We are used to regularly checking products such as milk or other foods for their expiry dates. But there are many other things in the household that have an expiration date and that even the wise housewife has no idea about. We would like to give you some tips about kitchen and household and more specifically about household goods that should be thrown away over time. This means that the modern housewife receives additional help in the household.
Spices
Even dried spices don't last forever. On the one hand, they lose their taste and on the other hand, they also start to smell at some point. For this reason you should kitchen andHouseholdand above all, clean out the kitchen cupboards every 1 to 3 years and throw away old spices. Powdered spices such as ground cinnamon, paprika, curry or pepper only last 6 months.
Flour
The same applies to flour. Anyone who bakes or breads often is unlikely to exceed the expiration date. For everyone else, however, it is important to know that first-class flour can only be stored for 6 months and higher quality flour for a year. Spring cleaning at the latest offers a perfect opportunity to check the apartment more closely.
The pillows
When it comes to decluttering the apartment, you should also pay attention to the bedroom. Pillows, for example, need to be replaced every two to three years. Namely, they accumulate dust and mites, which are not good for your health. In addition, pillows lose their shape over time and can cause neck pain.
Replace slippers
Slippers need to be washed as often as possible because they provide the perfect basis for fungus to spread on your feet. And even if you wash the slippers regularly, it's a good idea to throw them away every six months and buy new ones instead. So don't forget them when you take care of the apartment.
Sneakers should be replaced every year, especially if you run with them regularly. Their pads lose their elasticity, which is not good for the ankle joints. New shoes are required every 400 to 480 km. Also, throw away the bra as soon as it loses its elasticity. If it becomes too big or too small or loses its shape, it's time for a new one.
The bathroom in the household
Replace natural bath sponges every two weeks and other bath sponges at least every six months. The moisture they store over a long period of time causes fungi and mold to develop quickly. As an alternative, you can use this tip: You can use the sponges for longer if you place them in boiling water for a few minutes at intervals. This is how the bacteria die. Despite this, remember to replace it in good time.
The toothbrushes and towels
The fact that your toothbrush should be replaced every three months is not really a new tip for the kitchen and household. But did you know that your toothbrush should also be thrown away after a cold or flu? Otherwise, you risk getting sick again because the bacteria and viruses will live in the brush for a while. Bacteria multiply very well in damp towels. Even if they are washed regularly, you should throw them away after one to three years.
Hydrogen peroxide as an aid
If you use hydrogen peroxide, it is useful to know that it turns into ordinary water within two months of opening and is no longer useful. But even when closed, the bottle should not be stored for longer than a year.
Hairbrushes and perfumes
Hairbrushes and combs need to be cleaned at least weekly and replaced every year. In fact, brushes with natural bristles should be thrown away and replaced with new ones every seven to ten months. Perfumes and eau de parfum that contain essential oils have a shelf life of three years when closed and two years when opened. Eau de toilette can be stored unopened for four years. If the bottle is open, throw it away after two years.
Tips for pacifiers and child seats
This also includes many children's items. The latex pacifier should be thrown away every 2 to 5 weeks, regardless of how often it has been used. Latex tears and breaks quickly and germs arise in these cracks. A new child seat is also necessary every six to 10 years. Like cushions and sneakers, they lose their elasticity and no longer offer sufficient protection for the child. For this reason, second-hand products should be avoided when it comes to child seats.
Fire extinguisher
You are definitely aware that the fire extinguisher does not last forever. But it's one of those things that you just don't think about because you (hopefully) never use it. But a new fire extinguisher is necessary every 15 years. Alternatively, you can simply have the old one checked. At the latest when cracks in the hose or other damage are visible.
Multiple sockets
It is particularly important to pay attention to things in the kitchen and household that have to do with electricity. Sockets are one of these things. Each socket has a certain capacity. Will power strip orMultiple socket outlet used up, there may be damage to the housing, some of which is not visible. This in turn can have dangerous consequences. Electricity is not something to be trifled with! As a precaution, replace sockets with new ones every one to two years.
Disinfectant
If you use disinfectants for cleaning, you will be interested to know that they begin to lose their effectiveness three months after opening the bottle. If you don't manage to use up the products within this period, it's better to throw them away and get new ones.
Mosquito sprays and other mosquito repellents
By summer at the latest, you will be equipping your kitchen and household with mosquito sprays. Because the annoying insects can ruin many a garden party. Once summer is over, you don't have to throw away the funds straight away. They have a fairly long shelf life of 2 years. After that, you should get new products again.