Your kitchen counters should be a space for cooking and gathering, not a storage unit for every gadget, spice, and unread mail that finds its way home. With daily use, it’s no surprise these surfaces quickly become cluttered catch-alls. To help you keep your kitchen organized and functional, we’ve gathered expert tips on the items that really shouldn’t live on your countertops. Ready to clear the clutter? Here’s how to keep your kitchen space neat and welcoming.
Cooking Oils
Keeping cooking oils on the counter can lead to quicker degradation of their quality due to exposure to light and heat. It’s best to store them in a cool, dark place to maintain their freshness and nutritional value. Plus, a clutter-free counter offers more space for meal prep and keeps your kitchen looking tidy.
Cookbooks
While it might be tempting to display your favorite cookbooks on the counter, this can actually cause them to wear out faster from spills, splatters, and exposure to cooking vapors. Store them on a shelf or in a cabinet to keep them clean and in good condition.
Phone Chargers
Chargers can easily become tangled and take up valuable space on your kitchen counter. More importantly, having electronic devices near water sources and cooking areas poses a safety risk. Designate a charging station away from the kitchen to keep your counters clear and your electronics safe.
Cleaning Products
Storing cleaning products on the counter can lead to accidental contamination of food surfaces and utensils. It’s safer and more hygienic to keep these items under the sink or in a designated storage area.
Mugs and Glasses
While having mugs and glasses at hand might seem convenient, storing them on the counter can lead to dust accumulation and accidental breakages. Keeping them in cabinets protects them from contaminants and frees up space on your counter for cooking and food preparation.
Piles of Paper
Papers, mail, and receipts can quickly clutter your kitchen counter, making it hard to find what you need and reducing your available workspace. Storing these items in a designated spot or organizer keeps your counter functional and tidy, and helps reduce the stress of misplaced important documents.
Unused Small Appliances
Small appliances that aren’t used daily, like mixers or blenders, take up valuable counter space and collect dust. Store them in cabinets or on shelves to keep your counters ready for immediate use and make your kitchen appear larger and more inviting.
Knives
While having knives within reach might seem convenient, storing them on the counter in a bulky knife block can be unsafe, especially in households with children or pets. Opt for drawer storage instead for your knife set.
Cooking Utensils
Similar to knives, cooking utensils can clutter your workspace if left out on the counter and being constantly exposed, they can accumulate dust and grease when you go to use them. Storing them in drawers is a better option if you have the room.
Cutting Boards
Cutting boards are essential, but when not in use, they take up valuable counter space. Unless it’s a gorgeous wooden board that makes an artistic statement in your kitchen, storing them on their side in a cabinet or a designated rack keeps them out of the way and makes your countertops appear larger.
Spices
Spices stored on the counter can lose their flavor faster due to exposure to heat, light, and moisture. Keeping them in a cool, dark cabinet helps preserve their quality and extends their shelf life.
11 Ways To Give Your Kitchen A Facelift Without Breaking The Bank
Thinking about giving your kitchen a fresh look but worried about the cost? Many of us dream of a kitchen makeover but hesitate at the thought of a hefty renovation bill and the impact of that kind of project. Luckily, there are plenty of smart and affordable ways to breathe new life into your kitchen without emptying your bank account. We’ve rounded up some of the best ideas to get your kitchen looking its best without the stress of a major remodel.
See Them Here: 11 Ways To Give Your Kitchen A Facelift Without Breaking The Bank
10 Best Frozen Veggies To Keep In Your Freezer At All Times For Easy Meals
Keeping the right frozen veggies on hand is like having a secret weapon for easy meal prep. This list is a carefully selected lineup of the best frozen vegetables that promise to turn your everyday cooking into something effortlessly delicious. From the sweet char of fire roasted corn to the versatile goodness of chopped spinach, these freezer staples ensure you’re always ready to whip up something tasty.
See them here: 10 Best Frozen Veggies To Keep In Your Freezer At All Times For Easy Meals
13 Genius Ways To Use A Magic Eraser You Haven’t Thought Of
Magic Erasers are like the Swiss Army knife of the cleaning world, but even the most devoted fans might not realize just how versatile they really are. Sure, they’re great for scrubbing away scuffs, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. We’ve got a list of clever tricks that will have you looking at these little white sponges in a whole new light.
See Them Here: 13 Genius Ways To Use A Magic Eraser You Haven’t Thought Of
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
