While the following items are essential for daily life, it is crucial not to compromise on quality and opt for cheaper alternatives, especially during tough economic times.
Items That Are Not Worth Buying Cheap
Dish Towels
Dish towels are integral to our daily dishwashing routine. They come at various price points, and while it’s tempting to opt for the cheaper ones sold on the streets or online (often for less than 5,000 VND), their materials are vastly different. Inexpensive dish towels are typically made from recycled fabric and plastic waste, harboring bacteria and toxins that can be harmful if ingested.
Food Wrap
Many people use food wrap to store leftovers in the fridge. This thin layer does more than just mask odors; it also helps retain moisture in the food. However, cheaper food wraps are often made from PVC, which requires plasticizers during production. These plasticizers can release toxins when exposed to high temperatures, posing a risk to your liver, kidneys, and other vital organs.
Trash Cans
A trash can is a household essential, and while you don’t need to frequently tend to it, choosing a cheap one can be detrimental. Some inexpensive trash cans are made from recycled plastic waste, which tends to break easily and emits foul odors and toxins, polluting your living space.
Laundry Detergent
Laundry detergent is used more frequently during the summer due to increased perspiration. To save money, some people opt for cheaper, no-name brands or counterfeits sold online. However, these detergents are often less effective and may contain fluorescent agents, bleaching agents, and other harmful chemicals. Prolonged direct contact with these detergents can lead to skin issues like redness, swelling, and itching and may even cause skin cancer in severe cases.
Stainless Steel Cutlery Sets
Anyone who has used stainless steel cutlery knows it’s durable and hard to break. For households with elderly members or children, it’s the safest option. However, not all stainless steel cutlery meets national standards. Some inexpensive sets use industrial-grade stainless steel instead of food-grade, which contains high levels of heavy metals, increasing health risks over prolonged use.
Inexpensive Tissue Paper
Tissue paper is a staple in our daily lives, and with high consumption, it’s tempting to opt for cheaper options online. While these tissues may look clean and similar to regular tissue paper, they are often made from recycled paper. The manufacturing process involves adding fluorescent agents, bleaching chemicals, and other reactive substances, which are not suitable for your health.
Never Compromise on Quality When It Comes to These Essential Purchases
Introducing the essentials for daily life – items that are indispensable in our routine. While it’s understandable to seek cost-effective options during financially challenging times, there are certain products that warrant a wiser investment approach. Compromising on quality for a bargain is not advisable when it comes to these particular items.
The Magic of a Cabbage Leaf: Clean Your Range Hood Without the Hassle of Disassembly
Cabbage is a versatile vegetable, often a household staple, and its outer leaves are usually discarded as they tend to be older and less appealing to eat. However, these discarded outer leaves of the cabbage can be your secret weapon in the kitchen! They can be used to effectively clean away grease and grime from your range hood, leaving it sparkling clean.