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A tidy kitchen counter can make cooking and meal prep easier and more enjoyable. It is the heart of the kitchen where meals come to life, and families gather. When too many items crowd the surface, it can lead to stress and confusion while preparing food.
This slideshow highlights 15 things you should avoid keeping on your kitchen counter. Each item can take up valuable space, making your kitchen feel cluttered. By making small changes, you can improve the flow and function of your kitchen, making it a more pleasant area to cook and entertain.
Paper Clutter
One of the biggest culprits for kitchen counter clutter is paper. If left unchecked, bills, coupons, and receipts can quickly accumulate on your counter. Not only does it take up valuable space, but it can also create chaos in your kitchen. To avoid this, use a designated bin or folder for important documents and dispose of unnecessary items immediately.
Appliances You Rarely Use
While appliances like blenders and coffee makers may be used often, others, like waffle irons or ice cream makers, may only make an appearance once in a while. Instead of keeping these appliances on your counter, store them in a cabinet or pantry until needed, freeing up valuable counter space for daily use and making it easier to keep them clean.
Unused Cooking Tools
Cooking tools that are rarely used can take up unnecessary space on your counter. If you have utensils, pots, or pans that you rarely use, store them in a drawer or cupboard until needed. This practice will also make it easier to find and access the items you use.
Cleaning Products
Cleaning products on your counter may seem convenient, but it can take up valuable space and create a cluttered appearance. Spills or leaks can also make a mess and contaminate your food. Keep cleaning products under the sink or in a nearby closet.
Kitchen Decor
While a few decorative items can add personality to your kitchen, too many can create a cluttered and chaotic appearance. Limit the number of decorations on your counter and rotate them occasionally to keep things fresh.
Cookbooks
Cookbooks can be a great source of inspiration and knowledge, but they can also take up valuable counter space. Instead of keeping them out, store them in a designated shelf or cabinet to keep your counters clutter-free. If you use digital cookbooks, consider investing in a tablet stand to keep them off your counter while cooking.
Cooking Oils and Spices
Leaving cooking oils and spices on the countertop exposes them to light, heat, and air, which can diminish their quality over time. Store these items in a cool, dry location, such as a pantry or cabinet, to preserve their freshness. Invest in a spice rack or magnetic spice containers mounted on the wall for convenient access.
Drinking Glasses
Glass breaks easily, creating a mess if it falls off the counter. You don’t want to have to clean up broken glasses now and then, and let’s not even talk about the potential injuries broken glasses can cause. Keep drinking glasses in a designated cabinet or shelf and take them out when needed.
Knives
Knives are a recipe for accidental injuries if left out on the counter, especially if you have children in the house. They can also take up valuable space. Keep your knives in a designated knife block or drawer to keep them easily accessible but out of sight.
Plastic Bags
Many people habitually keep plastic grocery bags on their kitchen counters for future use. However, this practice not only creates clutter but can also bring germs into contact with food. Have a designated bag holder to keep your counter clean and organized.
Phone and Charger
When you’re at home, your phone will likely be with you most of the time. So why keep it on your kitchen counter while cooking or eating? This habit can pose electrical hazards and damage your phone, especially when near food or liquids. Keep your phone and its charger in a designated area away from the kitchen counter.
Medicine
Leaving medicine bottles on your kitchen counter can lead to accidental ingestion, especially if you have kids in the house. Also, the kitchen environment might not be ideal for storing drugs, which can deteriorate in heat and humidity. The safest option is to keep your medicine in a cool, dry place, such as a medicine cabinet.
Food
Food items should be kept in the kitchen but not necessarily on the counter. On the counter, foods like bread and fruit can quickly attract pests and spoil, while others like coffee grounds and sugar can create a mess if not sealed properly. Store these items appropriately to maintain a clean kitchen and reduce spoilage.
Towels and Napkins
Many people keep towels and napkins on their kitchen counter for quick cleanups or to dry their hands while cooking. However, this practice is not advisable. These items can harbor bacteria and lead to cross-contamination. Proper storage keeps them clean and reduces the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Money and Jewelry
Keeping money or jewelry on your kitchen counter is a security risk and can lead to loss or damage. These items can also easily get mixed in with other clutter, making them difficult to find when needed. Have a designated, secure storage area to keep these items organized and safe.
