The kitchen is quite literally the bread and butter of every home. The kitchen is where you spend the most time in (excluding the bedroom), and you may not even notice how many things you have in it.

Don’t wait until spring cleaning to declutter your kitchen. We’ve done our research and have come up with a list of things you don’t necessarily need in your kitchen. Here are five tips that will help you create a seamless cooking space.

 

Old & Worn Out Objects

Keeping old sponges is a common issue that we often see in many kitchens. While you can attempt to extend the lifespan of a sponge by cleaning it frequently and sanitizing it in the microwave, sponges harbor bacteria that could threaten people with weak immune systems. You may think you’re saving a ton of money by keeping your old and worn-out objects, but trust us, you’ll be better off in the long run by just replacing them.

Worn-out cutting boards are also a considerable health hazard because the grooves and scratches on your cutting board are difficult to thoroughly clean. These nooks and crannies can become breeding grounds for bacteria that could make you sick, especially if the cutting board is for cutting meat. If you see signs of extreme wear and tear on your cutting board, it’s time to toss it in the bin.

 

Old Favorite Utensils

Although your spatulas and other old utensils may harbor some sentimental value, it also brings tons of risks that come with them whenever you use them. Chipped and cracked utensils are a hazard that you should always toss away immediately.

Pieces of rubber on your old utensils can melt in hot soups or sauces, chipped pieces of wood could sneak their way into your food, and bacteria can also easily sneak into the chips of your decade-old wooden spatula! It’s never too expensive to replace your utensils when your health is at risk.

 

Unused Appliances, Their Boxes, & Their Instruction Booklets

Your kitchen is filled with appliances and all sorts of kitchen gadgets that you’ve collected over time. Although many of these gadgets can save you a ton of time and effort, you don’t need every single one. Think about which kitchen gadgets you really need and which ones you can live without.

One way to make this easier is to take inventory and consider selling or donating the appliances you don’t need. Disposing of the instruction booklets and the boxes that come with the appliances can also help you save up on precious closet space that you can use for something else.

 

Unused Condiments & Utensils From Takeout Orders

Say it with me, “I don’t need sixty packets of ketchup and a mountain of plastic cutlery in my drawers.” Tossing the condiments and cutlery from your takeout orders may seem like a waste, but it’s not like you will need these anytime soon.

Toss out the condiments that have already expired, or just opt out of getting these condiments and extra utensils in the first place the next time you get takeout.

 

Old Spices

Some spices are used more often than others. If you’re someone who loves experimenting with flavors, you probably have a ton of unused bottles of spices sitting at the back of your spice rack. Although you can keep spices for between two to four years at room temperature, they lose their aroma and taste over time.

Try buying spices in smaller quantities next time to avoid any food waste. For spices that have grown old and stale, toss them immediately to declutter your spice rack. 

 

Decluttering your kitchen is the essence of creating a solid workspace that you feel comfortable in. If you have more suggestions, feel free to share them with us below!