10+ Things We Still Use Without Realizing It’s Time to Throw Them Away

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We do not hesitate to throw away food items that have expired, because we know they can affect our health. But our home, in fact, is full of other items to put into a landfill, and we don’t even know that.

Mascara

Items with eye shadow have the shortest shelf life. Bacteria from the eyelashes end up on the brush when mascara is applied, and each time we use it, there are more and more of them. Experts suggest changing the mascara every 3 months, as an eye infection can lead to longer use of this product.

Foundation

A foundation can be used for about a year on average, and we should consider the conditions of storage and the composition of the substance. But, after 6 months, the foundation in a container that is intended to be applied with a sponge, or even with your fingertips, can become unusable. This occurs because germs reach the item when you apply it this way, which could lead to acne and other skin problems.

Hair ties

If you use them for too long, cloth hair ties could harm your hair. It may expose the rubber portion, cling to the hair, and the hair may begin to break if the elastic band has stretched a little or its integrity is lost.

Wet wipes

In general, disinfecting wet wipes can be stored for up to a year after opening, although the brand might rely on it. They lose their antibacterial features after that. If they’ve been kept illegally, however, you can get rid of them even sooner. If it is kept in conditions that are too hot or too cold, preservatives in this product get killed, and there have been occasions when wipes have been infected with bacteria or mould.

Detergent

After opening the bottle, washing gel detergents hold their property for 6 months. If it isn’t exposed to moisture, washing powder will last much longer. There will no longer be as effective a slimy and lumpy powder as a dry one.

Toilet brush

This inconspicuous object can be stored for years in a home. You need to realise, however, even with a weekly cleaning of the brush, that it won’t be possible to get rid of all the bacteria on it, which means it won’t be as effective. When the bristles get deformed or start turning yellow, you need to adjust the brush.

Shower curtains

© Antonio Schubert / Wikimedia Commons

Curtains in the bathroom get dirty and worse, mould will grow on them. It is advisable to wash the curtain at least once a month and replace it with a new one after a year of use.

Rubber bath toys

Every 2–3 months, these toys should be replaced. The truth is, inside them, mould appears and it can be dangerous for the infant. Rinse them with boiling water and detergent after each use, to extend the life of your rubber ducks. To stop water from getting inside, you can also plug the hole in them with glue.

Teflon coated cookware

These pans last just 2-3 years and then, even though the coating looks intact, the cookware needs to be replaced. Prolonged use of this cookware can be detrimental to your health, as up to 6 toxic gases can be released by Teflon.

Silicone kitchen brush

Silicone is a substance that is heat resistant, but it can start to deteriorate with daily exposure to high temperatures. In addition, during the cooking process, it is fairly soft and can get hurt. It is recommended that you change the brushes every 2 years to prevent contaminating your food with silicone particles.

Graters and vegetable cutters

It is incredibly hard to wash a grater completely to get rid of the food scraps and the germs that live on them. Moreover, over time, the blades become dull, and the system becomes less effective. Based on its state and the material it’s made from, throw away the grater. On average, after 3-4 years of use, it is easier to adjust it.

Dishwashing sponges

It is understood that foam sponges for bacteria and even mould can be a breeding ground. Small fibre sponges should be rotated more regularly, preferably every week, and large sponges every 2 weeks, as these sponges are better ventilated and dry faster.

Underwear

© Depositphotos© Depositphotos

When it develops holes or takes on odour, it is recommended to throw away a pair of underwear. It turns out that, like E, bacteria. Coli, also on washed panties, will linger around. This would not lead to health conditions in most situations but renewing the underwear at least once a year is even more hygienic. For thongs and tanga panties, the same rule applies, but because they fit tightly against intimate body parts and appear to be made of synthetic materials, they are more likely to become a place for infections, so you should think more often about replacing them. After keeping them for around one year, try not to keep any of them around

Preview photo credit DepositphotosDepositphotos