8 Things You Shouldn't Store in Kitchen Cabinets

If you want to transform your kitchen into a more functional and stress-free space, you can start by cleaning out your cabinets. You might think you know the best spots to keep food and supplies, but do you? Knowing where to put everything helps keep your kitchen organized and your food safe. Ready? Open your cabinets and let's get started!

#1. Cleaning Supplies

Kids and pets can easily reach cabinets, especially those under the sink where people often keep cleaning products. While natural cleaners like vinegar and baking soda are generally safe, anything with strong chemicals should be stored somewhere out of reach. If you have young children who love to explore, we recommend storing cleaning products in a locked cabinet or closet.

#2. Pure Maple Syrup

Less-expensive pancake syrup usually lasts a long time on the shelf because it has preservatives that keep it from spoiling. However, pure maple syrup doesn't have these preservatives, which means it can go bad quickly. To keep pure maple syrup fresh and tasty, it's best to store it in the refrigerator. This way, it stays safe to use and maintains its delicious flavor for a longer time.

#3. Open Packages of Food

Usually, you should store most of your food either in the refrigerator or in the pantry. If you have to keep food in a cabinet because you're short on space, try using plastic or glass containers to help organize it better. By keeping food out of your cabinets, you'll have more room for dishes, glasses, and other kitchen essentials that really belong there.

#4. Shopping Bags

Grocery sacks, whether they're paper or plastic, can really clutter up your kitchen cabinets. Instead, try to keep them organized in a different spot, like the laundry room or even your car. Or consider purchasing a bag organizer that fits neatly in an out-of-the-way space.

#5. Nuts and Natural Nut Butters

Nuts and nut butters are full of healthy fats, but these fats can go bad quickly and create a rancid taste. To keep nuts fresh for a longer time, store them in an airtight container and put them in the fridge. This helps keep moisture out and keeps the nuts tasting fresh. As for natural nut butters, they will last twice as long when stored in the fridge. Plus, you won't have to deal with the oil separation from cabinet storage.

#6. Non-Kitchen Items

While it might make sense to use your kitchen for crafting supplies, office equipment, or random papers, if you don't have a special place for them, they can create a snowballing clutter issue. If you need to keep such items, dedicate an organized space for them, like a family command center. Otherwise, the kitchen should stay focused on its main job: being a clean and functional space for cooking.

#7. Bug Killers

Keeping bug sprays in your kitchen cabinets might seem convenient, but it's actually better to store them somewhere safer so kids and pets can't reach them. Try the garage, basement, or other area with less foot traffic, and keep them on a high shelf. Even if you don't have pets or small children, you don't want those chemicals near your food preparation areas.

#8. Bananas

Our favorite peelable fruit is best stored on your countertop. Why? Cabinet storage can actually cause bananas to ripen more quickly, so it's better to store them on your countertop rather than in the pantry.

Keeping your kitchen neat and organized makes cooking and preparing meals much easier and more fun. When you free your cabinets of items that shouldn't be there, you will create a safer and more functional environment. With just a little effort to keep things in order, you'll have a kitchen that works better for you and makes cooking a lot more enjoyable.

References: 7 Items You Should Never Store in Kitchen Cabinets | 6 Items Not to Store in Your Kitchen Cabinets, According to Home Organizers | 5 Things You Should Not Store in Your Kitchen Cabinets | How to Buy and Store Nut Butters Like a Pro