You wouldn’t hesitate to throw away expired products and food because you know they can be harmful to your health. But in reality, your home is filled with things that belong in a landfill, and you don’t even realize it.
Let’s take a look at 15 items in your home that you’re better off getting rid of sooner rather than later.
1. Mascara
Eye makeup products have the shortest shelf life. Each time you apply mascara, bacteria from your lashes are transferred to the wand, and with every use, more bacteria are introduced. Experts recommend replacing your mascara every three months, as using it longer can lead to eye infections.
2. Wet Wipes
Disinfecting wet wipes can typically be stored for up to a year after opening, although this may depend on the brand. After that, they lose their antibacterial properties. However, if they are not stored properly, you should discard them sooner. The preservatives in this product will break down if exposed to extremely hot or cold conditions, and there’s a chance the wipes have become contaminated with bacteria or mold.
3. Detergents
Gel detergents retain their properties for up to six months after opening. Powder detergents can last longer if kept away from moisture. Clumpy and lumpy powders will not be as effective as their original dry form.
4. Toilet Brushes
This inconspicuous tool can be kept in the bathroom for years. However, even with weekly cleaning, understand that it’s impossible to remove all bacteria from it, which means it won’t be as effective. Replace your toilet brush when its bristles become deformed or start turning yellow.
5. Shower Curtains
Bathroom curtains get dirty, and worse, mold can grow on them. Curtains should be washed at least once a month, and it’s recommended to replace them annually.
6. Rubber Bath Toys
These toys should be replaced every two to three months. Mold can develop inside them, which could be dangerous for your child. To prolong the life of rubber ducks, boil them in water with a disinfectant after each use. You can also seal the holes with glue to prevent water from getting inside.
7. Teflon-coated Cookware
These pans are only good for two to three years, after which they need to be replaced, even if the coating looks intact. Prolonged use of Teflon-coated cookware can be harmful to your health, as the material can release up to six toxic gases.
8. Silicone Spatulas
Silicone is heat-resistant, but if exposed to high temperatures regularly, it can start to degrade. Additionally, it’s quite soft and may get damaged during the cooking process. To avoid contaminating your food with silicone particles, replace your spatulas every two years.
9. Vegetable Peelers
It’s challenging to thoroughly clean a vegetable peeler and remove all food residue and bacteria. Moreover, the blades dull over time, and the device becomes less effective. It’s best to replace it every three to four months.
10. Sponge Scrubbers
Sponges are known to be breeding grounds for bacteria and even mold. Sponges with small pores should be replaced more frequently, ideally weekly, while those with larger pores can be replaced every two weeks, as they are more breathable and dry faster.
11. Razor Blades
These need to be changed more often than most people think. Women who use razors daily should replace the blades every one to two weeks. For those who shave a few times a week, replacement is recommended every four to six weeks. Using a dull blade can cause irritation and affect skin health.
According to Trí Thức Trẻ
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