The kitchen is one of the most used spaces in one’s home. This is why our kitchen cabinets often become the hoarding spot for all the useless items. It is good to get those things out and declutter your kitchen once in a while. Here are seventeen such things that you can throw out to make space in your kitchen.
Expired Food and Condiments
This is a big one for safety and freeing up space. Expired food can make you sick, and condiments lose their flavor and effectiveness over time. Check for expiry dates on everything, from ketchup to yogurt. Toss anything that’s past its prime. This frees up space in your fridge and pantry for fresher items. Plus, it ensures you’re not accidentally using something that could cause you harm.
Cracked or Chipped Dishes
Tiny cracks or chips can harbor bacteria and may break further while using, causing cuts. Plus, chipped mugs and plates look unpleasant. Invest in the safety and aesthetics of your kitchen by getting rid of damaged dishes. Consider donating mugs or plates in good condition to charity, and recycle what can’t be saved.
Unused Takeout Utensils and Condiment Packets
We’ve all been there, collecting these little packets with every takeout order. They pile up fast and take up valuable drawer space. Plus, those tiny plastic forks and spoons aren’t very eco-friendly. The usable ones you already have can be used for picnics or packing lunches. You can recycle or toss the rest in the bin.
Single-Use Appliances
These space-hogging appliances are tempting to keep. However, if they only get used once in a blue moon, they’re just clutter. Be honest with yourself about how often you’ll truly use something before keeping it. If a single-use appliance isn’t a kitchen workhorse, consider donating it or selling it.
Expired or Unused Spices
Spices can lose their potency over time, and old spices can make your food taste dull. Go through your spice rack and toss anything that’s been there for more than a year. Of course, there are exceptions, like rarely used spices like saffron. If a spice has an unrecognizable smell, it’s time to say goodbye.
Burnt or Rusty Pots and Pans
These can be a safety hazard and affect the taste of your food. Burnt-on residue can be difficult to clean and may contain harmful chemicals. Rusty cookware can leach metal into your food, which isn’t toxic but is not good for your health. Invest in your well-being and ditch the burnt or rusty cookware.
Plastic Containers with Missing Lids or Stains
Mismatched lids or stained containers can lead to leaks and freezer burns. Plus, stained plastic might harbor bacteria even after washing. Ensure your food stays fresh and your kitchen organized by tossing containers that have lost their lids or show stubborn stains.
Dried-Out Herbs and Seasoning Blends
Similar to spices, dried herbs lose their flavor over time. Pre-made seasoning blends can also become stale. Smell your dried herbs; if they lack a strong aroma, it’s time to replace them. The same goes for seasoning blends that have lost their punch. Fresh herbs and flavorful blends will elevate your cooking, so don’t settle for muted flavors.
Expired Baking Powder and Baking Soda
These leavening agents lose their effectiveness as they age. Expired baking powder and baking soda won’t make your baked goods rise properly. In fact, if you use too much, it can make the batter bitter and lead to dense and disappointing results. For perfect cakes, cookies, and breads, keep track of expiry dates and replace them when needed.
Utensils with Broken Handles
Worn or broken utensil handles can be uncomfortable and unsafe to use. They might slip from your hand or break further while cooking. This can lead to serious accidents and injuries. Thus, prioritize your safety and comfort by replacing utensils with defective handles.
Free Gadget Manuals You Never Use
Those bulky instruction booklets for every appliance you own can be overwhelming. Plus, most manuals are easily accessible online these days. Free up valuable counter or drawer space by ditching the manuals you never refer to. If you think you might need it someday, you scan it and store a digital copy on your phone or computer.
Dull Knives
Blunt knives are frustrating and unsafe to use. They require more force to cut, which increases the risk of slipping and injuring yourself. Invest in your safety and efficiency by sharpening your knives regularly or replacing them when they become too dull. Sharp knives make food prep a breeze.
Old Dish Cloths and Sponges
These harbor bacteria over time, no matter how often you wash them. Don’t risk spreading germs to your dishes and food. Replace dish cloths and sponges frequently, ideally every week for cloths and every two weeks for sponges. Consider switching to reusable cloths that you can wash and disinfect in hot water.
Single-Use Coffee Pods
While convenient, these pods create a lot of waste and can be expensive in the long run. Consider switching to a reusable coffee filter or a French press. These are for a more eco-friendly and cost-effective option for coffee connoisseurs.
Expired Drink Mixes and Packets
We all have that pack of Kool-Aid or iced tea premix hoarded in our kitchen pantry. These can become stale and lose their flavor over time. Be honest with yourself about how often you actually use them. If they’ve been sitting unused for months, toss them and free up space for fresher beverages.
Expired or Forgotten Medications
Keeping expired medications in your kitchen can be dangerous. They may lose their effectiveness or even become harmful. Double-check your cabinets for any outdated medicines and dispose of them properly. Most pharmacies have designated collection bins for expired medications.
Mismatched or Broken Mugs
We all have that collection of mugs with chipped handles, faded designs, or that never seem to find their matching saucer. Broken mugs can be dangerous, and chipped mugs don’t look great. Donate mugs in good condition and toss the rest to create a more cohesive and organized look in your cabinets.
