10 Kitchen Tools You Should Throw Away ASAP

A collection of kitchen utensils in a holder and dishware on a wooden surface — Credit:
Nadiia Borovenko / Getty Images

We put our kitchen tools through a lot in the kitchen—from every chop, slice, and stir, they make our lives easier. However, those tools can take a beating as they help us get our favorite meals on the table, and they can get damaged over time. Sometimes, that damage can be dangerous or plain unsanitary.

We turned to cleaning experts to find out which kitchen tools you should throw away right now.

Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of AspenClean
Sarah McAllister, cleaning expert, founder and CEO of GoCleanCo

01 of 10

Scratched Cutting Boards

Cutting boards are the foundation for most meals and get a lot of use—they should probably be replaced more often than you realize. Even if you clean them after each use, the cuts and scratches from regular wear and tear are a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. If you start to notice your boards looking rough, err on the side of caution and replace them, says Sarah McAllister, a cleaning expert and founder and CEO of GoCleanCo.

02 of 10

Dull Knives

It's natural for knives to dull over time, and if you don't keep up with sharpening them regularly, it can be a huge safety hazard in the kitchen.“Dull knives are not only inefficient but also more dangerous because they require more force and can slip,” says Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of AspenClean. If your knives are dull beyond repair, it’s time to toss them.

03 of 10

Scratched or Damaged Nonstick Pans

Non-stick pan with cutting board and napkin — Getty Images

Even though certain types of cookware, like stainless steel, copper, and cast iron, can last forever, the same isn’t true for some nonstick varieties. According to McAllister, once you notice the Teflon coating flaking off your nonstick pans, it’s time for them to go. The coating might be a health hazard, and the last thing you want is the coating to end up in your food.

04 of 10

Worn Wooden Spatulas and Spoons

Wooden spoons and spatulas have long been favorites in the kitchen, but they are prone to forming small cracks over time. Just like cutting boards, these wooden kitchen tools can harbor food debris and bacteria. “Make sure to replace them when they start to show signs of aging, like cracks, tears, staining, and odor,” says McAllister.

05 of 10

Dirty Sponges and Scrub Brushes

While it might seem counterintuitive, sponges may be one of the dirtiest items in your kitchen. “Sponges are breeding grounds for bacteria due to their constant exposure to moisture and food particles,” says Sokolowski. Using dish rags and washing them after each use is more environmentally friendly, but if you prefer to use a sponge, McAllister recommends swapping it out once a week.

06 of 10

Rusty Baking Sheets

pizza with burrata, tomatoes, and red onions on baking sheet

Baking sheets tend to get rusty over time, and if you notice it happening to yours, it’s time to replace them. “Rust can transfer to food, ruin the taste, and cause potential health issues,” says Sokolowski. “Replace any baking sheets showing rust spots."

07 of 10

Worn-Out Oven Mitts

Oven mitts protect your hands from hot pot lids, frying pan handles, and baking pans. However, they can start to wear out from frequent use, which can be dangerous. “Once oven mitts develop holes or thin spots, they no longer protect you from burns effectively,” says Sokolowski.

08 of 10

Aged Can Openers

There’s nothing worse than trying to open a can with a dull or rusty can opener, but beyond being annoying, it can also be unsafe. Rusty can openers can transfer metal shavings or bacteria into your food, says Sokolowski. If your can opener isn’t working smoothly, it’s time to replace it.

09 of 10

Old Basting Brushes

basting brush next to biscuits and melted butter — Mark Edward Atkinson/Tracey Lee / Getty Images

If your basting brush is made from natural fibers rather than bristles that can easily be washed, like silicone, it might be time to toss it out. If you aren't thoroughly cleaning these brushes after each use, they can become breeding grounds for bacteria from the leftover food, meat juices, and egg wash they're commonly used for.

10 of 10

Unused Kitchen Tools

While not necessarily a hazard to your health or safety, unused kitchen tools take up unnecessary room and just add clutter to your space. Clean out your drawers and cabinets and throw away or donate any tools you aren't currently using regularly. This will help keep your kitchen more organized and lead to less stress when you're making meals (we've all had to deal with that rogue spatula or cheese knife that always gets wedged in a drawer, making it impossible to close).