Most of us throw out and replace things around the home when they are clearly worn or damaged. But experts say that certain household items may pose hidden hazards by harboring potentially dangerous bacteria, so when in any doubt, throw them out!

“Harmful bacteria and viruses lurk in moist locations such as the kitchen and bathroom and can easily be transported into your mouth by using an old toothbrush, sponge, or other common household item,” says Dr. Donald Marks, a New Jersey-based internist with a Ph.D. in microbiology and immunology.

He tells Newsmax Health that even our mattresses and pillows contain microscopic insects that can cause rashes or allergic reactions. Here are some common and not-so-common things to replace or clean thoroughly in your home before they become health hazards.

In the kitchen:
•    Sponges and wash cloths. You may think you are cleaning cups and saucers but if you’re using an old sponge or wash cloth containing thousands of bacteria per square inch, you’re just spreading germs around. Put wash cloths in the washing machine weekly and clean the sponges in the dishwasher. Better still, says Marks, replace the sponge every two weeks.
•    Kitchen drain. Your drain contains more germs than your bathroom toilet. And this is problematic because it’s so close to other utensils and items. With the hot water running, pour a little baking soda down the drain daily.
•    Kitchen towels. A recent study showed that 7 percent of kitchen towels were contaminated with the superbug MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus). Wash them in hot water twice a week.
•    Cutting board. The grooves and gouges on your cutting board are perfect traps for bacteria. Wash thoroughly with soap and hot water after every use. Keep separate boards for veggies and meat or poultry.
•    Refrigerator water filter. These filters collect bacteria and mold over time. The rule of thumb is to change them twice yearly. If you have a large family of water drinkers, switching them out every three months is a better time frame.
•    Canned soup. It’s time to kick the can after a Harvard University study found that consuming canned soup daily for five days caused a 1,000 percent increase in the urine level of the chemical the chemical toxin BPA, thanks to the can’s lining. BPA has been linked reproductive problems in lab animals, and obesity and diabetes in humans. Some companies are working to replace, or already have replaced, their BPA lined cans with a more suitable product. Traders Joe’s and Muir Glen are two examples.
•    Old nonstick pans. In 2006, the government gave nonstick pan manufacturers until 2015 to eliminate a harmful chemical used in making the lining. If your pans are pre-2006 or scratched, it’s time to replace them. Check Earth911.com for recycling tips.
•    Leftovers. According to Foodsafety.gov, leftovers should be stored for no more than four days.

In the bedroom and bathroom:
•    Toothbrush. Your toothbrush is a magnet for bacteria that can come from toilet spray, splashes from the sink when you wash your hands, or from your own mouth. Replace it every three to four months. Never share a toothbrush and consider soaking it in antibacterial mouthwash after using.
•    Pillows. Most pillows and mattresses are infested with microscopic creatures called dust mites who feed off the dead skin cells we shed in our beds. Since one out of four people may be allergic to these mites, action is needed to eliminate them. Throw pillows in the washing machine and wash sheets and pillow cases weekly. When you strip the bed to wash the mattress pad every few months, vacuum the mattress itself. Replace bedding every few years.
•    Makeup. Makeup can develop harmful bacteria if you keep it past its prime. A general rule of thumb is to replace mascara, eye shadow and eyeliner after 3-6 months; lipstick and face powder after a year.

Elsewhere in the home:
•    Liquor. An air-tight, unopened bottle of booze lasts indefinitely. But once you open that cap, spirits begin to deteriorate and lose flavor. Experts suggest replacing liquor every year or so and sniffing bottles that you may have had longer for tell tale signs of degeneration.
•    Medication. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee recommends throwing out all expired medications, both prescription and over-the-counter drugs. While medication doesn’t stop working altogether after that date, it may not work as well. Some drugs, like tetracycline, can even develop dangerous side products once they start to degenerate.
•    Sneakers. We’re often guilty about hanging on to our favorite pair of sneaker well past their prime. The lack of shock absorption once they are thread bare can cause foot pain as well as other injuries such as plantar fasciitis, according to the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine (AAPSM). Check your shoes before you put them on. If they no longer lay flat on the floor, but rather lean to one side, or if the heel is very flexible when it’s squeezed, it’s time for a new pair. Prevention magazine recommends replacing athletic shoes every five months if you walk 45 minutes to an hour three times a week.