UNDATED -- Springâs here, which also means itâs time for the dreaded spring cleaning! Though cleaning is on the brain, many Americas will actually fail to clear out some of the nastiest and dangerous items in their home, which can harbor bacteria and potentially cause health problems if they aren't disposed of properly.
To help Americans decide what should stay and what should go this season, AARP has compiled a list of the 9 objects people need to get rid of this spring.
1. Piled up Plastic Containers-Years-old plastics can leak harmful chemicals into food! Recycle them and buy a new set.
2. Expired Canned Food-Canned food doesn't last forever and veggies and fruit expire after just 18 months.
3. Moldy Makeup- After a year, makeup should be replaced because of bacteria build up that could cause infections.
4. Old, Dry Spices- After 5 years, most spices loose flavor, so dumping more on wonât help! It wonât make you sick, but for more flavorful food, get some new spices.
5. Pathetic Pillows - Pillows older than 18 months contain fungi, dead skin and dust mites that can aggravate allergies, asthma and sinusitis. Try this: Fold your pillow in half and squeeze out the air. If it doesn't spring back, it's too old.
6. Hazardous Waste - Aerosol cans, batteries, motor oil, antifreeze, paint â they all need to be disposed of properly so they don't contaminate the environment or accidently harm children or pets.
7. Expired or Unused Medications - Toss your old drugs in a safe, legal, eco-friendly way. Do not flush them down the toilet or put them in the trash. Take them to official collection sites.
8. Crusty Contact Lense Cases - Studies show that up to 92 percent of cases are contaminated due to poor cleaning and hygiene. Eye experts and the government say cases should be replaced every month to three months, and cleaned and air-dried (facedown) daily. Use fresh soaking solution every day â no topping off.
9. Germy Kitchen Sponge - Start fresh with a new kitchen sponge. Studies show it's the germiest thing in most American households, with bacteria thriving in the damp crevices. To cut contamination, microwave your sponge daily.
-List Courtesy of the AARP
To help Americans decide what should stay and what should go this season, AARP has compiled a list of the 9 objects people need to get rid of this spring.
1. Piled up Plastic Containers-Years-old plastics can leak harmful chemicals into food! Recycle them and buy a new set.
2. Expired Canned Food-Canned food doesn't last forever and veggies and fruit expire after just 18 months.
3. Moldy Makeup- After a year, makeup should be replaced because of bacteria build up that could cause infections.
4. Old, Dry Spices- After 5 years, most spices loose flavor, so dumping more on wonât help! It wonât make you sick, but for more flavorful food, get some new spices.
5. Pathetic Pillows - Pillows older than 18 months contain fungi, dead skin and dust mites that can aggravate allergies, asthma and sinusitis. Try this: Fold your pillow in half and squeeze out the air. If it doesn't spring back, it's too old.
6. Hazardous Waste - Aerosol cans, batteries, motor oil, antifreeze, paint â they all need to be disposed of properly so they don't contaminate the environment or accidently harm children or pets.
7. Expired or Unused Medications - Toss your old drugs in a safe, legal, eco-friendly way. Do not flush them down the toilet or put them in the trash. Take them to official collection sites.
8. Crusty Contact Lense Cases - Studies show that up to 92 percent of cases are contaminated due to poor cleaning and hygiene. Eye experts and the government say cases should be replaced every month to three months, and cleaned and air-dried (facedown) daily. Use fresh soaking solution every day â no topping off.
9. Germy Kitchen Sponge - Start fresh with a new kitchen sponge. Studies show it's the germiest thing in most American households, with bacteria thriving in the damp crevices. To cut contamination, microwave your sponge daily.
-List Courtesy of the AARP