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Life Tips 25/06/2025 21:40

9 Items You Should Never Skimp On, No Matter the Cost

Saving money is wise — but not when it comes at the cost of your family’s health and safety. Here are 9 everyday items I strongly urge you to stop using, no matter how practical they may seem.

1. Sunken or Sagging Mattresses
Over time, mattresses can become uneven or develop depressions due to continuous, unbalanced pressure. Sleeping on a sagging mattress can lead to back pain, sore shoulders, and muscle fatigue — often causing people to wake up feeling stiff or achy.
Worse yet, long-term use of a deformed mattress can contribute to spinal issues, especially in children whose bones are still developing. A misaligned sleeping posture can lead to chronic spinal stress, injury, and the need for expensive physical therapy.
Takeaway: Don’t ignore mattress wear and tear. If your mattress has started to dip, consider replacing it to safeguard your family’s health.
2. “Finger-Trap” Chairs
These chairs — often made with hollow metal tubes and a detachable seat — may seem harmless but can be surprisingly dangerous. Fingers, especially those of young children, can easily get caught in the small gaps between seat and frame, resulting in painful injuries.
Takeaway: Inspect your chairs. If any match this risky design, it’s best to replace them before someone gets hurt.
3. Old Battery-Operated Electronics
Many households hold on to nostalgic gadgets like old cameras or remote-control toys. But if the batteries inside haven’t been removed, they can degrade over time and leak corrosive substances.
Aging batteries often lose their seal, allowing acidic fluid containing heavy metals to escape, potentially causing skin burns or respiratory problems.
Takeaway: Experts recommend changing batteries every 3 years and inspecting old devices regularly to prevent chemical leakage.
4. Universal Power Strips
Older power strips with universal sockets — the kind that fit almost any plug — used to be common but are now banned due to safety risks. These outdated strips are prone to electrical issues and even fires.
Some unscrupulous manufacturers may try to disguise them by covering the universal holes with plastic overlays, making them appear compliant.
Takeaway: If your power strip has a raised sticker or overlay on the socket holes, double-check its type. Replace immediately if it’s a disguised universal socket to avoid potential electrical hazards.
5. Eye Drops Opened Over a Month Ago
Eye drops are essential for people dealing with screen-induced eye fatigue. However, once opened, most should be used within four weeks.
Although preservatives in the formula prevent bacterial growth for a time, their effectiveness diminishes, increasing the risk of infection. Single-use eye drops without preservatives are even more delicate and should be discarded after 24 hours.
Takeaway: Expired or contaminated eye drops can cause corneal ulcers or even vision loss. Dispose of any bottle open longer than a month — regardless of the printed expiration date.
6. Worn-Out Thermal Mugs
Insulated mugs lose their protective lining as they age. When the inner layer of stainless steel or enamel deteriorates, especially under heat, heavy metals can leach into your drink.
Takeaway: Experts recommend replacing thermal cups every 5 years. Otherwise, you might be sipping on more than just tea or coffee.
7. Outdated Reading Glasses
Like prescription glasses, reading glasses have a limited lifespan because vision changes with age. Wearing outdated lenses can distort your view and affect your judgment.
In one case in China, an elderly man wearing 15-year-old reading glasses misjudged the distance while crossing the road and was hit by an electric scooter.
Takeaway: Make sure your elderly family members have up-to-date reading glasses to help prevent accidents and preserve vision health.
8. Rusty Cabinet Hinges
Low-quality hinges can rust or weaken over time, especially with frequent use. If left unchecked, they can break, causing cabinet doors to fall and potentially injure someone.
Takeaway: Choose sturdy, high-quality hinges when installing furniture and replace rusted ones immediately to maintain household safety.
9. Aging Electric Kettles
Old electric kettles can pose a serious electrical hazard if the base connection wears out or becomes loose. Oxidation of metal parts or damage to insulation increases the risk of electric shock.
Takeaway: Replace your electric kettle after five years of use to avoid issues with electrical safety and potential accidents.
Final Note:
Sometimes, what we see as minor wear or harmless old items could be ticking time bombs. A little vigilance and timely replacement can go a long way in keeping your home safe and your loved ones out of harm’s way.

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