Some utensils and tools carry germs and other harmful bacteria, even in a spotless kitchen. If you think some of your regularly used kitchen utensils might be culprits, you are probably right. Whether you want to declutter your kitchen to remove old or worn items or update it with new ones, we can help. We are sharing some kitchen items you can throw away now.

Kitchen Items You Can Throw Away

Worn cutting boards: Cutting boards simplify meal prep, but consider replacing them if your boards look rough. Worn plastic boards with deep scratches can harbour harmful germs. Keep two cutting boards. Use one board for vegetables and another for meat, poultry, or seafood.

Torn or old dish towels: Dishtowels and kitchen rags can become stained, discoloured, or smelly over time or lose their ability to absorb liquids. With repeated use, dish towels can trap odours and bacteria that can transfer to clean dishes.

Scratched non-stick pans: Non-stick pans are great for making some meals. However, the Teflon coating can eventually wear, leading to flaking. Once the gloss is gone or flaking starts, replace the pan. It will lose its non-stick ability, causing foods to get stuck or flakes to get in your meal.

Worn-out oven mitts: Oven mitts protect your hands but can become worn from frequent use. If you notice that your mitts have thin spots, rips, or holes, they may not protect you effectively anymore. You must replace worn-out mitts to ensure your safety when cooking or baking.

Dull or rusty can openers: Using a dull or rusty opener can be challenging and unsafe. A rusty opener can transfer bacteria or metal shavings into your food. If you see rust on it, remove it before using it or replace it with a new one.

Old sponges: Frequently used kitchen sponges can accumulate potentially harmful bacteria. You can sterilise your sponge by boiling it. However, try to replace it if it starts to smell, looks messy, or thin. Use a brush or dish rag instead of a sponge to reduce waste.

Plastic containers: Throw away stained, scratched, or degraded plastic containers. They can often leak chemicals into food, mainly when used in microwaves. If your plastic containers show signs of wear, consider using longer-lasting glass containers as replacements.

Rusty baking sheets or pans: Baking sheets can rust with constant use and transfer possibly harmful metals into food. Ensure that you dry your baking sheets well after each use. If you notice rust, throw it out.

Cracked wooden utensils: Wooden spoons and spatulas are kitchen favourites, but some crack over time. A cracked utensil creates space for bacteria and food debris. Replace your wooden utensils if you notice cracks, cuts, stains, or odours.

Dull knives: If you’ve ever tried using a dull knife, you know it can be challenging. Dull knives are a potential safety hazard because they require force and can slip. Although sharpening can extend their lifespan, toss out knives that appear dull beyond repair.

We hope these suggestions help you get started with optimising your kitchen. We know you will want to replace the items you’ve thrown out, so head to Find Yello to search for supermarkets, home centres, and related businesses with the items you need.

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Sources: Martha Stewart, Eating Well, Taste of Home, Good Housekeeping, and Food Network.