7 Kitchen Items That Need to Be Cleaned or Replaced ASAP

find out which frequently - used kitchen ware you ’re in all probability forget to strip and when it ’s metre for a replacement .

Some of the nasty spots in your kitchen are probably the items you use most often . Common kitchen necessity , include sponges , dish rags , and cutting board , evenunder - sump water filterscan become breeding grounds for germs and bacteria if you do n’t keep them clean . Because these target often come in contact lens with your food , crockery , or hands , waiting too foresightful to scavenge or supervene upon them can even be potentially harmful to your health . Learn which kitchen items you ’re probably forget to clean and when it ’s time to replace them altogether . Then total these tasks to your regularkitchen equipment cleaning checklistto help keep your preparation space devoid of germs and bacteria .

1. Cutting Boards

Cutting boards are one of the most versatile kitchen peter . They ’re arrant for food for thought preparation , and their stable surface makes cleanup a breeze . Plus , most press cutting boards have a tenacious life if properly maintained . If you ’re using a plastic cutting board , just scat it through the dishwashing machine after each consumption . If you ’re using a wood or bamboo model , clear with red-hot , unctuous water .

When to Replace : recede cutting boards when they show signs of wear , such as deep groove marks or an precarious surface . Crevices in cut boards can nurse harmful bacteria , making them impossible to fully unclouded .

2. Sponges

Because sponges amount into link with so much grime and bacterium , they ’re bound to get ill-gotten fast . Clean your parazoan dailyby tossing them into the microwave orinto your dishwasherto helper shoot down source . To disinfect a parasite , you may also use 3/4 loving cup bleach in 1 gallon of water supply . souse the kitchen sponge 5 minutes and gargle well in warm water .

When to Replace : wash your kitchen parasite is only a irregular fix ; no sponge will or should last evermore . We commend replacing sponge every month or so .

3. Water Filters

Using a water pitcher with abuilt - in filteris an gentle , inexpensive way to increase the character of your drunkenness water . But can you remember the last time you changed the pitcher ’s filter ? If you ’re not keeping up with the manufacturer ’s recommendations for replacement , the filter wo n’t be able to do its line .

When to Replace : Consult your manual for specific recommendations , but most filter need to be replaced every 2 - 6 months .

4. Water Bottles

reclaimable piddle nursing bottle are a sound investment funds . Besides squelch your thirst andkeeping you hydrated on - the - go , they can also help reduce your carbon paper footmark . Plus , they can last for years with right maintenance . As a oecumenical formula , you shouldwash your water nursing bottle every Clarence Shepard Day Jr. . Pay attention to easy - to - miss areas like the mouthpiece , and invest in an elongated nursing bottle - clean brush to aid you strive the bottom .

When to exchange : put back when your nursing bottle demo serious signs of wearable , including exterior cracks or funky smells .

5. Dish Rags and Towels

Your trusty dish rags and towel have been there for you through every kitchen spill and sticky situation . They wipe up spills that have leak onto counters and broom up disgorge git . As useful as these linens are for wipe up surfaces , they ’re also prone to germs and bacterium , which can reassign to your hands when you expend them .

When to supersede : Swap out your dish rags and towels daily to keep bug at bay . Wash muddy towels separately in raging weewee , ( you could toss them in the wash machine ) and supercede them when they become rip or bad sully .

6. Spices

Next time youclean out your buttery , take a close facial expression at yourspice rack . Although cooking with honest-to-god spices in all likelihood wo n’t smart you , it can make your food less flavorful . When you buy new spice , write the date of purchase on a piece of tape measure and stick it on the spiciness so you ’ll cognize exactly how honest-to-god it is .

When to Replace : Toss spices every few years , depend on their makeup ( whole spices typically last longer than ground versions ) .

7. Plastic Storage Containers

We all know someone who eff to reuse one-time yoghourt container for years on end . But reusing any pliant container for too long , especially one that wasmeant to be discard of , can be dangerous . Over time , credit card breaks down , and the chemical can leach into your food . Look for signs of vesture after each usance ( such as fling , discoloration , or unusual smells ) and always throw away disposable packaging once you ’re land up with the product .

When to Replace : Disposable plastic containers that were intended for single - use should be recycled or thrown away after one exercise . Recycle or dispose of reusable depot containers and replace them every few eld . To extend their aliveness , wash out by handwriting in blistering , soapy body of water or place on thetop rack of the dishwasher . Discolored , warp , snap , or unusual - smell containers should be interchange immediately .

Julienne slicing carrots with knife on cutting board