Johann Hunt
Think your kitchen cabinet is just for food and cookware? Think again! Items like cluttered staples and misplaced cleaning products secretly wreak havoc on your space or even spoil faster. It’s high time to remove those sneaky offenders hiding in plain sight and prepare for some satisfying cabinet upgrades!
Pantry Spoilers
Potatoes and onions don’t belong in closed kitchen cabinets. Their gases speed up spoilage in confined spaces, especially in warmer places. Instead, store them in a cool, well-ventilated spot to keep your veggies fresher and reduce waste!
Expired Supplements and Medications
Heat and humidity are silent villains! The fluctuating temperature in the kitchen can reduce the potency of your vitamins and meds. Medicine cabinets are there for a reason—place your essentials in a cool, dry spot so they are ready when you need them.
Cleaning Products
Cleaners may be handy in the kitchen, but they’re also one accidental spill away from contaminating food. You wouldn’t want that lemon-scented cleaner spilling onto the flour. So, move these to a utility closet and save your cabinet space for edible items only.
Delicate Oils
Olive oil aficionados, listen up! Heat and light reduce oil quality fast, leaving it rancid before you can say “extra virgin.” A dark pantry is its happy place. Store it in a cool spot to preserve flavor and nutrients longer.
Rarely Used Appliances
You may think it’s a daily go-to, but that bread maker is taking up room you could use for something else. If it’s collecting dust, relocate it to free up cabinet space for everyday essentials. Just imagine the roomy possibilities when bulky items are out of sight.
Batteries and Electronics
Avoid the battery-in-the-cupboard trick. Leaks can ruin nearby food or kitchen tools, and heat accelerates battery decay. It’s better to store them in a cool, dry area to control damage and extend battery life—keeping your devices powered longer.
Backup Pantry Staples
Overflow canned goods and extra pasta boxes are perfect—just not in your main cabinet! Stash them in a dedicated pantry or closet. Your daily kitchen space will feel streamlined, and you’ll have a mini-mart of goodies ready whenever you need them.
Fresh Spices
While convenient, storing spices by the stove affects their potency and flavor. Heat and light are the enemy of spices! Keep them in a cool, dark spot to retain those rich flavors. A small, dark drawer could be the perfect spice sanctuary.
Emergency Cash or Valuables
Surprising? Maybe, but many keep valuables in kitchen cabinets for “easy access.” Humidity, however, can damage paper money and precious items over time. Try a safer, drier spot for these instead because some things are best kept away from the daily grind.
Flammable Liquor
High-proof spirits and the kitchen’s open flames don’t mix well. Picture this: a fiery stove mishap next to that bourbon. Opt for a cool, dark spot far from heat sources. It’s a safe and practical choice—after all, no one wants a cocktail that could backfire.