Don't use kitchen supplies beyond their "expiration date"! You should know how often they need to be replaced

Kitchen supplies that are used every day may be hidden health risks if they are not cleaned and replaced regularly. Image source/file image
Chopsticks, bowls, rags, storage boxes, water dispensers... These kitchen items you use every day, because they are in direct contact with our mouth, skin and body, if they are not cleaned in time and replaced regularly, they may lay health risks. For how long to change, take a look at the life cycle table below.
Rag: Two weeks
There are so many germs on kitchen rags that it is recommended to replace them every two weeks. After each use, rinse thoroughly with hot water, dry in the sun, or even better, microwave it every 2-3 days. After cleaning the rag, put the wet rag in the microwave oven for 1-2 minutes, and take it out with chopsticks or clips to avoid hot hands.
Chopsticks: Half a year
The service life of bamboo and wood tableware is half a year, and household chopsticks had better be disinfected once a week. Boil the washed chopsticks in boiling water for 30 minutes, or sterilize them in the microwave. Soak it in water and turn it over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes, 2-3 minutes.
Some lacquered chopsticks contain heavy metals such as lead and chromium, which can be contaminated by frying. Therefore, chopsticks should not continue to be used once they crack, deform, or change color.
Tip: Microwave oven has become a common means of sterilization and disinfection in the family abroad. Some families are used to regularly disinfect tableware, towels, napkins and other household items with microwave oven. Compared with the conventional boiling, steam, ultraviolet, infrared, chemical disinfectant and other sterilization methods, the biggest advantage of this method is convenient and quick and no pollution, therefore, the most suitable for family applications.
Metalware tableware: Change if the coating is damaged
Stainless steel is made of iron chromium alloy, mixed with nickel, molybdenum and other metals, these metals contain harmful components to human body. When it is found that the kitchen utensils made of metal are scratched, the surface paint, or the coating falls off, it should be replaced.
Ceramic bowl: change if there is a crack
Especially colorful bowls, good-looking glaze contains lead, when cracks, lead may be a little overflow, mixed into the food. Accordingly, the ceramic tableware that had crack should NOT CONTINUE TO USE.
Filtered water dispensers: 6 years
Household filter water dispenser, is to use the principle of filtration, penetration, removal of microorganisms in tap water, etc. However, after a long time of use, the filtration function of the filter will decline and can not play a role in cleaning.
Plastic storage box: throw away if damaged
Plastic containers such as storage boxes and lunch boxes are easy to accumulate bacteria in scratches, and it is best to wash by hand. If you notice breakage, discoloration, or crispness, throw it away immediately, or replace it with glass.