This Is How Often You Should Replace These 10 Common Kitchen Tools
A house comprises various rooms occupied one way or another, and homeowners dedicate much time to making them look their best. When we think of which room is used the most, the living room might come to mind, but per remodeling service Kurtis, the kitchen acquires more foot traffic than any other room. As a result, homeowners focus on the transformation of the space more than their bedrooms since it's seen by multiple people, including friends, family members, or other visitors. Therefore, the kitchen must be fully functional and look beautiful as well.
Because the kitchen is used daily, numerous components within the space are often used, such as cooking utensils, cleaning products, and kitchenware, which need to be switched out over time. Of course, there are ways to make your tools last longer, but it can be easy to forget when was the last time certain items were replaced since there's a plethora to keep track of.
Not clearing out worn-out spatulas, sponges, cooking ingredients, etc., can grow bacteria which can spread germs and harm your health. It might be time to go through your drawers and make a pile of kitchen tools that have met their end. We've gathered some tools you should consider replacing on your next deep cleaning day.
1. Cutting boards
Cutting boards are prone to grow bacteria because they touch every food item, from meat to vegetables to fruits. Over time, the knives will create grooves on the surface that can store food and form bacteria. Every cutting board should be sanitized and dried after every use, but if your boards have scratched surfaces, you should replace them.
2. Dish towels
Dish towels are used frequently to clean the counters or dry the dishes because they're better than wasting paper towels. However, since the towels soak up spilled food or drinks, they should be washed regularly. Although washing them won't make them last forever, once the fibers become frayed or smell, it's time to replace them.
3. Vegetable peelers
You might be wondering why a vegetable peeler would need replacing, but once it stops working as quickly as it used to and the blade is dull, it's time for a new one.
4. Kitchen sponges
Kitchen sponges are the holy grail for bacteria because they're never sanitized. Instead, they hold moisture. It's funny to think that a cleaning sponge would need cleaning, but cleaning them is crucial to prevent health risks. Replace them every couple of weeks, but if they're not falling apart, then monthly.
5. Refrigerator water filters
Water filters lower contamination by removing impurities, making water healthier and taste better. Homeowners should replace the refrigerator's water filter every six months, or if your filter comes with a manual, it'll recommend when the filter should be changed.
6. Plastic storage containers
Storage containers are handy for packing your lunch or leftover dinner, but using them constantly can wear them out, especially if they're put in the microwave. They can get stained quickly and won't last as long if they're not cared for properly. If they're in good condition, though, and maintained, they'll last up to three years.
7. Coffee maker
Nothing can keep you warmer than a hot cup of coffee on a rainy day. Although, if the coffee maker brews your joe slowly, you might stay cold a little longer. The tubes that filter the water can calcify, so they should be decalcified monthly. Coffee makers will last about five years before they need to be replaced.
8. Baking soda
It's easy to forget that baking soda has an expiration date since it's used when it's needed for baking or cleaning. The container holds so much that you might think you'll be able to go through it before you need a new one. You'll notice if baking soda has expired if it's not active when you're using it.
9. Wooden spoons
The more wooden spoons are used for cooking, the easier they are to break and crack, so once they crack, replace them. Like wooden cutting boards, they can grow bacteria if wooden spoons aren't cleaned or sanitized correctly. Simply soaking them in water for a couple of hours should remove all the food debris.
10. Can opener
Can openers are strong, cutting right through steel, but their blade can stop working after one too many cans. Once the blade doesn't cut through cans anymore, it's time to buy a new one.