How often you should be replacing everything in your kitchen – you’re definitely keeping your spices for far too long
WE ALL know to throw out food when it expires and replace sponges once the dishwasher can’t even make their stench go away. But apparently, there are far more things that need routine replacing in the kitchen – here’s everything you need to know. GET USED TO TOSSING YOUR SPONGE According to the experts at […]
WE ALL know to throw out food when it expires and replace sponges once the dishwasher can’t even make their stench go away.
But apparently, there are far more things that need routine replacing in the kitchen – here’s everything you need to know.
GET USED TO TOSSING YOUR SPONGE
According to the experts at Marthastewart.com, sponges need to be replaced at least once every two weeks.
This means that those viral cleaning hacks about how to most effectively clean sponges shouldn’t be implemented in two weeks; you should clean your sponge and still throw it away after two weeks.
So, how do you keep your sponge clean for those 14 days?
Some gurus recommend throwing it in your dishwasher while others say heating it up in the microwave will help kill bacteria.
Apparently, the United States Department of Agriculture says both options work well.
In a 2007 study, the scientists at the Agricultural Research Service found that 99.99 percent of bacteria were killed with both methods of sanitizing.
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However, if you notice your sponge smelling or it’s falling apart, you can toss it before the 14 days are up.
SPICES ARE NICE EXPCEPT WHEN THEY’RE NOT
Spices certainly have a long shelf life, but that doesn’t mean they last forever.
Food Network listed the general rules for all sorts of spices, saying that ground spices last for about six months and whole spies can hold up for up to five years.
As for mixed spices, Food Network’s website says it’s important to keep track of when you obtained them and suggests the old-fashioned sniff test to decide whether or not you can keep any spices in question.
Of course, if your spices have an expiration date, it’s always best to go by that.
If you’re worried about being wasteful, you can also freeze certain herbs and spices into ice cubes and thaw them when they’re ready to be used.
APPLIANCES AREN’T MEANT TO LAST FOREVER
Buying kitchens appliances like fridges and ovens is not a thing people plan to do often, especially because they’re not cheap.
It seems that experts have varying opinions on when folks should start looking into new appliances.
For instance, Paul West, division merchandise manager for The Home Depot, told Architectural Digest refrigerators should be replaced after 10 to 12 years.
He also shared some warning signs that it’s time to buy a new one.
“If your fridge has excessive condensation, it may not be cooling properly and if that’s the case, investigate the rubber sealing around the door to see if there are water droplets or signs of mildew,” he instructed.
“Additionally, if the back of the refrigerator feels warm, you should check to see if the motor is running correctly.
“Excessive heat can indicate you may need to replace the coils or replace the appliance altogether.”
And of course, if your food is spoiling quickly, you should also check into how your fridge is functioning.
West also noted stoves last up to 15 years, and said tell-tale signs of a deteriorating stove include it having issues getting warm and malfunctioning buttons and knobs.
Dishwashers are expected to have a 10-year lifespan, according to Consumer Reports.
Some signs of aging may be water pooling at the bottom following a cycle, rusting, and buttons no longer working, among others.
Microwaves should also be replaced about every 10 years, according to Mika Kujapelto, CEO and Founder of LaptopUnboxed.
“Your microwave’s life expectancy is about nine to 10 years, but this is when you maintain your microwave without causing early damage before the life expectancy is up,” he told Reader’s Digest.
On the flip side, Roger Beahm, a professor and executive director for Wake Forest University School of Business’ Center for Retail Innovation, told NBC’s Better by Today that people should replace their appliances as frequently as they want, especially if they desire to keep up with modern technology.
Of course, each machine is made differently, so it’s best to check with your owner’s manual if you’re questioning the durability or lifespan of an appliance.
POTS AND PANS CERTAINLY GET WORN OUT
Well, it depends on the type.
Home Cook World recommends replacing ceramic or non-stick pans every two to five years, as the non-stick layer begins to wear off.
Meanwhile, cast iron skillets made of the highest-grade cast iron can last a lifetime.
The same can be said of a well-kept stainless steel pan.
It’s important to note that most experts warn against dishwashing cast iron, though.
Scrubbing with warm water and even a small bit of mild soap is more than enough to clean and maintain it.
To help increase the longevity of all your pots and pans, though, one expert recommended using a surprising produce to clean them: a potato.
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