Hi, first time exchanger here. We have hosted several times but never stayed in another home.
My question is around food and consumables. Is it expected that guests use any food/ soaps/toilet paper, etc in the house and replace upon departure. I probably would but is it standard practice?
Our first trip using HE is to Ireland and Italy mid next year.
Mark.
Yes, you replace what you use
Mostly, but if you only use a bit of pepper, salt, sugar and ketchup, for example, it would be a waste to buy all this.
Many members say: replace what you emtpy.
But you can always, as with everything, talk about expectations.
For a reciprocal swap, I always say this: “When we exchange, feel free to use our spices, lemonade, toppings we Dutch people put on our bread, tea, coffee and coffee filters, olive oil and other food related items like soy sauce and sugar, food left in the fridge (so basically everything we leave in our kitchen 
), cleaning aids, toilet paper, detergent (to do the laundry) and even tooth paste, shampoo and shower lotions, if you have forgotten to bring your own.
It would be great if we were allowed to use those things at your house as well.”
Though I try to treat swaps for GP’s and reciprocal ones the same, in practice, I do this as a host (guests can use whatever they use), but don’t as a guest for GP (I replace nearly everything I use except maybe some pepper or something like that).
Last autumn, I sorted out the spices in my home. Turned out we had FOUR jars of pepper! 
Apparently, many of my guests bought their own, though I always tell them they don’t have to!
Yes of course seems so obvious for small things like salt or pepper.
Welcome to the Forum and to HomeExchange. You already have some advice below, but yes generally you replace what you use - unless it is something small. For example if it is a short stay and you use a toilet roll I wouldn’t expect a guest to go and buy a whole pack to replace just the one roll. Often members will explain what they expect in their home guide, so this can be hepful to check. Have a great time in Ireland and Italy!