7 germ-laden things you need to throw out right now

For a lot of people, a new year is the ideal time to get in and give the house a proper deep clean and declutter.

While it may seem like an overwhelming task, there is one job you should consider tackling first. Turns out there are some common items that are harbouring germs and dirt and you've probably got a few at your place.

The germ-ridden items can lurk in several areas of the house which can in time make us sick, so make it a priority to bin these things now.

Razors

Still using that razor you picked up a few months ago? No wonder you're getting a red rash every time you shave your legs. This happens because every time you shave you're making little cuts in the skin which bacteria on your old razor can infect.

Blades or disposables should be binned every five to seven uses, especially if you keep it in the shower.

"Leaving it in the wet, dewy shower will cause the blade to rust much faster, and will also leave it open to being exposed to bacteria much more. Any tugging or nicking of the skin should tell you it's time to toss it," Dermatologist Whitney Bowe told Refinery29.

Old plastic containers

More lids than containers? You’re not alone. We all have one cupboard which is home to more stray plastic lids than containers, which is reason enough for a good clean out.

But for health reasons you also need to bin any warped or cracked containers too — it is possible these are old containers and contain BPA. Do yourself a favour and chuck out anything that you can’t remember buying to be on the safe side.

Hazardous waste

It’s very important to properly dispose of hazardous waste so these things don’t contaminate the environment or accidentally harm children or pets.

What constitutes hazardous waste?

• Batteries
• Aerosol cans
• Motor oil
• Antifreeze
• Paint

But be warned, you can’t just throw these items in the old bin. Rather, a quick visit to your local council’s website should tell you how you can dispose of your hazardous waste responsibly.

Old make-up

Unfortunately, everything in your make-up bag comes with its own expiry date.

Items like mascara — which only lasts two to three months — have a much shorter shelf-life than you’d think. What’s harmful about keeping make-up longer than you should be is that bacteria could grow and that may in time cause infections. This is especially true for eye make-up.

Plastic cutting boards

We all know by now that plastic cutting boards are a breeding ground for germs.

This is because try as you might to keep them clean, once bacteria make its way into the tiny little grooves and begins to multiply, it can be very difficult to get rid of.

Bin plastic cutting boards and replace them with wooden chopping boards. Wooden boards often contain resins, which are naturally antimicrobial. This means instead of bacteria growing in the groves, the bacteria die.

Expired canned food

You’d be surprised how often tinned food lives in some people’s cupboards and then it mistakenly used after its recommended used by date has passed.

Go through your pantry regularly and get rid of anything that it too old — as a guide, tinned tomatoes and fruits are generally good for 18 months whereas meat and vegetables are generally good for up to five years.

Sad kitchen sponges and brushes

Every few weeks it’s a good idea to thrown out your kitchen sponges and brushes.

Many studies show that they are grimiest culprits in most households, with bacteria thriving in the damp crevices, says microbiologist Philip Tierno, Ph.D., of New York University.

To limit the spread of germs, microwave your sponge daily in an inch of water for a minute on high heat.