6 Kitchen Items You Should Replace Way More Often, Pro Cleaners Say

Our kitchens are often high-traffic spaces in our homes—so it’s important to give extra care and attention to them when it comes to cleaning. If you’re always cooking or hosting, it might be time to re-evaluate the items you use consistently since they may need to be replaced way more often than you think.

We spoke to some cleaning pros to give insight on the top kitchen items that need to be replaced often to avoid excess build-up.

Dish Towels

It’s important to replace dish towels frequently because they can accumulate bacteria, develop odors, lose absorbency, and easily wear out with consistent use, Elizabeth Lance, the owner of NEAT method Sonoma/Napa, explains.

Be sure to wash them daily after every use so you can maintain their hygiene, effectiveness, and visual appeal, Lance says.

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Sponges and Scrubbers

Since sponges often stay damp, they can often breed mildew and bacteria, Mindy Godding, a certified professional organizer and the founder of Abundance Organizing, says.

“We suggest replacing sponges once a month (or sooner if they get stinky or discolored),” Godding explains.

Bryan Griffin, the founder of Patriot Maids Cleaning Services, agrees and says regular replacement will help prevent the spread of germs and maintain better kitchen hygiene.

 Non-Stick Pots and Pans

If you’re an avid cooker, it may be worth checking some of your frequently used pots and pans to see if there’s any severe wear and tear.

Godding recommends replacing your cookware if the interior coating is scratched since it’ll become less effective and the non-stick film can even flake off in your food.

Water Filters

Over time, your water filters can become clogged with contaminants, Godding says. If your water flow begins to slow down, it may be a big indicator that the filter needs to be replaced.

Griffin explains how depending on usage, filters in water pitchers or refrigerators should be changed approximately every two to six months.

 Plastic Storage Containers

It may be worth going through your kitchen collection to see which plastic storage containers show signs of wear like warping or discoloration, Griffin says.

“Damaged containers can harbor bacteria,” Griffin explains.

Cutting Boards

Although it can be easy to keep old cutting boards since it may not seem like a big deal, Lance suggests throwing any out that are severely cut up or dated.

“Over time, cutting boards can develop deep cuts that can trap can trap bacteria and lead to cross-contamination,” Lance says.