10 Things in Your Kitchen You Should Throw Away ASAP
It can be easy to accumulate unnecessary items in our kitchen that don’t get used often or, worse – are no longer safe to use. To help you stay healthy and clutter-free, here is a list of 10 things you should throw away right away from your kitchen:
1. Expired Canned Goods
Canned goods have a shelf life, and after that time, they become unsafe to eat. The contents of canned goods can also start to taste bad, so it’s best to get rid of them if you haven’t used them for a while.
2. Old spices and Herbs
Spices that have been sitting around for more than a year can start to lose their flavor. Get rid of them, and replace them with fresher alternatives.
3. Expired condiments and sauces
If you have condiments or sauces beyond their expiration date, it’s best to discard them and buy new ones.
4. Old plastic containers
Plastic containers get worn down over time from heat when microwaving or running through the dishwasher multiple times and may also develop cracks leading to contamination which could make you sick if consumed. Throw out anything that looks brittle or frayed, so there’s less chance of cross-contamination with your stored food items.
5. Wooden cutting boards
Old wooden cutting boards can harbor bacteria from raw meat. So make sure to discard any that have been heavily used (especially if they’re showing signs of cracking or warping).
6. Greasy Pans & Cookware
We all know how hard it is to scrub off food residue from pots and pans after use. But greasy cookware is not only unsightly but also potentially dangerous. As grease can be flammable if heated up too much while cooking another meal on the stovetop. Get rid of any super greasy pans you may have before disaster strikes!
7. Old dish rags
Dish rags can also become contaminated from raw meat or other food particles that get stuck in their fabric over time. Throw out any that are looking a bit too worn down and replace them with fresh
8. Old Pantry Staples
Flour, cereal, pasta, and other pantry items should be tossed if they are more than a year old. This is because their potency will have diminished, making them taste stale and flavorless.
9. Old spoons and spatulas
Spoons and spatulas that have been in your kitchen for years may have started to show signs of wear, such as melting or cracking. Throw out any of these utensils that are no longer usable or safe for food contact.
10. Old Appliances
Toasters, blenders, and other kitchen appliances should be disposed of when they are no longer functioning properly, as they could be potentially dangerous if not working correctly.
