Your kitchen can easily become cluttered with items you no longer need or use. Over time, this can make cooking and organizing more difficult.
Knowing what to throw away helps you create a cleaner, more functional space without unnecessary items taking up room. Clearing out those things can also make your kitchen feel more inviting and easier to maintain.
Expired spices and herbs
You might not realize it, but spices and herbs lose their flavor over time. Ground spices usually last about 2 to 3 years, while whole spices can keep their potency a bit longer, up to 4 years.
Expired spices won’t make you sick, but they won’t enhance your dishes either. It’s a good idea to go through your collection and toss anything past its prime.
If you don’t want to waste them, you can repurpose expired spices for things like potpourri or sachets. They still have a pleasant aroma that works well for freshening up your home.
Chipped or cracked mugs
If you have mugs with chips or cracks, it’s best to toss them out. These small damages can cause cuts or break while you use them.
Keeping damaged mugs can also make your kitchen look cluttered and less enjoyable.
Instead of throwing them directly in the trash, you might find creative ways to repurpose them. But for everyday use, replacing them is safer and more pleasant.
Empty glass jars saved ‘just in case’
You might find yourself holding onto empty glass jars, thinking they’ll come in handy someday. While it’s nice to be prepared, these jars often end up cluttering your cupboards instead of being useful.
Keeping a few for storage or DIY projects is fine, but holding onto too many “just in case” can create unnecessary mess. If you rarely use them, it’s better to recycle or donate them. This frees up space and helps you keep your kitchen organized.
Old plastic containers with warped lids
You should toss plastic containers that have warped lids. When lids no longer fit securely, it can let air and bacteria inside, which might affect your food’s safety.
Warping often happens from heat exposure, like microwaving or dishwashing. This damages the plastic, causing it to lose shape and function.
Keeping these containers can mean clutter and potential health risks. Replacing them ensures a fresher, safer kitchen and helps you stay organized.
Ketchup and sauce packets past their date
You might have a stash of ketchup and sauce packets from takeout or fast food. These packets don’t always have a clear expiration date, but they don’t last forever. Over time, their flavor and quality will decline.
Storing them properly helps, but once they’re old, they can taste off or flat. It’s a good idea to toss packets that look swollen, discolored, or have a strange smell. Keeping fresh sauces makes your meals better and safer.
