17 Things You Should Never Keep on the Kitchen Countertop
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Your kitchen countertop is primarily a space for food preparation, making it some of the most valuable real estate in your kitchen. It doesn’t take much to make this area feel crowded and disorganized, so it’s crucial to keep it clean and tidy. Excessive clutter, including food items and other objects, can lead to a chaotic workspace and potential hygiene concerns. To help you maintain a clean and efficient kitchen, here are 18 items you should avoid storing on your countertop.
Coffee
Exposure to air, light, and moisture can diminish the flavor of your coffee beans and grounds. Store them in an opaque, airtight container away from heat sources and the countertop.
Related: 15 Incredible Ways to Repurpose Used Coffee Grounds
Pet Food
Opened dry pet food can go rancid if exposed to air, while canned wet food should be stored in a cool, dark place. It’s better to keep pet food in airtight containers rather than on the countertop.
Cooking Oils
Cooking oils can break down and go bad when exposed to heat, air, and light. To preserve their quality, store oils in a cool, dark cupboard away from the countertop.
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Raw Meat and Poultry
Leaving raw meat and poultry on the kitchen countertop can lead to the rapid multiplication of harmful bacteria, which cooking alone may not fully eliminate. It’s best to store and defrost these items in the refrigerator at a constant temperature.
Cookbooks
Leaving cookbooks on the countertop is a sure way to get them dirty. It’s better to keep your cookbooks on a shelf or in a spot away from the food prep area to avoid spills and stains.
Excessive Cooking Appliances
With the toaster, coffee maker, slow cooker, and waffle maker all on your countertop, it’s easy for things to get messy. Having too many appliances out can clutter your workspace. Store items you don’t use regularly in drawers or cabinets to keep your cooking area organized.
Too Many Cooking Utensils
Similar to cooking appliances, cooking utensils can cause clutter on countertops. Find space in the drawer to store your utensils.
Cups
Keep your cups and mugs in a cabinet instead of on the kitchen countertop. Leaving them out will only cause them to collect dust, meaning you’ll need to clean them before every use.
Spices and Herbs
Spices and herbs lose flavor and potency when exposed to light and heat. To maintain their freshness, store them in a spice rack inside a cool, dark cupboard.
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Dishcloths
Dishcloths left on the countertop can harbor bacteria and mold. To dry properly, wring them out and hang them on a holder. An ideal organizer is a draining organizer that directs water into the sink.
Non-Kitchen Decorative Items
Decorative items can take up valuable counter space and are at risk of getting damaged. It’s better to keep them on shelves or in other rooms to avoid cluttering your kitchen workspace.
Storing mail on the countertop can lead to spills, stains, and disorganization. Keep them in a designated area away from the kitchen to prevent them from getting lost or damaged.
Wine Bottles
Sunlight and heat can spoil wine, so it’s best to store bottles horizontally in a cool, dark place, such as a wine rack or cabinet, rather than on the countertop.
Open Container of Sugar
Sugar can attract pests like ants. Store these items in glass, airtight containers in a cool, dark cupboard to keep them safe and fresh.
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Cleaning Products
Keeping cleaning products on the countertop can lead to contamination of food and pose hazards, especially for children and pets. It’s safer to store these products under the sink or in a utility closet.
Phone Charger
Tangled charger cords not only look messy but also add to visual clutter. Plus, they can easily get damaged if left out on the counter. A better option is to store chargers in a drawer or another easily accessible spot.
Medications
Medications should not be left on the countertop, as exposure to heat and moisture can degrade their potency. They are best stored in their original packaging in a cool, dry cabinet.
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