How Often Should You Replace Everything In Your Kitchen?

Having a safe and clean kitchen is not only important for cooking food but also a step towards a healthy home. A clean house will help reduce the family’s risk from exposure to things such as allergens, and bacteria. It also includes timely replacement of old kitchen appliances for your safety as well as to maintain the hygienic practices. 

As almost everything requires replacement sooner or later, but how do you know when it’s the time? Well, reading this article will help you determine when to replace most of the kitchen items.

When Should You Replace Everything In Your Kitchen?

Replacing small to big items in your kitchen is necessary to help stop the build-up of bacteria and other viruses at your home. Here is a list of the regular items and the timelines in which they should be replaced:

1. Sponge 

A kitchen sponge is likely the germiest in your entire house, but homeowners don’t tend to replace it quite often. Generally, it is a moist breeding ground for a maximum of 54 billion bacterial cells. This suggests that rather than regular cleaning of the sponge, you should replace it. 

You should replace them weekly. Replacing them within the required time will keep everyone safe and away from the non-hygienic environment.

2. Water Filters 

Water filtration systems help in purification of the tap water to drink. To keep the system functioning, you should change your water filters on a regular basis. 

It is recommended to replace the standard water filters every two months, but, replacing them will vary on the product type. 

3. Spices 

Spices keep your food tasting fresh and delicious. However, keeping a spice cabinet stocked for too long can become unhealthy. It is recommended that you replace ground spices every six months and whole spices every three to five years. 

4. Big Appliances 

Kitchen appliances like refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers also require replacement. But, their longevity can increase if you regularly maintain them. You can even choose to invest in a home warranty if you don’t want any stress of your appliance not working fine. A home warranty will keep you safe from unwanted breakdowns and save your budget from unnecessary repair costs. You should thoroughly research before picking up a home warranty company. 

5. Cutting Boards 

Cutting boards are one of the most important kitchen items present in all households. It gets used for prepping meats and cutting other vegetables to stop cross-contamination. They should get properly cleaned after usage to stop the spreading of any bacteria. When your cutting boards are worn out or have deep grooves which can’t get easily cleaned, it’s time to throw them away. 

6. Cookware 

Damaged and peeling pots cause a health risk and can produce dangerous acids that can leak into the food. So, it’s imperative that you replace them when the time comes. However, if you properly maintain and clean them, you will be able to extend their lifespan. 

It is recommended that you replace your cookware every five years. It is normal to have small scrapes on pans, however, if the coating peels off, consider replacing it sooner. 

Further Reading: A complete guide to create minimalistic home 

7. Knives 

A dull knife will lead to slips and cuts. You can easily sharpen instead of replacing them. However, if the handle has worn out, and the sharpening technique is no longer of any use, you should replace the knife. A top-quality knife can easily last over 10 years if properly kept and used.

Regular cleaning and maintenance of your old kitchen appliances might help to extend their life. 

Related: How Pandemic Is Inspiring People To Get Into Home Renovation 

When it comes to kitchen cabinets, the frequency of replacement largely depends on various factors, such as the quality of the materials, construction, and your personal taste. In general, well-maintained kitchen cabinets can last for decades. However, if you notice signs of wear and tear, like warped doors, chipped surfaces, or deteriorating hardware, it may be time for an upgrade. Additionally, if your kitchen’s design feels outdated and no longer suits your preferences, considering a replacement can breathe new life into your space. Ultimately, there’s no set timeframe for replacing kitchen cabinets, but keeping an eye on their condition and your evolving style can guide your decision-making process.

Conclusion 

Bacteria and germs can go anywhere and even affect your prepared food. Having appliances or items exposed to bacteria can put your health at a staggering risk. So, it is imperative to take proper care of every appliance like refrigerators, dishwashers, microwave, stove range and other items in your store. Also, regular cleaning will help in keeping diseases away from your family.

One thing that you should note here is that if you properly maintain and replace your item regularly, then it can extend the appliance’s life.