No matter how attached you are to your kitchen tools and utensils, sometimes the best thing to do is to let them go. While some old reliables are built to last for years if well cared for, others, whether bacteria magnets or workhorses subject to wear and tear, should be replaced every year, if not sooner.

If you’ve noticed that certain items you depend on aren’t working as well as they should or want to be sure your space is as sparklingly clean as possible, it may be time to do a clean sweep of the kitchen and get rid of anything past its prime.

Dull knives, graters, and peelers

Not only do dull knives make chopping and prepping take longer than necessary, they can also be a safety hazard; you’re more likely to cut yourself on a dull knife than a sharp one. Take them to a pro to get them sharpened or consider investing in a whetstone so you can do it yourself at home (just make sure to follow the directions or watch a few how-to videos before you try it out). Trusty tools like vegetable peelers and microplanes can dull over time too.

Multitasking Cutting Boards

Cutting boards need a watchful eye, too, no matter what they're made from. Since they can attract unwanted bacteria, a yearly replacement may be in order. Still, those wood pieces may warp and possibly fall apart over time, especially if they're not washed and dried properly, and preserved with oil.

Mismatched and worn-out reusable food containers

If your container drawer is overflowing and overwhelming, it’s time to trim down. Get rid of lids that don’t fit; warped, super-stained, aromatic containers that you can’t bring back to life; and anything you haven’t used in a long time. The good news is that many Tupperware containers are recyclable; be sure to check anything you’re considering tossing for guidelines and recycle when and where you can.

Bland spices

Pull out your spice drawer or open the cupboard and you may be surprised just how long you’ve had that jar of cardamom or bay leaves. While spices don’t technically expire in the traditional sense, most lose flavor after about a year or two.

Invest in the Best

If you respect your tools and use them accordingly, and care for them as the manufacturer intends, they will serve you well. Also, don't forget to check the length of the warranty. That often can inform you as to the expected life of the product.

No matter how attached you are to your kitchen tools and utensils, sometimes the best thing to do is to let them go. While some old reliables are built to last for years if well cared for, others, whether bacteria magnets or workhorses subject to wear and tear, should be replaced every year, if not sooner.

If you’ve noticed that certain items you depend on aren’t working as well as they should or want to be sure your space is as sparklingly clean as possible, it may be time to do a clean sweep of the kitchen and get rid of anything past its prime.

Dull knives, graters, and peelers

Not only do dull knives make chopping and prepping take longer than necessary, they can also be a safety hazard; you’re more likely to cut yourself on a dull knife than a sharp one. Take them to a pro to get them sharpened or consider investing in a whetstone so you can do it yourself at home (just make sure to follow the directions or watch a few how-to videos before you try it out). Trusty tools like vegetable peelers and microplanes can dull over time too.

Multitasking Cutting Boards

Cutting boards need a watchful eye, too, no matter what they're made from. Since they can attract unwanted bacteria, a yearly replacement may be in order. Still, those wood pieces may warp and possibly fall apart over time, especially if they're not washed and dried properly, and preserved with oil.

Mismatched and worn-out reusable food containers

If your container drawer is overflowing and overwhelming, it’s time to trim down. Get rid of lids that don’t fit; warped, super-stained, aromatic containers that you can’t bring back to life; and anything you haven’t used in a long time. The good news is that many Tupperware containers are recyclable; be sure to check anything you’re considering tossing for guidelines and recycle when and where you can.

Bland spices

Pull out your spice drawer or open the cupboard and you may be surprised just how long you’ve had that jar of cardamom or bay leaves. While spices don’t technically expire in the traditional sense, most lose flavor after about a year or two.

Invest in the Best

If you respect your tools and use them accordingly, and care for them as the manufacturer intends, they will serve you well. Also, don't forget to check the length of the warranty. That often can inform you as to the expected life of the product.

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