1. Dishwashing Cloths and Sponges
Many elderly people believe that dishwashing cloths and sponges can be reused after washing, even if they are stained, damaged, or worn out.
As we all know, this practice is extremely harmful to one’s health. If dishwashing cloths and sponges are not replaced regularly, they can harbor bacteria and germs, even if they are washed frequently. Additionally, their absorbency and cleaning effectiveness will be compromised. Such water-saving efforts are truly not worth the potential health risks.
Advice: Daily consumables like dishwashing cloths and sponges should be replaced at least once every 1-2 months. Failing to do so can pose a serious risk to your health.
2. Moldy Chopsticks and Cutting Boards
I’ve seen numerous tips online about how to clean moldy bamboo chopsticks and cutting boards, and I’m truly lost for words.
In reality, if your chopsticks and cutting boards at home become moldy, you should never use them again. They can harbor a significant amount of bacteria and mold, including aflatoxin, which can cause cancer.
Furthermore, this type of mold cannot be eliminated simply by boiling and sun-drying. Therefore, don’t hesitate to discard old, moldy chopsticks and cutting boards. Your family’s health is of utmost importance.
Advice: Soak household items like these in saltwater regularly to prevent bacterial growth.
3. Cardboard Boxes and Shipping Boxes
Older generations often have a habit of hoarding cardboard boxes and shipping boxes, sometimes even bringing home discarded boxes from others, with the intention of selling them for a small amount of money.
Consequently, their balconies, living rooms, and hallways become cluttered with these boxes, not only taking up space but also creating an unsanitary and disorganized environment, severely impacting their quality of life.
Additionally, if stored for extended periods, old cardboard boxes can become damp and moldy, fostering bacterial growth and attracting mosquitoes and cockroaches, which pose health risks.
Advice: If you are not in a difficult financial situation, don’t accumulate useless cardboard boxes just for a small amount of money.
4. Pots and Pans with Peeling Coating
Whether it’s a rice cooker or a non-stick pan, once you notice that the coating is damaged or scratched, stop using it. When the coating deteriorates, it can release harmful substances that, if ingested, can have irreversible detrimental effects on your health.
For instance, the inner pot of a rice cooker is typically made of aluminum and coated. If the inner coating of the pot is scratched, the exposed aluminum can leach into the food. Prolonged consumption of aluminum can have adverse effects on your health.
Additionally, the non-stick coating of pans, when worn or peeled, can release a harmful substance called Dover propane at high temperatures, which can damage the liver and immune system and even increase the risk of cancer.
Advice: If you notice peeling or damaged coatings on your pots and pans, don’t hesitate to discard them and replace them with new ones to ensure food safety.
5. Long-Term Frozen Food Storage
Our parents’ generation is known for their frugality. They may buy fish and meat for their children but then store it in the freezer for so long that it is eventually forgotten.
In reality, frozen food also has an expiration date. Even fresh ingredients will spoil if stored for too long. Therefore, it is not advisable to consume long-term frozen food as it not only loses its nutritional value and becomes unpleasant to eat, but it can also harbor disease-causing bacteria, posing a serious risk to your health.
Advice: Meat can be frozen for up to 10-12 months. If it exceeds this timeframe, it must be discarded. Additionally, from a health perspective, try not to store ingredients in the freezer for extended periods. Consume fresh ingredients promptly and avoid excessive stockpiling.
6. Long-Opened Spices
As long as you cook at home, you’ll need various spices and seasonings. However, many people are unaware that spices have a shelf life. Once opened and left for a long time, they can spoil and become a breeding ground for bacteria.
Advice: Spices should be checked regularly after opening. If you notice any mold or sediment, discard them immediately. Consuming spoiled spices can lead to symptoms like diarrhea, digestive discomfort, and even vomiting.
7. Floor Mats Older than Six Months
Floor mats are one of the most common daily necessities; some people even have several mats in their homes, including one at the entrance, in the kitchen, bathroom, and even on the balcony.
However, I’ve noticed that many people are reluctant to replace their floor mats after using them for more than six months. In reality, floor mats should be replaced every one to two months.
Floor mats not only accumulate dirt and bacteria but can also emit an unpleasant odor if not cleaned and replaced regularly.
Advice: Even if your floor mats appear clean, replace them after six months of use to avoid potential health risks to your family.
8. Old Mattresses and Bed Linen
Many people are unaware that mattresses have a limited lifespan. Once they exceed eight years of use, they should be replaced promptly, even if they don’t seem damaged.
Older mattresses not only have degraded materials and reduced comfort but can also cause back pain and depression if used for extended periods.
Additionally, old bed linen can harbor dust mites, bacteria, and allergens, posing health risks.
Advice: When you notice a musty odor on your bed linen, it’s time to replace it with a new one to ensure a healthy sleeping environment.
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