The kitchen is an essential part of every home. But despite your effort to keep it organized, there are still times it is not how you want it to be. For example, most people keep track of their foods’ expiry dates but don’t know when to replace their dishwashing sponges. Aren’t you curious about more common things in your kitchen waiting to be replaced?
Some kitchen tools usually last long, and proper maintenance can help you extend their lifespans. However, these things will eventually deteriorate or be damaged. Knowing this, here are some everyday items you need to replace at some point to keep your kitchen clean and safe.
Table of Contents
1. Kitchen sponge
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Kitchen sponges are often soaked with water. For this reason, their moist interior is the favorite breeding ground of bacteria. So, while you can disinfect them by soaking them in boiling water or microwaving them, it’s still best to replace kitchen sponges after a week or two.
Meanwhile, restaurants use kitchen sponges more often. Since the kitchen sponge will spoil faster when used constantly, replace them daily.
2. Dish towels
If you use dish towels instead of single-use paper towels, replace them daily. Used dish towels absorb moisture from washed dishes, which risks bacteria. Leaving them wet for an extended period can also expose them to mold. So, schedule washing your dish towels every other day.
Once a dish towel has visible stains and spots, dispose of it or use it as a rag. You can use it to wipe messes around the garage or anywhere in your home.
3. Pots and pans
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Most cookware, such as aluminum, cast-iron, and stainless steel, are highly durable. But like any other type of cookware, there will be a time when these items will give in to wear and tear. When that happens, you can send them to a recycling facility like langleyrecyclingkc.com for recycling. You can also sell these types of materials for cash and help reduce waste in the landfill.
Aside from these materials, experts recommend replacing non-stick pans after two to five years of use. The same is true for ceramic pans. Cast iron skillets can last even for a lifetime unless they have holes or cracks.
4. Cutting boards
After using it for a long time, you might have developed some attachment to your cutting board. But since it often comes in contact with food, it should always be in good condition and clean.
Maintenance is vital to keep your cutting boards free from contamination. Yet, despite proper care, replace a cutting board once it is damaged, scratched, and has lots of grooves. It is also worth noting that plastic cutting boards are often easier to clean and sanitize than wooden ones. So, if you’re using wooden cutting boards, consider replacing them more often.
5. Plastic food containers
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Most moms and grandmas are obsessed with their plastic food containers. Aside from being highly durable, plastic food containers are stackable, easy to handle, lightweight, and, most of all, cheaper than other types. However, plastic containers get worn out, buckled, discolored, or cracked after using them for a long time. Should you wait for these things to happen before replacing them?
The answer is no. You should replace plastic food containers every three years. Since plastic containers are not made equally, it is challenging to give an accurate time frame for when to dispose of them. However, this rule of thumb can help ensure you use clean and safe food containers.
But if you use glass food containers instead of plastic ones, you don’t have to buy sets of food containers every three years. Glass food containers might be pricier, but you no longer have to replace them for 10 to 15 years.
6. Rubber spatula
Discoloration usually happens for rubber spatulas. It is mainly if you often use them for pesto or turmeric. Also, since rubber spatulas are not good at withstanding heat, they melt once you use them on a heated pan.
There’s an unspoken rule in the kitchen. That is to replace all food utensils such as rubber spatulas once they are damaged and scratched. Rubber spatulas are also susceptible to crumbling or cracking. When these signs become visible, get a new one and toss the old one out.
Heat is the leading cause of damage to kitchen utensils like rubber spatulas. Imagine your food utensils going through daily wear and tear plus heat. You can’t stop them from getting damaged.
7. Water filters
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You must also replace water filters regularly to ensure that your drinking water is safe and clean. If you’re using a faucet-mounted water filter, follow what the manufacturer recommends or change it every two to three months. Do the same if you’re using a pitcher water filter.
One way to remember when to change your water filters is to note the date of your last filter replacement. You can also schedule your following filter change on your smartphone’s calendar app.
8. Microwaves
So far, this item is the most expensive to replace on the list. A microwave might last for about ten years, but time is not the only thing you should consider when deciding when to replace anything in your kitchen. You have to replace a microwave when it is no longer functioning correctly, regardless of how old it is.
Observe if your microwave is making strange noises when working and check for damage on its door’s seal. Also, watch out for how long it needs to heat your food. When a microwave is no longer working as it used to, it’s time to replace it.
9. Wooden spoon
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Wooden spoons come with many advantages. They don’t conduct heat, leach harmful chemicals, or affect food taste. However, many are surprised by how dirty wooden spoons can get over time.
Any crack on your wooden spoon will hold food residues that will be difficult to remove. So, when any crack appears on a wooden spoon, dispose of it immediately.
Conclusion
To sum it up, all items in your kitchen have respective lifespans. Despite not showing any damage, dirt, or performance issues, some things need to be replaced. Keep a clean and safe kitchen by following the tips mentioned above.
