Replacing athletic shoes
With every kilometer, shock absorbers lose elasticity and soles wear down — increasing strain on feet, knees and back, reducing stability and grip, and raising the risk of pain and injury. That’s why it’s important to replace shoes regularly based on distance or time used, as well as visible signs of wear. Note: heavy body weight, tough terrain (asphalt or trails), heat, humidity or daily use may shorten shoe lifespan.
How often?
- Running: Every 6–12 months (average user)
- Walking/gym use: Every 12–18 months
- Court sports (basketball/tennis): Every 6–9 months
Signs it’s time to replace:
- Worn or smooth outsole, or uneven wear on edges
- Loose heel, torn mesh or fabric, cracks in the sides
- New pain after regular activity
Replacing car tires
Over time, tire rubber hardens, treads wear down, and grip weakens. This increases braking distances (especially in rain), and the risk of punctures, skidding, and accidents. Heat, sun exposure, and aggressive driving speed up wear, so don’t wait for a failure to occur.
How often?
- Check air pressure: Monthly and before long trips
- Inspect for damage/wear: Quarterly
- Rotate/balance tires: Every 8,000–10,000 km (or per manufacturer)
- Replace tires: When tread depth is under 1.6 mm or after 5–6 years, even if they "look fine"
Signs it’s time to replace:
- Shallow tread grooves
- Sidewall cracks, bulges, damage, or uneven wear
- New vibration or noise at steady speed
- Quick test: Insert a 1-shekel coin vertically into the main groove. If "שקל חדש" is fully visible, tread is too shallow
Cleaning hairbrushes
Unwashed brushes collect scalp oils, styling residue, dust, and skin cells. This can weigh down hair, cause a greasy look, irritate the scalp, and reduce brush lifespan. Regular cleaning maintains hygiene, appearance, and brushing effectiveness.
How often?
- Remove hair: After every use
- Basic wash (gentle soap/shampoo): Weekly
- Monthly disinfecting: Spray with 70% alcohol
Signs it’s time to clean:
- White/gray buildup between bristles or gunk at the base
- Unpleasant smell
- Hair feels greasy quickly after washing
- Sticky or damp base
Disinfecting remote controls
Remotes are high-touch surfaces, collecting oils, dust, and microbes that can spread illness. Regular disinfection improves hygiene and extends button lifespan.
How often?
- Routine cleaning: Every two weeks
- During illness/after hosting: Every 1–3 days
- Homes with kids, elderly, or pets: Weekly
How to disinfect:
- Turn off the device and remove batteries if possible
- Wipe off loose dirt with a dry cloth
- Lightly dampen a microfiber cloth with 70% alcohol; don’t spray directly or soak cracks (use a cotton swab for crevices)
- Let alcohol evaporate for 1–2 minutes, dry, then reinsert batteries
Signs it’s time to disinfect:
- Sticky surface or black grime between buttons
- Unpleasant odor
- Cold/virus symptoms in the home
Washing hair
Balanced washing keeps scalp clean and hair fibers healthy. Over-washing strips natural oils and can dry hair; under-washing leads to oil buildup, heaviness, odor, and irritation. Frequency should match hair type and lifestyle.
How often?
- Normal hair: 2–3 times/week (rinse with water between washes)
- Oily hair/active lifestyle: Every other day or daily with mild shampoo
- Dry/curly hair: 1–2 times/week
- After swimming: Rinse immediately with fresh water, shampoo soon after
Cleaning makeup brushes
Brushes absorb oils, sweat, pigment, and product residue, harming blend quality, increasing risk of breakouts, and reducing durability. Regular cleaning keeps them hygienic and effective.
How often?
- For liquids/creams (foundation, concealer, cream blush/bronzer): Weekly
- For powders (blush, bronzer, eyeshadow, loose powder): Every 1–2 weeks
- Sponges: 2–3 times per week
How to clean:
- Tap off excess powder/pigment
- Wet only the bristles with lukewarm water (avoid soaking metal or handle)
- Use gentle shampoo or brush cleanser; for stubborn residue, add a drop of dish soap and a little oil (e.g. olive), then rinse with shampoo
- Gently massage on your hand or silicone mat until lather runs clear
- Rinse thoroughly, squeeze gently, reshape bristles
- Lay flat to dry on a towel; drying time: 12–24 hours
- The author is a healthy lifestyle researcher and gerontologist.