"Unnecessary and messy"... Get rid of 'these 7 things' in your kitchen right now

The kitchen is the heart of the home and one of the spaces where we spend the most time. However, just as such, various items are stored in the sink, cupboards, and drawers. Things pile up and are easy to forget. You might not even know where some items are, and it can be frustrating to find them when you need them.

With the New Year approaching, why not try organizing the unnecessary items in your kitchen? A neatly organized kitchen not only improves cooking efficiency but can also bring a sense of ease to your daily life. Let's take a look at the 7 kitchen items recommended by the American health media outlet Eating Well that you must get rid of before the New Year arrives.

 

1. Smelly sponge

According to a study published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology in 2022, used kitchen sponges are highly likely to harbor harmful bacteria. While sponges can be disinfected by boiling or microwaving (though sponges containing metal should never be microwaved), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) warns that these methods are not 100% safe. Therefore, it is better to replace sponges frequently. It is advisable to discard them immediately, especially if they smell strange or feel contaminated.

2. A worn-out cutting board

Separating cutting boards for meat and seafood from those for vegetables and bread is a safe way to prevent cross-contamination. However, if deep knife marks form on the board over time, it becomes an easy breeding ground for bacteria. Experts recommend replacing the cutting board immediately. If you prefer wooden cutting boards, choosing a bamboo board is a good option. Bamboo is harder and less absorbent than regular wooden boards, reducing the risk of bacterial growth. While solid cutting boards can be washed in a dishwasher, glued wooden boards should always be washed by hand due to the risk of cracking.

 

3. Old cooking utensils

Cracked or split kitchen utensils are dangerous. Small fragments from wooden spatulas can fall and mix into food, or rubber materials can melt into hot liquids. This not only threatens safety but is also unhygienic. Since the crevices of old utensils are breeding grounds for bacteria, it is advisable to replace them frequently. In particular, black plastic utensils pose a risk of harmful chemicals seeping into food, as they may be made from recycled plastic from electronic devices.

 

4. Old spices

Spices lose their flavor and aroma if stored for a long time. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), whole spices can remain fresh for up to four years, while powdered spices can stay fresh for up to three years. It is advisable to replace old spices, as they make it difficult to bring out the proper flavor in dishes. When purchasing spices, it is wise to buy in small quantities or write the purchase date on the label.

 

5. Abandoned coffee

If you are a coffee lover, it is highly likely that you have leftover beans or ground coffee in your cupboard. However, do not forget that even if whole beans are sealed and stored in a cool, dark place, their flavor and aroma deteriorate rapidly over time after opening. Since old coffee is difficult to produce a fresh taste and can become intensely bitter, it is best to discard expired coffee without hesitation. If you feel it is a waste to throw it away, good alternatives include adding coffee flavor to brownie or chocolate cake batter, or using the coffee grounds as a deodorizer.

6. Spoiled cooking oil

Cooking oil has a shorter shelf life than you might think. Over time, it oxidizes, causing its taste and aroma to deteriorate, and in severe cases, it can develop a sour or bitter taste. High-quality cooking oils, such as olive oil, are best used within a few months of opening. Oxidized cooking oil not only ruins the flavor of dishes but is also harmful to your health. When storing cooking oil, avoid direct sunlight and keep it in a cool, dark place; it is advisable to immediately discard any oil that has been left out for too long.

 

7. Food left in the freezer

Everyone has old meat or frozen food tucked away in a corner of their freezer. Freezer burn strips food of moisture over time, degrading its taste and texture, so such food should be discarded without hesitation. If you have cooked or frozen food yourself, it is a good idea to write down the packaging date to check when it was frozen. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends consuming frozen food within three to four months to maintain its best quality, even though it can be stored for a long time. Keep in mind that food stored for too long loses its moisture and flavor, making it tasteless.

 

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It is better to replace the sponge frequently.

Especially strange or contaminated

It is best to discard it immediately if you get the feeling. [Photo = Getty Images Bank]

 

 

I think leaving the freezer unused is the biggest problem.

If you keep it in the freezer, you can keep it for a long time.

You know what I'm thinking

 

Maintaining the best quality for 3-4 months.