Toss These Kitchen Items Out
Once you have separated out the kitchen items that you are going to donate, it is time to figure out what should be sent straight to the garbage can. After all, not everything can be salvaged, and some of those kitchen appliances and utensils are going to be way past their prime.
And remember: You’re cleaning. This is not the time to think, “Oh, but I might need this in the future!” If you haven’t used it in the past 5 years, you’re never going to use it. So lose it.
Metal Tongs
You know those cheap tongs from the dollar store that are made of loose plastic and metal? If you haven’t burned yourself yet while trying to use them over the stove top or grill, then save yourself the pain and chuck them right now. And if you do know the pain of super-heated metal tongs, you know why we’re saying you don’t need them.
Get yourself rubber-tipped or silicone tongs instead. They are much safer to handle around extreme temperatures and won’t damage your cookware.
Old Spices and Herbs
It might not seem obvious, but your garlic powders, Adobo mixes, and Old Bay all have expiration dates. Most ground spices will last for 2-3 years. Dried herbs have the same shelflife. But during those 2-3 years, your herbs and spices sometimes get pushed back into the spice cabinet or forgotten on the spice rack for well over 5 years or more. Then you reach for them and find the contents have caked together.
You can throw these away. Be sure to separate the expired spices and herbs from the tins and plastic bottles so you can recycle some things.
If you want your spices to last longer, purchase whole ones and then shave off the useful bits when you need them. Whole spices and herbs that have been dried will last 4-5 years when properly stored.
