Replace? Dripping taps and trouble turning on the faucet indicate the possible need to replace your faucet.

Pro Tip: To extend their life, keep them clean and free of mineral buildup.

5. Changing Out a Toilet.
When to Change a Toilet?

• With good maintenance, most toilets can last for 25 years or more. However, there are times when replacing a toilet makes sense much earlier. Frequent leaks, cracks, or poor flushing performance are good reasons to consider changing. And if your toilet is using a lot of water with each flush, it might be time to upgrade to a more efficient model.
• Benefits of Upgrading: Newer toilets save water and improve functionality and aesthetics. Plus, a fresh toilet can make your bathroom look much better! 

Pro Tip for Toilets: To keep your toilet in good shape, clean it regularly with a toilet bowl cleaner and occasionally check for leaks around the base.

6. Bathroom Accessories.

Soap Dispensers and Toothbrush Holders 

• How Long Do They Last? These last for about a period of 1 to 5 years. 
• When to Replace? Whether it is a leaking soap dispenser or a mouldy toothbrush holder, the time has come for a fresh one.

Tissue Holders and Waste Bins.

• How Long Do They Last? These items can last for years; however, if they look old and shabby, you might want to change them.
• When to Replace? They begging to look old, rusty, cracked, or discoloured.

7. Tiles and Grout.
Tiles:

• What is their Life Span? Good-quality tiles can last forever, but the grout might require some attention.
• When to Replace? Cracked or chipped tiles should be replaced for standard functionality and appearance.

Grout:

• How Long Does Grout Last? On average, grout is suitable for approximately 10 to 15 years.
• When to Replace? Unsightly discolouration, cracks, or growing moulds indicate it's time to replace or re-seal the grout.

Pro Tip for Tiles and Grout: Cleaning and, more often than not, sealing are adequate measures that will help increase the usable period. A mild cleaner should be applied, and it is essential to avoid cleaning agents that are too strong and may weaken the surfaces.

8. Lighting Fixtures.

• How Long Do They Last? Depending on the type of bulb used, lighting can last 1-10 years.
• When to Replace? If your lights flicker or dim, these may be indicators that the bulbs or fixtures need changing.
• Upgrading for Efficiency: Consider replacing traditional lights with LED lights to improve efficiency. LEDs are cost-effective and environmentally friendly because they are also energy efficient.

9. Mirrors.

• How Long Are They Good For? A mirror can be used for a long duration; however, moisture may impact its use.
• When Should You Change? Erosion, fogging, peeling around the edges, and cracks are all signs that it is time to look for a replacement. A foggy or damaged mirror is no longer fit for use.

Pro Tip for Mirrors: Avoid moisture exposure and heavy-duty cleaners. Glass cleaners should be used to wipe them regularly to keep their clarity.

10. Overall Aesthetic Updates.

• When Should You Update Your Bathroom? Some items may have specific lifespans and expiration dates, but others may need updates to keep up with currency trends or relieve the boredom of using the same thing for years. When the bathroom looks old-fashioned, or you are bored, it is time for a remodel. Sometimes, new paint, new fixtures, or even entire restroom renovations may be in order.
• Make your decisions based on your budgetary considerations. Samples are a great way of assisting you in envisioning the changes you intend to make.

At this point, you need to decide which route you will take. Are you going to DIY, or will you call in professionals? You need to decide whether to attempt the updates or consider it worth calling professionals, particularly for plumbing or electrical tasks. Knowing what works for you personally is essential at this point.

In conclusion, Changing specific bathroom components after certain intervals will improve their comfort and purpose. This includes almost everything, from towels and toiletries to changing a toilet and replacing all the fittings. Any updates to these will create a more pleasant atmosphere.

So, go ahead and check your bathroom right now. Are there any objects or items that could be replaced or improved? With these guidelines, you'll be well on your way to enjoying a new, functional, and beautiful bathroom and feeling great every time you walk into it. 
Enjoy the upgrades!