6 Kitchen Items You Should Replace More Often

Every chef and home cook has favorite products they couldn’t live without, but even the most cherished and high-quality kitchen items have a shelf life. Chances are, more than a few kitchen products in your collection are past their prime, which can negatively impact efficiency and hygiene during meal preparation. We asked the pros to weigh in on the items they wish you’d replace more often, and their answers include kitchen towels, vegetable peelers, and wooden cutting boards.

Nothing lasts forever, so read on to learn which kitchen products to toss, and shop our top picks to replace them.

Dish Towels

Zeppoli Classic Dish Towels, 15-Pack

When Martha Stewart shares her expert tips, we always take heed. For nearly two decades, the culinary maven has urged home cooks to replace their kitchen towels more frequently. If you’ve been using the same dishcloths again and again, you might be surprised to hear that Stewart suggests switching them out weekly. 

“They get funky fast,” noted David Figueroa (also known as Chef Fig), president and co-founder of Melinda's Foods. “I cycle mine out every few months.” Given kitchen towels’ relatively short shelf life, we recommend grabbing an inexpensive yet durable set like this 15-pack from Zeppoli. Not only are they an editor favorite, but they have nearly 34,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. 

Vegetable Peelers

Kuhn Rikon Original Swiss Peeler, Pack of 3

It’s probably time to buy a new vegetable peeler. “Even the good ones get dull fast, and you’ll notice it when peeling something tough like a butternut squash,” said Denver-based private chef Stephen Ingber. “I always go back to this one — simple, sharp, and cheap enough to keep a few around.” This trio of Kuhn Rikon peelers is a smart way to get ahead of the problem, since you’ll always have a couple of backup blades when your current one dulls. These expert-approved peelers come in a 3-pack and are less than $5 apiece.

Cutting Boards

OXO Good Grips Plastic Utility Cutting Board

Cooks tend to hold onto their cutting boards for too long, according to the experts. “Most folks wait until theirs are permanently stained or warped, but the second those deep grooves set in, they’re basically bacteria magnets,” Ingber said. Knife marks and divots can also leach microplastics into your food, which is why Ingber swaps his out every 6 months. If your current cutting board is scuffed up and indented, he suggests replacing it with this $19 model from OXO because it’s “affordable, durable, and dishwasher-safe.”

Nonstick Skillets

All-Clad HA1 Nonstick Skillet, 8-Inch

Nonstick skillets are an everyday staple in many kitchens for omelets, toasted sandwiches, fried tofu, and more. “Even the best nonstick coatings wear down,” noted Chef Fig. “If your eggs are sticking or the surface is scratched, replace them. Don’t cook on compromised nonstick.” This editor-loved skillet from All-Clad is a great replacement for your worn-out nonstick pan. Designed to last longer than typical nonstick cookware, this pan has a stainless steel base, a layer of hard-anodized aluminum, and three layers of nonstick coating.

Rubber Spatulas

Di Oro 4-Piece Silicone Spatula Set

“Rubber spatulas can be sneaky,” said Ingber. “You might not notice they’re melting at the edges until you smell it or see little bits in your pan.” “If you’re using them on high heat, replace them more often than you think,” added Chef Fig. Both chefs suggested the same set to replace your current worn-out spatulas. With four versatile shapes and sizes, the Di Oro rubber spoon and spatula set is ideal for busy kitchens. Plus, they “don’t fall apart after two months,” according to Ingber, meaning you don’t have to replace them as often as other silicone spatulas.

Sponges

Skura Style Smart Sponges, 8-Pack

Your sink area can be a breeding ground for bacteria, so it’s essential to swap out your sponge often. While it’s hard to know when to replace your cleaning tools, Ingber’s general rule of thumb is to “toss your sponge every week.” If you’re looking for a substitute that’ll last a little longer, snag these smart sponges from Skura Style. They have antimicrobial properties that extend their lifespan, and the scrubby side is designed to fade in color over time, letting you know when it’s time to replace them. According to the brand, these sponges can last up to two weeks.