When it comes to being strict about “sell by” and expiration dates, you might think that you only have to be concerned about the perishables in your refrigerator. However, as it turns out, the time runs out on quite a few of the items you have in your dresser as well. That could potentially include your underwear. That’s right, a recent piece published by Refinery29 has revealed that the thongs, boxers, boy shorts, and panties you have, might need to be tossed out after a certain amount of time.

Speaking to Dr. Philip M. Tierno, a professor of microbiology and pathology at the New York University School of Medicine, Refinery found that “there’s about one-tenth of a gram of poop in the average pair of ‘clean’ underwear.”

Yuck, right?

According to Tierno, “washing machines may not kill all the organisms.”

Speaking about underwear, Tierno says there’s no germ-related reason to toss out old underwear as long as you’re washing it regularly and after every use. “As long as you’re washing and disinfecting your underwear, and they’re mechanically functional, with no holes, and they’re not soiled, you can keep those,” Tierno explained. “When they become frayed or the elastic stops working, you’ll know to replace them.”

“The inoculum effect, which means it takes a certain amount of organisms to cause an infection,” he went onto explain. “Your machine won’t leave behind enough microbes to create a problem for you, Tierno says. If you want to be extra careful, disinfect your washing machine by running a bleach cycle with no clothes on a monthly basis, to make sure it’s not collecting extra bacteria, he recommends.”

Tierno pointed out that to properly clean your underwear you should toss them in a washing machine with a detergent that contains peroxide.

Tierno says that you should check the label of your underwear to find out the hottest setting to wash your clothing.

“Washing machines may not kill all the organisms, but there’s another phenomenon, the inoculum effect, which means it takes a certain amount of organisms to cause and infection,” he explained. “Your machine won’t leave behind enough microbes to create a problem for you, Tierno says. If you want to be extra careful, disinfect your washing machine by running a bleach cycle with no clothes on a monthly basis, to make sure it’s not collecting extra bacteria, he recommends.”

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As the pandemic continues to carry us into the infinite unknown the only thing that we can be certain of is that keeping ourselves entertained, busy, and happy is essential. Of course, any plant lover knows that one of the most simple pleasures in life is having some homegrown vegetables in the kitchen. If you’re quarantining and doing all that you can to avoid public spaces like grocery stores this truth goes double.

Recently, a TikTok user uploaded a quick tutorial on how to make your very own avocado plant using supplies you probably have around the house as well as that avocado seed you most definitely toss out way too often. We broke down the steps for you below and they’re pretty easy!

Check them out below.

Here’s what you’ll need

• Avocado seed
• Water 
• Paper towels
• Ziploc bags
• A vase or glass

1. Once you’ve cut the avocado hold on to the seed

As TikTok user @BradCanning points out save the seed! As you’re preparing your avocado for a feast, be sure to avoid cutting into the seed.

2. Remove the outer layer of the seed by peeling it off

Run the seed underwater then dry it. Once it’s dried up, peel off the skin with your fingers to make sure the seed doesn’t go moldy.

3. Allow the seed to sprout and grow a root by wrapping it in a paper towel and putting it in a Ziplock bag

After the seed has been in the bag for two to three weeks, it’s time to pull it out and crack it open.

4. Fill a jar with water and suspend the seed

According to Canning’s TikTok “Put the root in water and it will start to sprout … be careful though, this is a total addiction.”

Make sure to place only the roots or half of the seed in water. To do this, Canning used a vase with an opening that fits around the diameter of the seed. Note: others often insert wooden pegs into the seed to suspend it above the water. The root will slowly grow into the water below which means you’ve got a healthy growing plant on your hands.

5. Once the plant gets to a good size pot it in soil.

Once the plant gets to a good size you can pot it in soil or in a bigger vase to ensure that it keeps growing. According to SF Gate, “After that, the plant takes 10 to 15 years to grow large enough to fruit, which it only does in suitable growing conditions. In U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 12, it’s safe to grow avocado plants outside. In colder zones, they make attractive houseplants but are unlikely to bear fruit.”

For the full video check it out here.

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