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Everyone uses the same old comfortable kitchen tools because they are easy to use and people have been using them for years. It is okay to admit it: your kitchen contains tools, utensils, cookware and even seasonings that are past their time. While some items, like your best knives and cast iron pans, can be restored, others simply need to be replaced.
Cookware, appliances, and utensils all require some degree of maintenance to keep things in good shape. But eventually, many of them still need to be replaced. It is the last thing anyone wants to do, believe it, but it is important.
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Over time, even the highest quality kitchen tools will become less effective. And in many cases, they accumulate years worth of germs and grime that can be passed on to your food, even if you regularly clean and maintain them. In the spirit of making our kitchens the best they can be, here are some kitchen essentials you need to replace.
Wooden Cutting Board
Wooden cutting boards are long-lasting if looked after. That means regular washing, thorough drying and consistent oiling to keep the wood moist. If you do not do those things the board will split or warp and shorten its life.
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Kitchen Towels
Kitchen towels will last you years if you look after them. Regular washing is key to keeping them fresh and smell-free. But if they start to smell or get threadbare it is time to replace them.
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Wooden Spoon
Even with the best care wooden spoons will crack. When they do it is time to replace them. Regular washing and drying will extend their life but cracks are inevitable over time.
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Sponge
If your sponge starts to smell funny it is time to get rid of it. To extend its life you can sanitise sponges by microwaving them or running them through the dishwasher if it has a sanitise option.
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Nonstick Skillet
As soon as you notice wear on your nonstick skillet it is time to replace it. It is often more cost-effective to buy cheap nonstick pans and replace them every 6 months or so rather than trying to extend their life beyond their safe use.
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Spices
Spices lose their oomph over time so you need to replace them regularly. Ground spices last about 3 months, and whole spices up to 6 months. For better flavour and quality go for organic spices as conventional ones are often irradiated during import which can reduce the flavour.
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Vegetable Peeler
When your vegetable peeler gets dull or breaks it is time to replace it. Y-peelers made of carbon steel last longer and keep their edge but need to be dried immediately after washing to prevent rust.
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Baking Soda & Baking Powder
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Baking soda and baking powder do have an expiration date but the easiest way to check is to test them with water. If they still fizz they are good to go if not it is time to replace them.
