How often should you replace your mascara, throw out your toothbrush and wash your sheets?

Hint: You’re probably holding onto them way longer than you should.

When was the last time you replaced your mascara, threw out your toothbrush, got properly fitted for a bra or washed your sheets?

Don’t judge me, but I can’t remember the last time I did any of those things.

And I’ll tell you why. Sometimes when I find ‘the one’ — otherwise known as the perfect item that does all of the things I want — I find it a bit hard to let go. Maybelline Great Lash mascara circa 1990, anyone?

But if you’re a bit of a hoarder like me, you might be surprised to hear that some of those items hiding in your house do come with an expiry date.

Let me tell you, it’s probably much sooner than you expected…

1. When to replace your mascara.

When it comes to makeup, mascara is my staple. And I never replace it as often as I should. A general rule of thumb is that you should bin your mascara every two to three months. While you may not have gotten to the end of the tube, it needs to be tossed for a good reason. Every time you put your mascara brush back into the tube, you’re injecting germs straight into the formula. This can cause your mascara to clump up, giving you spidery looking lashes. Nobody wants that.

You can also see the use-by-dates of your favourite cosmetics… (Post continues after gallery.)

2. When to throw out your toothbrush.

While you generally shouldn’t hold on to your toothbrush for longer than three months, there are a few signs that mean it’s definitely time for it to go. Worn bristles are usually the first signal that the life of your toothbrush is near its end.

Toothpaste build up is another sign it’s destined for the bin as the bristles can hold bacteria. And sorry to say, but if you’ve dropped it on the floor, step away from the toothbrush, now. Think about it, do you brush your teeth in the bathroom, i.e. the dirtiest room in the house? Enough said.

3. When to throw out old bras and get refitted for new ones.

Have you been wearing the same bra size your entire adult life? I know I have. Which is why I was surprised when I discovered you should be getting your bra size professionally fitted and checked throughout the year. This is because the shape and size of our breasts can change dramatically as we get older and go through different life stages, such as pregnancy.

There are also some telltale signs for when it’s time for your old bras to get the chuck. If you can’t remember the last time you wore it, it probably won’t fit anymore and it’s time to say goodbye. If it doesn’t feel comfortable or supportive, it should go too. Nobody’s got time for a bra that doesn’t do what it needs to. Fading, stretching and fraying are also signs that your bra’s time is over.

4. When to wash your sheets.

Think of it this way — would you wear the same clothes for weeks on end without washing them? Probably not. Bed sheets should be washed every other week to avoid a buildup of dirt and dust. If you sweat a lot or have been sick however, it’s a good idea to wash and replace your sheets weekly.

We spend nearly eight hours a day (give or take) between the sheets, so washing them regularly is important. And hey, are you going to argue with clean, crisp sheets? I didn’t think so.

What’s the longest you’ve gone without replacing one of these items?

Here are some behind-the-scenes shots of the Mamamia office finding ‘The One’…

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