When to Toss Common Household Items
When to Toss Common Household Items
SpongesIt doesn’t take long for sponges to
become a hotbed of bacteria. They
can spread germs to your hands and
then to your food. Or if you have a
cut on your hand, bacteria can enter
your body that way. Even if you boil
or microwave your sponges after
each use, scientists say it’s best to
replace them once a week.
Pillows
Your nightly neck and head prop
loses shape and firmness over
time. It also absorbs the sweat,
oil, and skin cells you shed while
you sleep. Trade in old pillows
for new ones every 2 years --
sooner if they’re flat, lumpy, or
stay folded after you bend them
in half.
Toothbrush
Twice-a-day scrubbing
sessions really do in your
toothbrush’s bristles over
time. For best cleaning
results, switch to a new one
every 3 to 4 months.
Nonstick Cookware
Nonstick pots and pans with
scratches, grooves, or flaking
polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon)
should be on your kitchenware
move list. Luckily, Teflon flakes
won’t hurt you if they get in your
food. Still, they're a sign you’re
due for something new.
Makeup
While products vary, a good rule
of thumb is to restock cosmetics
around the 6-month mark to
keep bacteria at bay. Always
replace makeup after you’ve
used it on infected skin or eyes.
Makeup Brushes
Wash applicators regularly with warm
water and a mild soap to keep them
clean enough to use for a good
while. Follow this schedule: once a
week for tools that apply wet
makeup; twice a week for eye
makeup applicators. Brushes for dry
makeup can go a month between
cleaning. Toss them once they look
frayed or worn.
Medications
Manufacturers are required to put
expiration dates on their meds. Some
studies show they work much longer than
their stamped shelf life, but the best option
is to keep your medicine cabinet contents
current. Most expired medications will lose
strength over time. When you toss drugs,
be responsible: The FDA’s website can
give you guidelines for what to trash, what
to flush, and where to look for take-back
options in your area.
Extension Cords
Any sign of wear on an
extension cord means it’s time to
throw it out. Cracks, damage, or
problems with the plug or prongs
can be a fire hazard. Inspect
cords before use, and don’t run
one under a rug or overload it
with too many appliances.
Contact Lens Case
To keep your contact case clean,
rinse it with fresh saline solution,
not water, after each use. Chuck
it for a fresh one every 3
months. Cracked or damaged
cases make a great home for
bacteria, so replace them right
away.
Electronics
Ready to get rid of your
computer, TV, cellphone, or
other gadget? Do it right: Check
with the manufacturer first to see
if they have a recycling or
donation program. Or call your
local recycling center so your
gadgets don’t end up in a
landfill.
Batteries
It’s safe to toss regular batteries (AA,
AAA, manganese, and carbon-zinc) in
the trash, but it’s worth a call to your
local recycling center to find out other
options for these single-use power
supplies. Nickel-cadmium or small
sealed lead acid rechargeable batteries
have toxic metals in them that are bad
for the environment and the human
body. You’ll need to find a drop-off
facility or recycling event.
Paint
Leftover water-based latex paint that
hasn’t been stored in an airtight
container at room temperature can
break down in a matter of months or
sooner. If you notice the can bulging,
it there’s probably a buildup of gasproducing
bacteria inside. Call your
local government or public works to
find out how to get rid of it safely.
Comments
Post a Comment