Kitchen cabinets often become the go-to spot for almost everything in the house, from food and cookware to cleaning supplies and small appliances. But some items can spoil, get damaged, or even become a safety hazard when stored in the wrong place.
Heat, moisture, and limited storage space can all cause problems, especially in a busy kitchen. Here are 12 things worth moving out of your cabinets and storing somewhere better.
Bread, Pastries, and Baked Goods
Bread, muffins, rolls, and pastries can develop mold faster in warm, humid cabinets, particularly those near the stove or dishwasher. Keep them in an airtight container in a cool, dry spot, or freeze what you won’t finish within a few days.
Cooking Oils Near Heat Sources
Keeping cooking oils in a cabinet beside or above the stove exposes them to heat that can affect their flavor and quality. Store them in a cool, dark cupboard away from the oven, stove, and other heat-producing appliances.
Bulk Flour, Rice, Sugar, and Grains
Opened bags of flour, rice, oats, cereal, and other dry foods can spill easily and give pantry pests a way in. Move these ingredients into airtight containers, label them, and use older supplies before opening new ones.
Spices and Dried Herbs Above the Stove
The cabinet above the stove may be convenient for cooking, but heat and steam can cause spices and dried herbs to lose their flavor sooner. Keep seasonings in a cool, dry drawer or pantry shelf away from your cooking appliances.
Cleaning Supplies Near Food
Don’t store bleach, oven cleaner, disinfectants, or dishwasher detergent beside food, dishes, or cooking utensils. Store these products separately and keep them in their original containers with the labels intact.
Pesticides and Pest Control Products
Roach spray, ant bait, mouse poison, and other pest control products should never be stored near food or kitchen equipment. Store them away from food preparation and storage areas, following the instructions on each product’s label.
Flammable Products
Lighter fluid, fuel canisters, paint thinner, and fire starters are poor choices for kitchen cabinet storage because they can pose a fire risk near cooking appliances. Store these products in a suitable area away from heat, flames, and living spaces, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Medicines, Vitamins, and Supplements
Kitchen cabinets can expose medicines and supplements to heat and moisture from cooking, washing dishes, and steam. Keep them in their original containers in a cool, dry, secure location, unless the label gives different storage instructions.
Paper Towels, Napkins, and Cookbooks
Paper towels, napkins, recipe cards, and cookbooks can absorb moisture in cabinets near the sink, stove, or dishwasher. Store them in a dry spot away from splashes and steam to prevent damp paper, musty smells, and damaged pages.
Small Electronics and Battery-Powered Gadgets
Kitchen scales, food thermometers, timers, milk frothers, and other small gadgets can be damaged by moisture or accidental leaks. Keep them in a dry drawer or cupboard away from plumbing, sinks, and heat sources, and store spare batteries according to their packaging instructions.
Reusable Bags and Oversized Extras
Reusable shopping bags, lunch bags, extra food containers, and rarely used serving pieces can take up more cabinet space than you realize. Keep the items you reach for regularly in the kitchen and move the extras to a closet, pantry, or entryway storage area.
Heavy and Bulky Appliances
Stand mixers, slow cookers, air fryers, and pressure cookers can be awkward and unsafe to lift from high cabinets. Store heavier appliances in lower cabinets, deep drawers, or sturdy shelves where you can reach them without straining.
