We look at the “best before” inscription without hesitation when purchasing various foods. However, when we select a cleaning cloth, kitchen spatula, deodorant, or regular rubber gloves, we rarely consider these two words. As a result, some everyday items remain with us for years while others are discarded far too soon.
A microfiber cloth
A microfiber cloth is an excellent cleaning tool because it does not leave streaks and absorbs moisture and dust well. This invaluable assistant can withstand up to 500 washes.
This type of cloth should be washed in a mesh bag or separately from your other laundry. Because of their structure, they will collect lint from other items. A fabric softener is not recommended because it clogs the fibers of the cloth, making future cleaning less effective.
Cream
We frequently use face or hand cream as long as there is some left in the jar. Their lifespan, however, is determined by the packaging. A pump lotion, for example, can last more than a year, whereas a jar from which you scoop the product is more likely to experience bacterial growth, so they typically last 6 to 9 months.
A razor
Disposable razors are for limited use. In general, they can last anywhere from 3 to 10 shaves. Reusable razor blades typically last for 5 to 10 shaves. The best indicator that it’s time to replace a razor is when the blades become dull. Shaving with dull blades can lead to cuts and skin irritation.
A dish brush
Washing dishes with a brush is practical: its bristles are easy to clean from food debris, and germs accumulate between them more slowly than they do on a sponge. Nevertheless, you should replace a brush regularly too, as its bristles become thinner, break, and perform their function worse over time. If there is no visible damage, you should buy a new brush every 4 to 6 months.
A rubber spatula
These adorable spatulas and tongs appear to be timeless at first glance. However, the material they are made of is constantly subjected to contrasting temperatures: first high, then low after a few seconds. As a result, its coating develops microcracks and scratches, and the surface may melt over time. To avoid introducing foreign substances into your food, such kitchen appliances should be replaced every two years or as soon as they begin to show signs of wear.
A paring knife
Because the material of this knife is frequently harmed by rust and acids found in fruits and vegetables, it should be replaced every couple of years. Sharpening the blade once a week will extend its life. However, this is largely dependent on the knife’s quality and the material it is made of.
The frames of glasses
It may appear that you only need to replace your glasses if your vision has deteriorated or improved. However, there are other factors that indicate whether or not you require a new pair of glasses. Glasses deteriorate over time, with small scratches and abrasions appearing on the lenses, gradually distorting visibility. This causes your eyes to strain more, which can impair your vision.
Pay attention to the frame’s material as well — plastic frames can easily break after a fall, and the durability of screws and hinges is also important. It is recommended that you replace your frames every one to three years.
An antiseptic band-aid
Many people carry band-aids in their bags for years in case of the appearance of an unexpected blister or wound. However, this product also has a shelf life of up to 5 years. After that, it loses its antiseptic properties and may no longer work as effectively. Besides, the glue dries up over time, so the patch will no longer adhere to the skin as tightly.
Kitchen gloves
Gloves don’t seem like a “long-lasting” kitchen tool, but their life span is much longer than we thought. Latex gloves can be used for 3 years, while nitrile gloves can serve you for 5 years. But you should take care of your gloves to get the most out of them — wash them with warm water and soap after each use.
Cutting boards
Bacteria can hide in scratches and crevices on our cutting boards and will not be removed by a simple wash. It is recommended that they be replaced once a year. One useful tip is to use separate chopping boards for raw meat, vegetables, and fruits to avoid cross-contamination.
Pillows
The quality of your pillow’s fill determines its lifespan. A polyester pillow, for example, typically lasts 6 – 24 months. If you’re looking for a long-lasting pillow, a latex pillow can last up to 4 years.
