9 nasty things you really should throw out NOW!
How often do you have a good old clean of the house from top to bottom? Every drawer. Every cupboard. Every shelf? Now, we’re not just talking about a spring clean where you spray and dust down. This is the clean to end all cleans, where you fill up garbage bags of things. Expired, forgotten about, hidden in the back of a cupboard for a decade (or more!), the items in question are hiding in your fridge, in your cupboards, even in your underwear drawer. Yes, we're talking about the things you need to throw out or recycle to help keep both you and the environment healthy. You really ought to get rid of these things pronto… your health could be at stake.
Your toothbrush
Just like the dishcloth that collects germs in its damp, dark crevices, your toothbrush can do the same. Especially if you keep it out in the open and you have a toilet in the same room. Replace it every three months or so, especially if the bristles look worn. Furthermore, you really should store it upright in an open container so that it can air-dry but also so that it is protected from all of the micro particles that fly around in the bathroom – after all, just take a second to think about what is done in bathrooms…
Things pretending to be butter
Not only do some butter-like spreads (like margarine) contain cholesterol-raising trans fat, but a moderate amount of real butter may be better for your health. Studies have found fewer deaths among patients who used butter instead of polyunsaturated margarine and oils such as vegetable oils.
“I-don’t-know-how-old-these-are?” nonstick pans
If you cant remember which decade you bought it in, then you should probably ditch it! Following a 2006 recall of products that used Teflon (because a carcinogenic toxin was found to be real eased when things were cooked at extremely high temps), if your pans are pre-2006 or scratched, it’s time to replace them. If in doubt, stick to stainless steel!
Processed foods in a can
For sometime now we have been hearing more and more about how bad things are for us that come in a can. We’re calling it: it’s time to kick the can. A 2011 Harvard study found that consuming canned soup daily for five days caused a 1,000 per cent increase in the urine level of the chemical BPA, thanks to the can’s lining. BPA has been linked to reproductive problems in lab animals, and diabetes and obesity in humans.
Old vitamins
Not only should you be regularly checking the expiration date on your vitamins, but you should also be asking yourself: have I stored these correctly over time? For instance, many vitamins should not be exposed to heat, light or air and should rather be stored in a cool, dry place.
Tired old towels
Not to mention being a petri dish for many different bacteria and dust built over the years, you should free up your space and create a clean environment for storing new towels. Instead of letting them gather dust, give them a good antibacterial wash and donate them to an animal shelter.
Dubious leftovers
No you cannot eat that four-day-old Thai for dinner today! If it’s older than four days, bin it. If you eat leftovers from your fridge that are that old or more, you’re just asking for a stomachache, nausea or worse.
Unused gadgets
Make sure you safely recycle old items! Look into TechCollect – a free national e-waste recycling service funded by over 60 of Australia’s leading technology importers and manufacturers. Or, did you know that Officeworks has announced iTradeit, a division that lets you trade your old gadgets for Officeworks gift cards? How good is that!
Shabby bras that have lost their elasticity
Did you know that if you are not wearing a supportive bra it could be causing you neck and back pain? Not only does a well-fitting bra improve your posture, it can help delay sagging as you age.
Related links:
Vintage household tricks from the 1900s
14 clever ways to use adhesive hooks in the home
8 household products you should never buy