12 Items You Should NEVER Place on Your Kitchen Island, According to Experts
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Your kitchen island is more than just a piece of countertop; it’s the heart of your home, where you cook and make memories. According to a study by Houzz, 63% of homeowners utilize their island for more than just preparing food, and you need to maintain it liveable.
Experts warn, however, that clutter can interfere with the system’s ability to function. ‘There is nothing like cluttered counters, making a kitchen less attractive, as 75 percent of buyers like a clean, open kitchen,’ said real estate agent Emily Blake.
If you are looking for ideas on what to include and what not to include on your kitchen island, here are 14 things you shouldn’t put on it to help you keep your kitchen functional, safe, and efficient.
Sharp Objects
Knives, scissors, and other sharp utensils may seem convenient to keep out on your kitchen island, but they can be very dangerous. One is likely to suffer severe injuries due to accidental bumps.
Store sharp items in a designated knife block or a drawer with safety locks,” advises Karen White, a kitchen safety consultant.
Heat Sources
Putting hot pans, appliances, or open flames directly on your kitchen island is unsafe. It can affect the surface and pose a burn risk for small hands nearby.
Heating the oil in your kitchen where your family might be isn’t smart (or safe). Experts advise heat-resistant trivets or mats to protect your family and your counters.
Wet Items
Wet sponges, damp cloths, or wet ingredients can create unwanted messes. Excess moisture can warp wood surfaces and encourage mold growth. Always keep a designated drying station near the sink instead of the island.
Electronic Devices
While smartphones, tablets, and laptops appear to be innocuous, exposing them to spills, oils, and crumbs can destroy them. Plus, it puts your island at a higher risk of electrical accidents when the island is wet.
According to the experts, tuck the tech away from food preparation areas.
Heavy Objects
Over time, poorly engineered cabinets or accessories like large pots, heavy appliances, or cumbersome tools will weaken the structural integrity of your kitchen island. “Kitchen islands are not constructed to permanently store extremely heavy items,” says architect Matthew Bruns.
Such items should be stored in a dedicated storage area to prevent them from getting damaged.
Toxic Materials
Cleaning solutions and chemicals should not be stored on your kitchen island. These substances are highly liable to contaminate your food.
It would help if you store cleaning supplies in closed cabinets away from cooking or food preparation areas.
Breakable Items
While glassware, ceramics, and fine china look nicely displayed, they are all too easily broken accidentally in everyday life. In addition to that, broken glass can rapidly become a danger.
If you wish to display décor, choose something durable and less fragile.
Medication and Vitamins
Having pills out on your kitchen island poses a safety risk, and people with little ones in the house know this. Balancing medication with food preparation also heightens the chance for cross-contamination.
Have a space reserved for all medicine in a cabinet or container away from your prep zone.
Food Storage
Groceries and leftovers will look great on your kitchen island, but perishables should be placed immediately in the refrigerator. Leaving them out for too long compromises food quality and the risk of bacterial growth increases.
Clutter
Keeping a pile of mail keys or miscellaneous items on your kitchen island may seem harmless. However, too much clutter decreases workspace and increases the probability of accidents when prepping.
Designate a drawer or catch-all basket for noncooking items, and make decluttering a daily habit.
Open Drinks Without Lids
Open cups of coffee, tea, or juice on the kitchen island is a common risky choice. Not only are spills messy, but they can also ruin electronics, cookbooks, or recipe cards. If you are busy while you cook, use mugs or bottles with secure lids instead.
Pet Supplies
Pet food bowls, leashes, and grooming equipment should not be on your kitchen island. But this can also introduce unwanted bacteria to your food prep area. Veterinarian Dr. Julia Hart advises, “Designate a separate area for your pet supplies to maintain overall kitchen hygiene.
By staying away from the above items, you can guarantee that your kitchen remains safe and sorted while you cook or spend time with your loved ones.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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