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5 days ago
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Most of us don't spend a ton of time in the bathroom, but it's still one of the most important spots in the house for rather obvious reasons. Similarly, most of the stuff we put in our bathrooms, including our toothbrushes and oh-so-glamourous plungers, gets unsung-hero status — we may not think about these things much, but they need to do their job and do it well.
Plenty of these bathroom workhorses need to be swapped out more often than we think, and it's our health that's on the line. No one wants an eye infection courtesy of their old, dirty contact lens case, or a nasty burn after slathering on long-expired sunscreen. Here are nine bathroom staples experts say you'll want to make sure aren't overstaying their welcome.
Eye makeup
All makeup should be swapped out at regular intervals, but how often depends on the product. Exercise the most caution when it comes to eye makeup, advises Dr. Hannah Kopelman, a dermatologist with Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery in New York City. "Cosmetics, especially those used around the eyes, need strict expiration awareness," she says. "Mascara and liquid eyeliner should be tossed every three months to avoid eye infections. Foundations and creams generally last 6-12 months, while powders may last a bit longer, around 1-2 years."
Kopelman recommends paying particularly close attention if you're using a product for the first time after a long period: "When makeup changes in smell, texture or color, that's your cue to let it go."
Picking up a fresh tube of mascara every few months will be a lot less painful when the price is this low. And in this case, you're getting a product that punches way above its weight — it's even Yahoo's best mascara of 2025.
"This popular Maybelline formula either matched — or exceeded — the quality of the highest-end mascaras I tested for a fraction of the cost," says Senior Beauty Editor Jennifer Romolini. "The applicator brush, which is both flexible and streamlined, [makes] it easy to reach (and volumize!) even the finest corner lashes. Women tend to lose hair all over as we age — hello, menopause! —and this mascara was great for coating and filling in my more sparse 50+ lashes."
Contact lens cases
Dr. William McLaughlin, an optometrist at Ohio State University's Wexner Medical Center, recommends replacing your contacts case "at least once a month" to keep your eyes healthy. "Many, many times, when a patient experiences a corneal infection, the case is cultured to find the infectious microorganism," he says. In other words, it's like your favorite horror movie: The infection is coming from inside the case.
If you'd rather not deal with the hassle of rotating cases, it's worth investigating daily lenses that you toss each night before bed, McLaughlin says. He also recommends using smartphone reminders or designating a certain day of the month to remember when to swap cases.
Buying in bulk just makes sense when it comes to contact lens cases. You might pay a buck or more a case at your local big-box store, but this 24-pack cuts your cost to about 33 cents each and gives you a two-year supply in one go.
"I learned I was supposed to replace my contact lens cases pretty often to be sanitary and was tired of using the ugly ones that always came with my contact solution," said this responsible reviewer. "I may be blind, but I still want my things to look cute, this was the best option I found! Comes with a lot for a great price and I love the colors."
Sunscreen
Unfortunately, the ingredients in sunscreen that protect your skin from harmful UV rays do break down over time. To make sure you're using an effective product, experts recommend tossing that half-used bottle after its printed expiration date. "Sunscreens will more than likely have an expiration date, and if not, it's a good idea to start off each summer with a fresh batch of sunscreens," Kopelman says.
If you buy new sunscreen and notice there's no expiration date, grab a permanent marker and label it with the purchase date — it should be good for about three years from when you bought it, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.
If it's time to replenish your sunscreen supply, this affordable pick is quick to absorb, non-greasy and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. It's also among Yahoo's best sunscreens of 2025.
"Neutrogena's lightweight, sheer, high-coverage chemical SPF is dermatologist-recommended, affordable [and] reliable," Romolini writes. Just note that it's not reef-safe, unlike some of the other picks on her list.
Toilet brush
It's a dirty job, but some(thing)'s gotta do it. Your toilet brush has an unenviable task that pretty much guarantees it will accumulate an impressive array of bacteria. Joining the potty-brush party, according to a study by Merck, are strains such as E. coli, Enterobacter and Cladosporium. The good news, Merck researchers say: "Toilet brushes are more of an esthetic issue — you don't usually touch the brush portion, and as long as the brush isn't squeezed into a tight containment and doesn't sit in a puddle, it's probably not that bad. Most hygiene experts agree that bathrooms, even those with toilets, are generally not as much an issue as kitchens." (Yikes?)
Experts tell Consumer Reports that you can generally wait until your brush looks or smells like it needs to be replaced — for instance, if it's permanently discolored or if it stinks even though you didn't just use it. Otherwise, twice a year is a reasonable guideline.
We're not sure if a toilet brush can be attractive, but this shopper favorite from Oxo sure comes close. The canister opens on its own when you lift the brush, and the ventilated drip tray means icky water evaporates instead of puddling by your potty for eternity. You can also buy replacement heads instead of swapping out the whole brush.
"Bathroom MVP," said one five-star fan. "The canister pops open and closed like a secret agent's gadget, making it super hygienic and convenient. The brush itself has sturdy bristles that make scrubbing a breeze, and the handle is so comfortable I almost forget I'm cleaning the toilet."
Hairbrush
Everyone wants their hair to look its best, but experts say a worn-out hair brush won't get the job done. Even worse, hair brushes can attract dust, yeast, bacteria and other microscopic nasties, boosting your risk for dandruff and other unsavory scalp conditions.
"Hairbrushes should be replaced every year depending on the quality of the brush and bristles," Kopelman says. "Regularly cleaning your hairbrush will definitely help it last longer and prevent dirt and particles from going into your hair and scalp. However, cleaning will not help basic wear and tear," because most of us brush our hair several times a day, she cautions.
Kopelman says it's easiest to clean paddle brushes and plastic brushes, "especially if they're vented or made with synthetic bristles." To give your brush a fresh start, she recommends removing any hair, soaking the brush head in warm water and shampoo or antibacterial soap for a few minutes, and scrubbing the nooks and crannies with an old toothbrush.
The Tangle Teezer is ultra-gentle on even the weakest strands, and because it's made from flexible plastic (including the bristles), it's easy to keep clean. You can also find versions for thicker straight or curly hair and curly or coily hair.
"I was looking for a brush that could be used in the shower, on dry hair and washed — this brush fit the bill," wrote this tamer of tresses. "I was a little shocked at how well it works, honestly. It goes through your hair so smoothly, and I'm saying this as someone with long, damaged hair that gets tangled easily. It was definitely worth every penny and I do recommend it. Easy to use, easy to clean, gets the job done."
Check out our full review of the Tangle Teezer.
Toothbrush
The older your toothbrush, the bigger the risk of bacterial buildup, which can lead to cavities and infections like strep throat, says Dr. Sandip Sachar of Sachar Dental in New York City. Frayed bristles also have a harder time removing plaque and can irritate the gums, leaving you vulnerable to "tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath," she says. No thank you.
If you've been cleaning your pearly whites with the same toothbrush for more than 3-4 months, it's time for a new one, according to the American Dental Association. Sachar says that's a good general guideline, but notes that if bristles "start to get frayed or worn looking," you should start fresh more often. Also a good idea? Swapping out your toothbrush after a cold, flu or Covid-19 to prevent reinfection, Sachar cautions. Otherwise, she recommends making it a seasonal ritual — a new toothbrush for spring, summer, fall and winter.
Sachar recommends toothbrushes that remind you when it's time to toss 'em, like these Oral-Bs. Once the striped bristles start to fade, that's your sign to get a new one.
If you'd rather go high tech, "there are also many new smart electric toothbrushes that remind you to replace the tips, both on the toothbrush and through their paired smartphone apps," she says. Check out Yahoo's best electric toothbrushes for plenty of options.
Disposable razors
They're called "disposable" for a reason, right? The American Academy of Dermatology says you'll want to swap out your razor every 5-7 shaves to keep your skin in the best shape possible.
An old razor can leave you with "razor burn, nicks and folliculitis (inflamed hair follicles), especially in sensitive areas," Kopelman says. "Plus, razors that sit in a damp shower environment can easily become a breeding ground for bacteria."
One of life's great mysteries? Why razors are so ridiculously expensive. This economical pack comes with one handle, 12 five-blade refills and a hanger that can help the razor dry more quickly, keeping it in better shape between uses.
"I knew after the first time I used it that this would be my forever razor," said this smooth-skinned shopper. "It's so easy to use, flexible and leaves a nice clean cut. Only one pass required for those pesky armpit hairs. It's also extremely easy to switch heads and, surprisingly, the holder actually STAYS on the shower wall."
Shower curtain/liner
Unfortunately, this is one of those things that falls into the category of "much dirtier than you think it is." Shower curtains and shower curtain liners stay damp for longer than shower walls, especially if the curtain/liner isn't stretched out to dry after use. Cue mold, mildew and bacteria crashing your daily zen. Experts say that you should replace yours every six months to a year, especially if you live in a high-humidity area.
This No. 1 bestseller is soap-scum resistant and quick-drying, with rust-proof grommets and magnets that help keep it place. A two-pack means you'll have one in reserve when it's time to start fresh. Use it as a liner or a standalone shower curtain — it's also available in frosted and solid white versions.
"Stays cleaner longer," said this fan. "Lasts around 4-6 months before I see the mold/mildew start creeping up from the bottom. Never really noticed any soap scum. If you live in a dry area or are a clean freak, you could probably get a few years of use out of this shower curtain. The price is so low that I just replace them every six months."
Loofah
If you're a loofah lover, we're gonna hold your hand while we say this: It might be time to part with your favorite skin scrubber. Experts with the Cleveland Clinic say the famously squishy sponges rarely dry out completely, leaving bacteria to fester and multiply in all those tiny holes and crevices. That's especially true of natural loofahs, though experts warn that their plastic counterparts suffer from similar issues. Bottom line? Natural loofahs need to replaced every few weeks and plastic loofahs every couple of months.
Silicone scrubbers can give you that same deep-clean feeling, but they're a lot more hygienic than loofahs because they don't trap as much moisture. This one is also infused with silver, which helps stop bacterial growth.
"I do not like to use washcloths — just too bulky," said this clean customer. "But I also do not like loofahs, as I feel they are breeding grounds for bacteria. These, however, are perfect! I put just a dab of body wash on top and it lathers up perfectly and gives a light exfoliation as you scrub. I was concerned that the bristles might break easily, but so far no problems whatsoever. And I love that they are so easy to wash out every trace of soap. I bend it backwards to open up the space between bristles and simply rinse. Hang to dry and it is ready for the next shower."
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The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
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