Kitchen cabinets provide storage space that protects all kinds of kitchen essentials, from dishes to paper towels, from heat, light, and dust. Cabinets are useful and functional, but you may wonder if there is a better place to store certain items, whether you have a more accessible place to store them or because storing them there can actually be a hidden danger. Not necessarily.
As you begin to organize your kitchen cabinets as part of your annual spring cleaning, you may be wondering what items are safe and convenient to store in your cabinets, and what items are better placed elsewhere in your kitchen. I thought maybe I could get some advice from an expert. what they had to say.
5 things you should never put in your kitchen cabinets
1. Pantry staples
“There's a reason these are called staples. You probably use them every time you cook,” says DIY and lifestyle expert and Command Partner Julian Thomas. For this reason, certain items such as herbs and spices, flour, sugar, and even coffee are best kept in the pantry (if you have one) or displayed elsewhere in the kitchen. Thomas suggests reusing photo shelves to store spices in a place where heat and moisture won't affect the potency of the spices.
command picture ledge
$23.96 on Amazon
Melanie Summers, professional organizer and founder of I Speak Organized, says, “Instead of storing aromatic coffee beans in a cabinet where the aroma can deteriorate due to fluctuations in light and temperature, store them in a vacuum. Consider storing them in airtight containers in a cool, dark pantry or drawer. “This not only preserves freshness, but also maintains the beauty of your kitchen.”
2. Cleaning supplies
“Cleaning solutions, especially liquids, should not be stored in kitchen cabinets,” says Thomas. “Storing cleaning products under the sink has become standard in many homes, but this still carries the risk of cross-contamination and harmful exposure. The bottle of liquid dish detergent became so overcrowded that it collapsed and started leaking, eventually seeping through the cabinet and onto the hardwood floor.
To clearly label all your bottles and make the most of your under-sink space, Thomas says if the only place under your sink is where you store your cleaning products, use a tiered drawer. It is best to choose a formula rack.Other types of organization solutions, such as my favorite under-sink turntable, can help separate cleaning supplies and tools and Easy access.
LOVMOR 2 Tier Individual Drawer Cabinet Organizer
$71.99 on Amazon (was $79.99)
3. Occasionally used appliances and excess cooking utensils
Overcrowding your cabinets with rarely-used cookware and appliances can clutter your kitchen. Summers suggests hanging pots and pans on ceiling racks or wall-mounted rails to free up cabinet space and add a stylish and functional element to your kitchen décor.
“Whether it's a crockpot you only use during the colder months of the year or an indoor electric grill for barbecue season, you'll want to store these 'occasional' kitchen appliances high up in a cabinet out of the way,” says Thomas. says Mr. “However, depending on your fitness and coordination level, that may not be the best idea. Considering that so many people experience back pain, keep these items in the bottom cabinet. bending down to lift heavy equipment is also unwise.
Thomas recommends setting aside space in your garage, pantry, or even utility closet to store kitchen appliances you don't use often. Dr. Dan Murauski, Director of Wellness Optimization and Longevity at Case Integrative Health, adds that when it comes to appliances that are gathering dust in your home, it's best to donate items that you haven't used in about a year. Masu.
4. Certain sauces and seasonings
Kitchen cabinets provide excellent long-term storage for sauces, condiments, canned goods, and more. However, there are some things that need to be stored elsewhere to maintain their condition. and Create more space in your kitchen cabinets.
“It's important to read the labels on shelf-stable sauces to see which sauces need to be refrigerated after opening,” says Murawski. “Everyone knows that ketchup and mayonnaise need to be kept in the refrigerator. I was surprised to learn that the same goes for soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce!” Additionally, olive oil and cooking oil should be kept in a light-tight container away from the stove. We recommend that you keep it in there.
5. Vitamins and medicines
While it may be tempting to keep your daily vitamins and medications within reach in the kitchen, especially if you take them with breakfast, Summers advises against doing so.
“Instead of storing them in kitchen cabinets where temperature and humidity can fluctuate, choose a dedicated storage location like a closet, bedroom drawer, or even a locked medicine cabinet in a cool, dry bathroom,” she says. Masu. “This ensures its effectiveness and keeps it out of the reach of small children.”
