Your kitchen cabinets might seem like the perfect spot to store everything, but not all items belong there. Knowing what to keep out of your cabinets can help you maintain a safer and more organized kitchen space.
Avoiding certain items in your cabinets can prevent damage, spoilage, and safety risks in your home. This article will help you identify what not to store so you can keep your kitchen running smoothly.
Fresh garlic and onions
You might be tempted to stash your garlic and onions in a kitchen cabinet, but that’s not the best spot. These bulbs need good airflow to stay fresh and avoid sprouting or rotting.
Storing them in a closed cabinet traps moisture and warmth, which speeds up spoilage. Instead, keep them in an open basket or a ventilated container.
Choose a cool, dark place away from potatoes and fruit. This helps them last longer and keeps their flavor intact, making your cooking easier and tastier.
Cookbooks and manuals
You might think storing cookbooks and manuals in your kitchen cabinets makes sense because they’re used in the kitchen. However, kitchens often have humidity from cooking and dishwashing, which can warp pages or cause moisture damage.
Manuals and cookbooks also take up space that could be better used for food and kitchen tools.
Instead, keep them in a dry, easily accessible spot outside the kitchen to protect them and keep your cabinets organized.
Heavy cast iron skillets
You might think storing heavy cast iron skillets in a cabinet is convenient, but it’s not the best idea. Cabinets can get crowded, and stacking your skillet with other pots can damage its seasoning and cause scratches.
Because cast iron is so heavy, pulling it out from a crowded cabinet can be tricky and might lead to accidents. Instead, consider open shelving or hanging them securely to keep your skillet safe and easy to reach.
Proper storage also helps prevent rust. Make sure your skillet is completely dry and lightly oiled before storing it, especially if you keep it outside the cabinet. This small step protects your pan and keeps it ready for your next meal.
Cleaning products
You should avoid storing cleaning products in your kitchen cabinets. These items can contain chemicals that may leak or spill, posing risks in areas where you handle food.
Keeping them under the sink may seem practical, but leaks or poor ventilation can cause damage or harmful fumes. It’s safer to store cleaning supplies in a locked area away from children and pets.
Consider using a separate storage space outside the kitchen to keep your cleaning products organized and secure. This helps prevent accidental exposure and keeps your kitchen cleaner.
Expired spices
You might think spices last forever, but they do lose their flavor over time. Keeping expired spices in your cabinet means your dishes won’t taste as vibrant as they should.
Storing spices near heat or moisture speeds up this loss, so avoid placing them close to your stove or in a steamy spot. Check your spices regularly and toss any that smell dull or taste weak.
Using fresh spices keeps your cooking flavorful and helps you avoid clutter in your kitchen cabinets.
