Does your kitchen counter look like a middle school science fair display table? The kitchen is where memories are made and stomachs are filled, but it’s also a primary hub for many things in a home. It’s no wonder this heavily trafficked spot becomes littered with items that don’t belong there without you even realizing what’s happening.
Keeping your kitchen counters clear increases their aesthetic appeal and enhances overall functionality. The ultimate goal should be maintaining an organized and safe kitchen environment that meets the needs of your unique household.
Whether you’re a busy parent trying to streamline your cooking process or a minimalist grad student dreaming of a clean space with everything in just the right place, this list will guide you on what to keep off your kitchen counters.
1. Knives
Knives are vital to any kitchen but should never be left on the counter. Leaving knives out in the open increases the risk of accidental cuts, especially in homes with children. Knives should be stored in a knife block, drawer, or on a magnetic strip to keep them safely out of reach.
Keeping knives off the counter saves valuable workspace, allowing you to prepare meals more efficiently and with less clutter.
2. Cleaning Products
Every kitchen has a bottle of dishwashing soap and a couple of scouring sponges, but these products should be stored away from food preparation areas. Storing cleaning products on the kitchen counter can lead to contamination and pose health risks.
Cleaning products can make your kitchen look messy and disorganized. Keeping them out of sight helps maintain a clean and tidy appearance. They should be kept in a dedicated cabinet, away from food and utensils.
3. Chopping Boards
Chopping boards are essential kitchen tools but are also closely associated with food-related illnesses. Neglecting to clean chopping boards properly and leaving them on the counter can attract bacteria and germs, especially if they come into contact with raw meat or other contaminants.
Chopping boards take up valuable counter space, which can be better utilized for food preparation and cooking tasks. Store them in a cabinet or drawer to keep them clean and sanitary.
4. Occasionally Used Accessories
That Crock Pot you haven’t used in a while should be stored away together with the turkey fryer, which is only used once every November. These big, bulky kitchen appliances and accessories have no business living on your countertop collecting dust.
Keeping rarely used appliances on the counter takes up space that could be used for more frequently needed items. Store them in a pantry or cabinet to free up your counter for daily essentials.
5. Kitchen Decor
While kitchen decor can add personality to your space, too many decorative items can hinder functionality. Keep the counter clear for cooking and keep decorative items to a minimum.
Decor items can collect dust and grease over time, making it harder to keep your kitchen clean. Opt for wall-mounted decor or decorative elements that are easy to clean and don’t occupy counter space.
6. Cooking Oils and Spices
Leaving cooking oils and spices on the counter exposes them to light, heat, and air, which can degrade their quality over time. Most manufacturers advise that cooking oils and spices be stored in a cool, dark place to maintain their flavor and extend their shelf life.
Oil bottles can become slippery and pose a risk of spills or accidents. Wipe them after use and store them in a pantry or cabinet for optimal freshness.
7. Junk Paper
All mail lands on the kitchen counter, and sometimes, it doesn’t leave. Avoid accumulating junk paper on your kitchen counter. Junk paper, such as mail or receipts, can quickly clutter your counters.
Designate a specific area for these items, such as a drawer or organizer, to keep your counters clear. This keeps your counter organized, making it easier to find what you need when you need it.
8. Cookbooks
Although you may need to refresh your memory of Grandma’s meatloaf from time to time, leaving cookbooks on the counter can lead to spills, stains, and ruined pages. Cookbooks also take up a lot of space, making it harder to work efficiently.
Keeping them off the counter frees up the countertop. Store them on a bookshelf or in a cabinet to keep them clean and dry.
9. Drinking Glasses
Leaving glasses on the counter is a recipe for accidental breakage. Store glassware in a secure place to prevent accidental breakage and keep it easily accessible.
A counter full of glasses can look messy and disorganized. Keeping them stored away helps maintain a clean and tidy kitchen and saves the heartache and money of replacing them.
10. Huge Appliances
Big appliances like stand mixers or food processors take up significant counter space. It doesn’t make much storage sense always to have them standing on the counter. Store them in a pantry or cabinet to maximize your workspace.
A clutter-free counter with fewer large appliances looks more appealing and creates a more inviting kitchen environment. It also keeps them from gathering dust.
11. Phone Chargers
With every socket in the house perpetually clogged with chargers, the kitchen counter may look like the next best place. However, keeping phone chargers on the kitchen counter can pose electrical hazards, especially if they come into contact with water or food spills.
Charging your devices in other areas of your home is safer, avoiding potential kitchen mishaps. Store them in a designated charging station or another room to ensure your kitchen remains efficient.
12. Medicine
Leaving medicine on the kitchen counter can lead to accidental ingestion, especially in households with children. Proper storage ensures that medications are kept out of reach and used safely.
The kitchen environment is not ideal for storing medicine due to its fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels. These conditions can degrade the efficacy of medications. Keeping them in a cool, dry place maintains their potency and shelf life.
13. Food
Food belongs in the kitchen, but not necessarily on the counter. Leaving food on the counter can cause spoilage and attract pests. Raw meat on the counter can significantly increase the risk of bacterial contamination. Always store raw meat in the refrigerator or freezer to maintain a safe temperature.
Store all food, including snacks and leftovers, appropriately to maximize your workspace, maintain a tidy environment, and reduce your family’s risk of food poisoning.
14. Paper Towels and Napkins
What’s the bet there are paper towels on your kitchen counter right now? However, there shouldn’t be. Storing paper towels and napkins in a holder or drawer makes them easily accessible without cluttering the counter.
Leaving paper towels and napkins on the counter can expose them to food splatters, dust, and other contaminants. Proper storage keeps them clean and ensures you can quickly grab them for spills or meal times while keeping your workspace organized and sanitary.
15. Money
It’s easy to throw loose change and bills on the kitchen counter, but money should not be kept there. Money can carry a multitude of germs and bacteria, which can easily transfer to your kitchen surfaces and potentially contaminate food.
By keeping money off the counter, you maintain a more sanitary cooking environment. To keep your kitchen space tidy, designate a specific spot, such as a drawer or a small container, elsewhere in your home for storing loose change and bills.
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I’m a Language and Literary Studies (Honors) graduate with 11 years of experience in magazine and blog writing and content creation. I’m passionate about storytelling for change and believe in the power of words to make a difference. My writing is thought-provoking, accessible, and engaging, focusing on the Psychology of human behavior, complex social issues, personal experiences, and the latest trends. I’m a wife and a Mom of three.
I’m a Language and Literary Studies (Honors) graduate with 11 years of experience in magazine and blog writing and content creation. I’m passionate about storytelling for change and believe in the power of words to make a difference. My writing is thought-provoking, accessible, and engaging, focusing on the Psychology of human behavior, complex social issues, personal experiences, and the latest trends. I’m a wife and a Mom of three.
