What Not To Keep On Your Kitchen Counter
Your kitchen counter is prime real estate in your home, often becoming a catch-all for everything from mail to small appliances. A cluttered counter not only looks messy but can harbor germs and make cooking more difficult.
Creating a clean, functional workspace in your kitchen starts with knowing what items deserve counter space and what should be stored elsewhere.
Storage recommendations may vary depending on your kitchen size, layout, and personal cooking habits.
1. Knife Blocks
Those wooden knife blocks might seem convenient, but they’re actually taking up valuable counter space while collecting grease and dust. Many knife experts recommend storing your knives in a drawer with blade guards or on a magnetic strip mounted on the wall.
This storage method not only frees up counter space but also keeps your knives in better condition. The slots in knife blocks can dull blades over time as you slide them in and out. Magnetic strips allow knives to air dry completely after washing.
2. Rarely Used Appliances
That bread maker you use twice a year? The pasta machine that seemed like a good idea at the time? These occasional-use appliances are counter space thieves! The general rule: if you don’t use it at least once a week, it doesn’t deserve prime counter position.
Instead, store these items in cabinets or pantry shelves. When kitchen tools are easily accessible but not constantly visibl. Your kitchen maintains a cleaner appearance while still keeping everything within reach for those special cooking projects.
3. Spice Collections
Spice jars on the counter might seem convenient while cooking, but they’re dust magnets and can degrade quickly from sunlight and heat exposure. Most spices actually last longer when stored in a cool, dark place-the opposite of your sunny kitchen counter!
Consider a drawer insert specially designed for spices, a cabinet door rack, or a dedicated spice cabinet. Your flavors will stay fresher longer, and you’ll reclaim valuable workspace. Plus, organized spice storage makes it easier to find exactly what you need when cooking.
4. Mail And Paperwork
Bills, school forms, and catalogs have a mysterious way of migrating to kitchen counters. This paper parade not only creates visual chaos but can also get damaged by cooking splashes or spills. Paper absorbs kitchen odors too. Nobody wants bills that smell like last night’s fish dinner!
Create a dedicated command center elsewhere in your home for processing mail and paperwork. A simple wall-mounted organizer near your entryway works wonders. Sort mail immediately upon entering your home, and you’ll prevent paper pileups in your cooking space.
5. Cutting Boards (When Not In Use)
Large wooden or plastic cutting boards often become permanent counter fixtures in many kitchens. Despite their usefulness during meal prep, these boards consume significant workspace when not actively in use. Vertical storage is the smart solution here!
Mount a simple rack inside a cabinet door or use a narrow slot between your refrigerator and counter for upright cutting board storage. This approach not only frees up counter space but also allows your boards to dry properly after washing. Preventing warping and bacterial growth that can occur when boards are left flat.
6. Dish Soap And Cleaning Supplies
Bottles of dish soap, hand soap, and cleaning sprays create a cluttered look while collecting grime around their bases. These necessary but unsightly products don’t need to be counter decorations! Consider under-sink organizers for cleaning supplies.
For dish soap specifically, wall-mounted dispensers or sink caddies keep the product accessible but off your valuable counter space. The bonus? Your counters will be easier to wipe down without having to move multiple bottles.
7. Fresh Produce (Most Types)
Contrary to popular practice, most fruits and vegetables shouldn’t live on your counter. Many produce items either spoil faster at room temperature or attract fruit flies when left out. Apples, oranges, and berries last longer in the refrigerator.
Potatoes, onions, and garlic prefer cool, dark storage like a pantry drawer. Not only will proper storage extend the life of your produce, but it also eliminates another category of counter clutter. Consider a hanging fruit basket if counter space is limited.
