Happy New Year – Out with the old and in with the new

DEM Blogger

December 30, 2019

As we welcome in the new decade and the year 2020, it’s time to take a hard look at some of the old things that should be replaced with new. Some of these things are pretty simple, while others can save your life and the lives of your loved ones.

1. Smoke and Fire Alarms – Even the best smoke and fire detectors have an end life.  It’s ten years. If your smoke detector is old enough to be in middle school, then it needs to be replaced. Most newer smoke detectors have a manufactured date printed inside. A smoke alarm is the most important appliance in your home. If they’re old and dusty, they won’t warn you of smoke and fire. Check the dates on your smoke and fire detectors and if they’re expired or don’t have a date on them, replace them.
2. First Aid Kit – Every home should have a fully stocked first aid kit. Check yours against our list of things to include. Many times, medicines expire and need to be replaced. Or family members get into the kit and use bandages and other materials. Make sure you have what you need to handle life’s little emergencies.
3. Surge Protectors and Power Strips – You likely have several of these around the house. Make sure they’re not discolored or even hot to the touch when used. Many newer models have indicator lights that will show you that they’re working properly. If your power strips are discolored or the wires are frayed and broken, throw them away and replace them.
4. Cracked and Chipped Grill Grates – Before you put that charcoal or gas grill away for the winter, check the grates to make sure they’re still in one piece. Grates that are rusty or cracked can leave metal residue in cooked meats and vegetables and other food.  These metal shards can create serious cuts and other internal medical issues. Get replacement grates so you’re ready to grill next spring.
5. Metal Grill Brush – While you’re checking your grills cooking grates, check to see if you have a metal grill cleaning brush with metal bristles. If so, throw it away. It’s been shown that while the metal bristles can clean off burnt-on food debris on the grates, they also leave broken off bristles on the grill.  Again, these metal wires can create serious cuts and other internal medical issues. Scrape the grates with a metal “flipper” or use a cleaning stone on the grill and then wipe it off with a cloth.
6. Home Fire Extinguisher – Another home protection item that doesn’t last forever. Some home fire extinguishers have an expiration date and others simply lose their effectiveness as they gradually lose pressure. Check the pressure gauge monthly and when the pressure falls into the area that indicates the extinguisher is no longer functional, get it recharged or replaced.
7. Furnace and air cleaner filters – If you can’t remember when you replaced the filters in your furnace or stand-alone air filter, it’s time to do so, and mark your calendar as to when they need to be replaced next.  Some filters will last for two to three months – Others need to be replaced monthly. You’ll breathe easier when you do replace them.
8. Cloudy Plastic Food Containers – Yes, these not only wear out, but they develop cracks and crevasses where food and germs can get stuck and even a trip through the dishwasher won’t get them completely clean. These are inexpensive and easy to replace.
9. Pitcher and Refrigerator Water Filters – You may have a water filter for your refrigerator or a standalone water pitcher. You need to replace these on a regular basis.  The filter materials get used up and stop working. What’s worse is when they trap bacteria and germs – they then become a breeding ground for bugs that can make you sick. Change them this new year and mark on your calendar when they need to be changed again.
10. Kitchen Sponges and Scrubbers – There’s no good way to get these completely disinfected – even if you keep them in a container of soap, water and bleach. You can toss them in a mesh bag and put then in the top rack of the dishwasher. Some websites even suggest soaking them in vinegar for 5 minutes. The best bet is to replace them weekly or when they start looking grungy.
11. Contact Lens Case – If you wear contacts, your lens case can be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. It’s a good idea to wash and disinfect these regularly with lens cleaning solution. Your best bet is to replace them monthly. New lens cases are inexpensive. Your eyes can’t be replaced.
12. Make-up and Cosmetics – Even though make-up can be an expensive venture, it too has an expiration date. Throw out unused makeup after six months or if it doesn’t look like it should – For example, dried out and cracked makeup should be tossed.
13. Prescriptions and Over-the-Counter Drugs – Every prescription and most over-the-counter drugs have an expiration date. Pay attention to these and don’t take any medicines after they expire. While some will still have the original, new effectiveness, others may only work partially or not at all. Many pharmacies will take back expired medicines for safe disposal. Other communities sponsor drug take-back days several times a year.  NEVER FLUSH MEDICINES DOWN THE DRAIN. THEY CAN DAMAGE THE WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM AND POLLUTE THE WATER SUPPLY.
14. Scratched Non-Stick Cooking Pans – The non-stick coating on frying pans and other pots doesn’t last forever, especially if you’re not careful about which utensils you use. Once the coating is broken and scratched, it’s no longer effective and the bits and pieces of the coating can get mixed into the cooked food.  The best thing to do with these is to replace them and use non-scratching utensils with the new pots and pans.
15. Moldy Shower Curtains – Mold is one of the most pervasive live substance that grows anywhere it’s cool and damp.  Shower curtains that don’t dry quickly can be a breeding ground for mold. Once the mold has established a foothold, it’s almost impossible to get rid of, especially on a shower curtain or liner. Your best bet is to get a new one for a few dollars.
16. Worn Out Toothbrush – If the bristles look worn and aren’t straight anymore, it’s time for a new toothbrush. Again, these don’t last forever and should be replaced at least every three to four months. Sooner if the bristles are frayed.
17. Flour – It may be great to buy in bulk or on sale, but it you don’t bake or cook regularly, flour can get stale.  Worse, it can become a breeding ground for insects. Flour that has gone bad changes in color and smell.  When in doubt, throw it out.
18. Spices – These, too, expire – typically in six months and less if they’re ground spices. Some come with expiration dates printed on the can or bottle. Pay attention to these dates as out of date spices won’t have the same flavor that new ones do.
19. Sunscreen – Just like prescriptions, sunscreens lose their effectiveness. While the Food and Drug Administration requires US manufacturers to ensure sunscreen be effective for three years from the date of manufacture, heat and other conditions will cause sunscreen to not be as effective as it should be. When in doubt, replace it and use it frequently.
20. Insect Repellent – These have a longer shelf life – typically three years, but only because of perfumes and other materials added to the actual repellent which can be effective for more than five years. Check the date on your insect repellent and replace if you’re unsure.