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7 Things You Should Never Keep in Your Kitchen Cabinets

7 Things You Should Never Keep in Your Kitchen Cabinets – do you have any of these?

Your kitchen is one of the most essential spaces in your home, and keeping it clean, organized, and safe is crucial. One area where many people fall short is in kitchen cabinet organization.

 

7 Things You Should Never Keep in Your Kitchen Cabinets

 

While it might seem like a good idea to store various items in your kitchen cabinets, there are a few things you should avoid keeping there. Not only can certain items affect the quality and safety of your food, but they can also lead to unpleasant odors, attract pests, or even ruin your kitchen’s overall atmosphere.

In this post, we will delve into the seven things you should never keep in your kitchen cabinets, backed by expert advice to keep your kitchen functioning at its best. By following these tips, you’ll create a more efficient, organized, and safe space for both cooking and food storage.

 

Things You Should Never Keep in Your Kitchen Cabinets

7 Things You Should Never Keep in Your Kitchen Cabinets

 

1. Expired Spices

Spices are essential for adding flavor to your meals, but did you know they have a shelf life? Keeping expired spices in your kitchen cabinet is not only ineffective, but it could also be unsanitary. According to the Food Safety Authority, spices can lose their potency and flavor over time. Some spices may even harbor bacteria, which can compromise food safety and quality.

 

Why You Shouldn’t Keep Expired Spices in Your Cabinet

When spices lose their potency, they no longer contribute to the taste of your dishes. Additionally, old, outdated spices are more likely to develop mold or bacteria if they’ve been exposed to moisture or improper storage. The USDA notes that the average shelf life of dried herbs and spices is about one to three years, depending on the type. Ground spices tend to lose their potency faster than whole spices, and all spices should be stored in a cool, dark, and dry place away from sunlight, humidity, and heat.
Keeping expired spices in your cabinet can also cause cross-contamination with other food products. This is especially true if the containers are not sealed properly or are kept in an area with fluctuating temperatures.

 

Expert Tip:

The Spice House recommends checking your spice jars for aroma before use. If they smell weak or stale, it’s time to toss them. A good rule of thumb is to replace them every six months to a year for maximum flavor.

 

7 Things You Should Never Keep in Your Kitchen Cabinet

 

2. Towels and Dish Cloths

Although it may seem convenient to store dish towels, rags, and dish cloths in your kitchen cabinets, this is not the best practice. Wet towels are breeding grounds for bacteria and mold, and they can create moisture issues inside your cabinets. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests keeping towels and cloths in a dry, well-ventilated area to reduce the risk of contamination.

 

Why Towels Shouldn’t Be in Kitchen Cabinets

Towels and dish cloths are frequently used for wiping up spills and drying dishes, which means they can quickly become damp or soiled. Storing them in cabinets where airflow is limited can result in a buildup of moisture, creating an environment conducive to mold, mildew, and bacteria. These contaminants can not only affect the cleanliness of your kitchen but can also pose health risks if they come into contact with food or cooking surfaces.

 

Expert Tip:

The FDA recommends washing kitchen towels after every use to keep them free from bacteria. It’s also a good idea to store them in a designated drawer or linen closet, separate from food storage areas.

 

Never Keep in Your Kitchen Cabinets

 

3. Canned Goods (controversial!) –Things You Should Never Keep in Your Kitchen Cabinet

While canned goods are a pantry staple, many people mistakenly store them in their kitchen cabinets. Canned foods should be kept in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a pantry. Humidity and heat can affect the quality and shelf life of the contents. According to Nutrition Experts, storing canned goods in the kitchen, especially near the stove, is not ideal.

 

Why Canned Goods Should Be Stored Properly

Canned goods typically have a long shelf life, but heat and moisture can cause the metal to degrade, affecting the taste and quality of the food inside. Storing cans in a warm, humid environment can also increase the risk of rust or denting, which could compromise the seal of the can. Additionally, improper storage could lead to a situation where the contents may spoil more quickly.

The USDA recommends that canned goods should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and any sources of heat (e.g., stoves, ovens, etc.). A pantry, ideally located away from the kitchen, is the best place for these products.

 

Expert Tip:

For extended shelf life, store cans off the ground to prevent rusting. Using a pantry organizer can help keep your canned goods in an optimal condition.

 

7 Things You Should Never Keep in Your Kitchen Cabinet

 

4. Cleaning Products

While it’s common to store cleaning products under the kitchen sink, it’s not the safest place to keep them in close proximity to food. Cleaning products can leak, spill, or accidentally contaminate your food, especially if they aren’t stored in properly sealed containers. Keeping your cleaning agents in a separate location away from food storage areas reduces the risk of cross-contamination.

 

Why Cleaning Products Belong Outside the Kitchen Cabinet

When it comes to chemicals like bleach, ammonia, and other cleaning agents, storing them in your kitchen cabinets could put your health at risk. Accidental spills or leaks can contaminate food, utensils, or surfaces in your kitchen. Even small amounts of cleaning chemicals can cause allergic reactions or toxicity if consumed. Furthermore, storing cleaning products near food increases the likelihood of unwanted odors, which can make your kitchen unpleasant.

 

Expert Tip:

Try storing cleaning products in a high, locked cabinet or utility closet, away from food and children. Also, ensure products are tightly sealed and labeled correctly.

 

 

5. Pet Food

Another common mistake is storing pet food in kitchen cabinets. While it might seem like a convenient spot, storing pet food near your food can lead to cross-contamination. Pet food should be stored in a sealed container in a cool, dry place away from food.

 

 

Why Pet Food Shouldn’t Be in Kitchen Cabinets

Pet food can attract pests like ants, mice, and insects, which can make their way into your kitchen cabinets and potentially contaminate your food. Additionally, storing pet food in the kitchen can lead to unpleasant odors or even bacteria transfer between the pet food and the human food stored in your cabinets. Using the same storage space for both can also create a chaotic kitchen environment and waste valuable space.

 

Expert Tip:

The PetMD suggests using airtight containers for storing pet food to keep it fresh and safe from pests. Store it in a pantry or utility room, away from your food.

 

6. Medicines

It’s not safe to store medicines in the kitchen. The heat and humidity in the kitchen can alter the effectiveness of medications, especially for those with specific storage instructions. The FDA recommends that you store medicines in a cool, dry place, such as a medicine cabinet or drawer.

 

 

Why Medicines Don’t Belong in Kitchen Cabinets

Storing medications in the kitchen increases the risk of exposure to fluctuating temperatures, which can make certain drugs less effective or even dangerous. Some medications may require specific storage conditions, and the kitchen’s heat, humidity, and light exposure can affect their potency. Additionally, keeping medications in a kitchen cabinet can increase the risk of accidental ingestion, especially by children.

 

Expert Tip:

According to the American Pharmacists Association, medications should be stored in their original containers and kept away from direct sunlight and heat sources, making your bathroom or a dedicated storage space ideal.

 

7. Paper Products

While it might be tempting to store paper towels, napkins, and other paper products in a kitchen cabinet, this is not the most hygienic or practical option. Paper products stored in your kitchen cabinets can absorb grease, moisture, or food particles, making them unsanitary. As Home Experts suggest, paper products should be stored in a dry, cool place to avoid contamination and keep them in optimal condition.

 

Why Paper Products Shouldn’t Be Stored in Kitchen Cabinets

Paper towels, napkins, and other paper products are often used for cleaning up spills, wiping surfaces, or drying dishes. When stored in a cabinet near food or other kitchen items, these products can absorb odors, moisture, and grease, rendering them less effective or potentially contaminated. Additionally, storing paper products in the kitchen can take up valuable space that could be better used for food storage or cooking utensils.

 

Expert Tip:

The National Kitchen and Bath Association recommends storing paper towels on an open holder near the kitchen sink or in a designated pantry or storage closet to keep them dry and easily accessible.

 

7 Things You Should Never Keep in Your Kitchen Cabinet

 

Conclusion on 7 Things You Should Never Keep in Your Kitchen Cabinets

By keeping these seven items out of your kitchen cabinets, you’ll be creating a more organized, hygienic, and safe space for cooking and food storage.

Storing food, cleaning products, medications, and other household items in the proper places not only ensures that your kitchen runs smoothly but also reduces the risk of contamination, spoilage, and even health hazards.

With expert recommendations and a little extra care, your kitchen can remain a functional and safe environment for preparing meals and storing essential items.

Avoid these common mistakes, and you’ll soon see the difference in both the cleanliness and efficiency of your kitchen.

 

Further reading

7 Things You Should Never Have in Your Lounge and Why

7 things you should never have in your bedroom

7 things you should never have in your kitchen 

7 things you should never have in your study

7 things you should never have in your hallway

7 things you should never have in your conservatory

7 things you should never have in a playroom

7 things you should never keep in your fridge

7 things you should never have in your makeup bag

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