We are all guilty of keeping products in our homes that do not need to be there. But the implications of hoarding these items might be more serious than we realize. So, here are 17 things you should get rid of as soon as possible.
Toxic Cleaning Products
Chemicals lurking in your cleaning supplies might be more dangerous than you think. These toxins are bad for your health and can also wreak havoc on the environment. The American Lung Association supports this idea, as chemicals released when cleaning contribute to chronic respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and headaches.
Expired Medications
Medications can be useful for treating a wide range of illnesses, conditions, and diseases. However, when they are past their expiry date, they decrease in effectiveness and can carry potential health risks that can make your condition even worse, prompting the need for more medication.
Worn-Out Makeup
Although people who are savvy with money may feel it’s beneficial to keep old makeup, this can actually cause bacterial growth and skin irritation. This is why it’s important to check the shelf life of different makeup products.
Moldy Food in the Fridge
Having moldy food in the fridge is not a pleasant experience, as it causes a foul odor in the kitchen. On top of this, it can actually lead to a range of health hazards. Psych Central notes that one school of thought maintains that mold toxicity can lead to inflammation.
Old Batteries
Many people don’t even realize that old batteries can be harmful. Yet, these seemingly harmless power sources could be leaking harmful chemicals into the environment. They can also be a fire hazard, which is why it’s vital to consider proper disposal methods when getting rid of them.
Damaged Electrical Cords
While some electrical cords may still carry out their functions and save you from spending more money, they can also drastically increase the risk of electric shock. They are also a fire hazard, meaning that your entire home could go up in flames if left unattended.
Expired Spices
Spices such as ginger and nutmeg may seem like they can last forever. However, as time goes on, they lose their flavor, making your meal taste worse than before. While cooking with expired spices may not directly affect your health, their color may dim, and they won’t be as flavorful.
Chipped or Cracked Dishes
Chipped or cracked dishes may be tempting to hold onto if they have sentimental value, but they can leave a bad impression on your dinner guests. There is also the potential for injury if someone is handling the dish and they don’t realize that it’s cracked.
Outdated Electronics
Electronic devices that haven’t been used in a while take up space in your home. These pieces of equipment are also not as modern as the latest versions, meaning that you have no need to hold onto them, especially because their performance sharply declines over time.
Worn-Out Shoes
Worn-out shoes are uncomfortable to wear and can lead to a wide range of foot health issues. They increase the risk of injury as well as aches and pains. More superficially, they can also give you a bad reputation, with people thinking that you don’t take care of yourself.
Expired Sunscreen
Despite Psychology Today reporting that a 2013 study in the U.S. revealed that about 14 % of men and 30% of women apply sunscreen to exposed skin each day, this refers to sunscreen that is in date. Expired sunscreen has decreased effectiveness and can cause skin damage.
Stale Pantry Items
Everyone’s pantry seems to have a range of items that are out of date just to fill up space. Although it seems harmless, these forgotten items can put your health at risk. In fact, they have harmful bacteria and molds that can cause food poisoning or allergic reactions.
Expired Fire Extinguishers
For those who have fire extinguishers in their homes, it is important to be aware that expired fire extinguishers have a reduced effectiveness in emergencies. Instead, it’s vital to replace and dispose of old fire extinguishers to ensure that you are prepared for emergencies.
Old Toothbrushes
Brushing your teeth with an old toothbrush is actually counterproductive, as Harvard Health exposes how about 300 diseases and conditions are linked in some way to oral health. As they hold onto a buildup of bacteria, they become less effective and need to be replaced frequently.
Tattered Towels and Linens
Frayed towels and linens not only look bad but can also harbor bacteria and allergens, compromising your own and your visitors’ health. They should be thrown out immediately to make room for fresh towels and linens.
Outgrown or Unused Clothes
Clothes that are lingering around can cause clutter in your home. They can also affect your mental state and physical health. As they have been around a long time, they tend to collect allergens and dust, but they can also make you more stressed as you have less room to move.
Broken or Unused Kitchen Appliances
Broken and unused kitchen appliances can take up valuable counter space, but they can also pose safety hazards. When handling these faulty pieces of equipment, there is a higher chance of injury, such as cutting yourself on a sharp edge or getting an electric shock.
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