Overview

• Bed linen should be changed every one to two weeks, with weekly changes advised for allergy sufferers, heavy sweaters or households with pets in the bed.
• Hand and face towels should be replaced every two to three days, and bath towels should go to the wash after about three uses, with faster turnover during illness.
• The industry association IKW advises swapping washable bath mats roughly every three to four weeks and following care labels for items that require gentle, hand or professional cleaning.
• Kitchen sponges carry very high bacterial loads and should be replaced at least weekly, while dish towels are best changed weekly and washed hot.
• Toothbrushes, including electric brush heads, should be replaced every two to three months or immediately after an infection, and toilet brushes should be replaced about every six months.