The kitchen is where we cook, eat, gather, and spend a lot of time. Yet some of the everyday items sitting in our cabinets and on our countertops may deserve more attention.
That doesn’t mean you need to throw out everything you own. A few simple changes, such as replacing worn cookware, washing reusable bags, or cleaning appliances more thoroughly, can reduce some common risks. Some concerns also depend on how an item is used, how old it is, and whether it has been damaged.
Here are 14 kitchen items worth checking the next time you clean out your cabinets and drawers.
Metal Utensils
Metal spoons, spatulas, and other utensils can scratch the coating on nonstick pans, especially with frequent use. Once the surface becomes badly scratched or worn, cooking and cleaning become harder, too.
Wooden or silicone utensils are gentler choices for coated cookware. They can help keep the cooking surface in better condition and reduce the chance of creating more scratches.
If your nonstick pan already has deep scratches, peeling, or flaking, replacing it is a better option than continuing to use it.
Related: 12 Items That Can Explode in Your Kitchen
Aluminum Foil
Aluminum foil is one of those kitchen staples that seems to have a hundred uses. There are still reasons to be mindful of how often it comes into contact with food.
Research has looked at the movement of aluminum from foil into food, particularly during cooking and with acidic or salty foods. A study found that aluminum can migrate into food under certain conditions.
Occasional use isn’t usually a reason for alarm. If you’d rather limit contact, parchment paper, glass containers, or reusable food wraps can be handy alternatives.
Dull Knives
A dull knife may seem safer because it isn’t as sharp, but the opposite can be true. A dull blade often requires more pressure to cut through food, which can make the knife slip.
Keeping your knives sharp can give you better control while chopping and slicing. A sharpening stone, honing tool, or professional sharpening service can help keep frequently used knives in good condition.
Also check the handles. A loose or damaged handle can make an otherwise good knife harder to use safely.
Related: 12 Kitchen Gadgets That Are Hard to Replace
Reusable Grocery Bags
Reusable grocery bags are convenient and can be used for years, but they also carry whatever has been placed inside them. Raw meat, leaking packages, produce, and spilled liquids can leave behind bacteria and food residue.
A quick wipe isn’t always enough. Wash your bags according to their care instructions and let them dry fully before using them again.
It can also help to keep certain bags for groceries and others for items such as cleaning supplies or raw meat.
Cutting Boards
Cutting boards take a beating. Every slice, chop, and dice leaves tiny marks on the surface, and those marks can become deeper over time.
Plastic boards with lots of deep grooves can be harder to clean properly. Wooden boards have their own care requirements, but many people prefer them for everyday food preparation.
Using separate boards for raw meat and ready-to-eat foods can also help reduce cross-contamination. Replace any cutting board that has deep cracks, heavy wear, or a surface that is difficult to clean.
Canned Foods
Canned foods are convenient, affordable, and easy to keep in the pantry. Some cans have historically used BPA in their interior coatings, which has raised concerns about exposure.
Many manufacturers now offer cans labeled BPA-free, though replacement materials can vary. If this is something you want to limit, fresh or frozen foods are easy alternatives for many meals.
There’s no need to clear out your entire pantry. Check labels, choose products from brands that provide information about their packaging, and vary the types of foods you buy.
Related: 15 Common Kitchen Habits You Should Stop Right Away
Blenders and Food Processors
Blenders and food processors have plenty of little spaces where food can hide. The blade assembly, rubber seals, lids, and other removable pieces can collect bits of smoothie, sauce, vegetables, or other ingredients.
The container may look perfectly clean while residue remains underneath a gasket or around the blade.
Check the manufacturer’s instructions and take apart any removable pieces that are safe to remove. Wash each piece thoroughly and let everything dry before putting the appliance back together.
Ceramic Mugs
That handmade mug from a craft fair may look beautiful, but decorative ceramics aren’t automatically suitable for food or drinks. Some glazes can contain lead or other substances that shouldn’t come into contact with food.
If you’re unsure about a handmade, antique, or imported mug, check whether the maker states that it is food-safe and lead-free. This is especially useful for older pieces or ceramics made without clear labeling.
For everyday coffee or tea, stick with drinkware from manufacturers that clearly state their products are intended for food use.
Related: 10 Common Foods That Are Making Your Kitchen Stink
Salt Shakers
A salt shaker isn’t dangerous by itself, but having one sitting on the table can make it easy to add more sodium to meals without thinking about it.
Too much sodium can contribute to high blood pressure, which is why many people are advised to keep an eye on their intake.
If you want more flavor without reaching for the salt shaker every few minutes, try herbs, spices, garlic, citrus, or other seasonings. A small pinch bowl can also make you more aware of how much salt you’re adding.
Nonstick Cookware
Nonstick pans are convenient, especially for foods such as eggs and pancakes. Many traditional nonstick coatings are made with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a type of fluoropolymer.
Overheating PTFE-coated cookware can cause the coating to break down and release fumes. This is one reason manufacturers recommend avoiding extremely high temperatures and following the care instructions for the pan.
There are also ongoing concerns about certain PFAS chemicals used in consumer products. A ScienceDirect study discusses potential health concerns linked to exposure to PFAS.
If your pan is heavily scratched, peeling, or damaged, replacing it makes sense. Stainless steel, cast iron, and some ceramic-coated pans are other choices for people who prefer different cookware materials.
Plastic Containers
Plastic food containers make leftovers easy to store, but heat can change how some plastics behave. Microwaving food in a container that isn’t labeled microwave-safe can increase the chance of unwanted substances moving from the plastic into food.
BPA and certain phthalates have received considerable attention because of their potential effects on the endocrine system. A National Institutes of Health study discusses research surrounding BPA and endocrine-related effects.
If you regularly reheat food, glass containers are a practical alternative. They can also be useful for foods that stain plastic or leave behind strong odors.
Sponges
That little sponge beside your sink gets used for almost everything. It wipes up food, cleans dishes, absorbs spills, and stays damp for long stretches of time.
That combination makes sponges a great place for microbes to hang around. A research publication discusses the large number of bacteria that can be found in kitchen sponges.
Replace sponges regularly rather than keeping the same one for months. Washable dishcloths are another option since they can be laundered between uses. Silicone scrubbers are also easier to rinse and dry.
Toasters
Crumbs naturally collect inside toasters, especially if you use yours every morning. Over time, that buildup can create smoke or a burnt smell and may become a fire concern.
Unplug the toaster before cleaning it, then empty the crumb tray and follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. Never stick metal objects inside while the appliance is plugged in.
If the toaster repeatedly smokes, smells burnt, or shows signs of electrical damage, replacing it is safer than continuing to use it.
Herbs and Spices
Your spice rack may look harmless, but spices can occasionally be affected by contamination during growing, processing, or packaging.
Some imported spices have been found to contain lead, while certain products have also been recalled because of Salmonella or other contaminants.
Buy spices from reputable brands and pay attention to food recalls. Store opened spices in clean, dry containers with tight-fitting lids. If a spice smells strange, looks moldy, or has been sitting around for years, it’s probably time to replace it.
Wooden Utensils
Wooden spoons and spatulas can last a long time, but they aren’t indestructible. Cracks, deep scratches, and splinters can make them harder to clean and may give food residue places to collect.
Wash wooden utensils after use and let them dry completely before putting them into a drawer or utensil holder. Avoid leaving them submerged in the sink for long periods.
If a wooden utensil develops deep cracks or starts splintering, replace it rather than trying to squeeze a few more years out of it.
Your kitchen doesn’t have to become a source of worry. Most of these items are perfectly useful when they’re in good condition and cared for properly. The bigger issue is usually an item that’s damaged, difficult to clean, badly worn, or being used in a way it wasn’t made for.
A quick check of your cookware, food containers, appliances, and cleaning tools can help you spot the things that are ready for a good cleaning or a trip to the trash.
