Although the kitchen is frequently referred to as the centre of the house, you must confess that it could be more tidy and organised. Additionally, it’s simple to forget when and what you last replaced. The equipment in a busy kitchen is probably far past its prime. Only some things you regularly use in your kitchen can endure forever, even while certain items are made to last generations (like your trusty old cast-iron pan).
Your various kitchen utensils may last longer if you take proper care of them, but wear and strain will still eventually take their toll. Here are five things you should constantly replace in your kitchen to preserve food safety and cleanliness as you prepare to tackle your next decluttering project.
1. Kitchen Sponge
According to Elizabeth Scott, PhD, co-director and founder of the Simmons Center for Hygiene and Health in Home and Community, kitchen sponges pose a significant danger because germs can live in the damp core of a sponge.
Commonly advised methods of disinfecting sponges include microwaving and immersing them in hot water. However, these methods, at most, lower the bacterial burden by 60%. This indicates that, contrary to what you may believe, you are only partially sterilising them.
In addition, Scott advises that sponges be changed frequently because they “promote the growth of very high quantities of bacteria and can transmit these bacteria to adjacent surfaces during usage.” “I would advise doing it at least monthly, if not more frequently.”
Depending on how frequently you use them or how quickly they get dirty in your home, you might change kitchen sponges every week or every two weeks.
2. Cutting Board
Cutting Boards come directly from your food, so you must keep them clean and in good condition. Proper maintenance includes decontaminating and drying them well after every contact with raw meat and vegetables.
Although plastic cutting boards are more accessible to sanitise than wooden ones, they score somewhat quickly, which can lead to permanent grooves that harbour food and bacteria, says Benjamin Chapman, PhD, a food safety extension specialist and head of the Department of Agricultural and Human Sciences at the North Carolina State University.
Scott advises that you replace your cutting board when it becomes scraped and damaged to preserve food cleanliness. If you use your cutting board frequently, take the time to see if it already has many grooves. Then it’s time to replace it with a new one.
3. Wooden Spoon
After viewers saw just how filthy wooden spoons could become, Bonnie McNamara’s (@miss.clean.with.me) TikTok video from the previous year went viral. She placed her supposedly spotless wooden spoon in a glass, added boiling water, and watched as the water became cloudy from the food particles that became loose. Knowing they may have been using soiled wooden spoons all this time made many viewers queasy, which is understandable.
Wooden spoons may split and be able to hold food, according to Chapman. “I’d say it’s time to acquire a new one if you notice apparent cracks or fraying.” After use, rinse wooden spoons to stop them from absorbing food or liquid. Chapman advised to completely dry wooden spoons after cleaning them, just like you would with cutting boards.
4. Rubber Spatula
If you frequently use rubber spatulas for food containing ingredients like pesto or turmeric, they may become stained or discoloured, and the heat of the pan can also cause them to melt. As a general guideline, Scott advises replacing any food equipment that is scratched and damaged, including rubber spatulas. Consider it a cue to purchase a new rubber spatula if you notice any crumbling or cracking on your current one. According to Chapman, “Cracks and scoring would signal it’s time to get a new one.” There is no secret technique to prevent deterioration from occurring to any high-use object, especially one handled with heat.
5. Vegetable Peelers
Ina Garten, the star of Food Network’s “Barefoot Contessa,” explained in an interview with Food & Wine that vegetable peelers must be replaced annually because they become rusty and dull over time. But bear in mind that this isn’t a universal guideline. According to Chapman, I tend to avoid advice that says, “Do this every year,” mainly because it is built on repetition. “Whether you use a piece of equipment frequently, check to see if it’s degrading and acquire another if necessary.” If you use your vegetable peeler sparingly, it should last you more than a year. It is safe to use as long as the blade is sharp and shows no corrosion.
Finally, it is essential to maintain good condition and replace any kitchen equipment that comes into close contact with food or surfaces used for food preparation. That, according to Scott, is how you constantly maintain a hygienic environment in your kitchen.
Shopping for kitchen appliances is often difficult because there are so many different goods on the market. However, we hope that this list has provided you some insight into why certain common kitchen equipment should be frequently replaced. Even while this list is definitely not all-inclusive, it can help you start along the road to better cooking.
