Kitchen Cupboards: What To Toss, And When

When was the last time you cleaned out your kitchen cupboards?

True, it's one of the most dreaded household jobs. But, with the new year here, now may be a good time to do it.

Early Show consumer correspondent and "Kitchen Scene Investigator" Susan Koeppen was on the case Thursday, offering pointers on which items have to be thrown out, when, and why.

Koeppen says she's constantly clearing out old and expired stuff to make room for newer items, and for good reason.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO DO A CUPBOARD CLEANUP?

The most important reason is safety. Even though many foods are filled with preservatives, they only keep the food fresh for so long. And if you eat food past its expiration date, you and your loved ones can get sick. There's also an issue of food tasting good. Many foods begin to taste bad after their expiration date. So, when you're storing food in cupboards, try to stay away from cupboards that are near appliances such as a stove or refrigerator that emit a lot of heat and can cause foods to spoil more quickly. Also, when buying items you don't think you will use very often, buy smaller quantities. That way, you'll end up throwing out less.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO GET RID OF DENTED OR BULGINGCANS?

When a can becomes dented, or if it's bulging, it may mean it contains botulism, which can lead to serious health problems. So if you see an offending can, toss it.

HOW LONG BEFORE CANNED FOOD THAT'S NOT DENTED SHOULD BE DISGARDED?

Many canned foods have expiration dates. But it's generally a good idea to get rid of something such as canned peaches or tomatoes after 18 months, at most. Foods with lower amounts of acids, such as vegetables, can last for between two-and-five years.

FLOUR

It's a good idea to store flour in a cool, dry place, such as a cupboard, and it typically stays good for between six months and a year. Try not to just have it in the bag it came in. It's best to place the bag in an airtight container.

BAKING SODA

Baking soda typically lasts between 12-and-18 months. Just as with flour, keep it tightly covered. If you're not sure how old the baking soda is, you can do a test: Place a teaspoon-and-a-half in a bowl of water and add one tablespoon of vinegar. If it fizzes, you can still use it to cook with. If not, keep it in the fridge as a way to catch odors.

VINEGAR

Once you've opened a bottle of vinegar, you should keep it no longer than six months. If you're unsure how long you've had it, give it the smell test: If it smells overly strong or sour, you should toss it.

OILS

There's some debate as to how long you can store vegetable oil once it's been opened. Some companies say a year, while others say six months. It's probably best to stay on the safe side keep it no longer than six months. Now, what many people may not know is that you can prolong the life of oil by putting it in the fridge. Some oils, such as olive oil, turn cloudy when put there, but they should clear up once they reach room temperature.

WHITE SUGAR

When you buy a bag of sugar, put it in a freezer bag before putting it in the cupboard. That should keep the sugar good for about two years. If it hardens, use a meat-pounder to hammer it.

HONEY

A jar of honey, once it's been opened, can keep for about a year when stored at room temperature. But honey can crystallize. If that happens, place the jar in warm water and stir the honey until it becomes liquid again.

SPICES AND HERBS

The general rule for herbs and ground spices is that they can keep in a cupboard for about a year. Whole spices should stay good for about two years.