3 Summer Items You Might Consider Replacing

I absolutely love summer – it’s easily one of my favorite seasons! There’s nothing quite like lounging on the beach under an umbrella while listening to the soothing sound of the waves. Unfortunately, some of the items we often use during summer may require replacement from time to time. That’s why today, we are talking about 3 summer items you may want to consider replacing this year.

Personally, I tend to overlook the expiration date of non-food items. However, it makes perfect sense to consider them. Recently, we published a post on household items that may need replacement. If you haven’t read it yet, I suggest taking a look at “How Often You Should Replace These 4 Things in Your Home.”

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1. Consider Replacing Your Sunglasses

I used to think that I only needed to replace my sunglasses if they were falling apart. However, I recently learned that there are other reasons to do so. Once you hear these reasons, it will make perfect sense.

While we are on the topic of sunglasses, we have a post, “Why Is It Important to Wear Sunglasses,” that you can read here.

The skin around our eyes and on our eyelids is delicate. UVA and UVB rays from the sun can damage the skin, cornea, lens, and other parts of the eye. Wearing sunglasses helps to prevent damage from these rays.

Experts recommend that you replace your sunglasses every two years, sooner if they have visible damage on the lenses. With time the lenses become less effective at blocking UV rays.

The protective coating on our lenses can get scratched and show signs of wear and tear over time. These scratches may not always be visible to the naked eye and can sometimes be microscopic. Additionally, regular exposure to sunlight can cause the UV protective layer of our sunglasses to deteriorate over time.

I understand your concern about frequently replacing your sunglasses due to cost. However, it’s worth noting that many high-end sunglass brands provide a lens replacement service for a fee. It may be worthwhile to explore this option.

2. Your Sunscreen Can Go Bad

Did you know that most sunscreen bottles have an expiration date printed on them? Although it may be difficult to find, it’s important to check for it. To ensure maximum effectiveness, experts recommend not using sunscreen that’s been kept for over 3 years and replacing it yearly if it has been opened.

When it comes to your sunscreen’s lifespan, it’s important to consider the effects of heat and sun exposure. Leaving your sunscreen out in the sun while at the beach or pool can speed up its deterioration process and shorten its effectiveness.

After opening, pay attention to any change in the appearance or smell of the lotion. If the consistency changes or starts to have a change in fragrances, it’s best to throw it out.

3. Should I Replace My Sun Shirt?

If you’re looking for extra protection from the harmful rays of the sun, wearing a sun shirt is a smart choice. They’re versatile enough to wear at the beach, pool, or during outdoor chores. However, it’s worth considering their durability over time.

Sun-protective clothing comes with a UPF rating. UPF stands for ultraviolet protection factor. Experts recommend clothing have a minimum of 50+. As an example, if you wore a cotton shirt to the beach, that would only give you a UPF of 5.

UPF fabric is a special weave that acts as a barrier against the sun’s rays.  

When purchasing clothing made with UPF fabric, it is important to check the label for washing instructions and information on its durability. Over time, UPF fabric can degrade and lose effectiveness with each wash, so it’s essential to know how many washes the item is good for before needing to be replaced. Additionally, some clothing may not be suitable for dryer use, so be sure to follow the recommended washing instructions provided on the label.

Are any of your summer items on our list to replace them? Personally, I was surprised when I had to replace my sunglasses. I would love to hear your thoughts on this, so please feel free to share in the comments section.