Six things you should never have on your kitchen island
It has always been said, and rightly so, that the kitchen is the heart of the home. Not only is it the place where the most delicious dishes are prepared, but also the space where you often gather with the family to share a coffee or where, leaning on the countertop, you share how your day went while the other one does the dishes.
Thus, the kitchen island becomes a focal point for everyone and everything. You come home from the supermarket and leave the bags on the counter, you finish a coffee and put the cup down to wash it later, and, without realizing it, everything starts to pile up. What is initially a space designed for cooking, quickly turns into chaos. From forgotten knives to a toaster that shouldn't be there, the kitchen island can go from being a functional area to an obstacle, affecting not only our efficiency, but also our safety.
That's why, in this article, we'll look at what items should never take up space on your kitchen island. In addition to avoiding clutter, you will learn how to better organize your kitchen to cook with peace of mind, reduce visual clutter and safety, thus reducing the risk of accidents.
1. Knives and sharp utensils
It's tempting to always have your knives close at hand, but have you ever stopped to think about the risks of having them exposed on the island? As practical as it may seem, having knives or sharp kitchen utensils within reach not only increases the risk of accidents, but can also be dangerous if you have small children or pets. Instead of leaving knives in plain sight, opt for storing them on a wooden block or magnetic strip near your kitchen sink or workstation. Not only will this increase safety, but it will also allow you to keep your island clutter-free.
Check out this article to learn more about "safe knife storage in the kitchen".
2. Cleaning products
Cleaning products, although necessary, should never be in plain sight on the countertop. Not only do they contribute to visual clutter, but they can be dangerous if they spill or come in contact with food. It's best to store them in a cabinet or under the sink, so they are kept out of reach of children or those who don't know how to handle them properly. In addition, this will help free up space on your island, creating a cleaner, more organized environment.
3. Correspondence, cookbooks and other papers.
Who hasn't ever left mail, a recipe book or shopping list on the kitchen island? Although it seems like a convenient place to leave them, these items quickly contribute to clutter. For one thing, papers run the risk of getting damaged by absorbing grease, moisture and food debris, and they also become a source of dirt. They can become unusable if liquids or food leftovers are spilled on them. Even in the worst case, paper near heat sources poses a fire risk. It is preferable to find a suitable place for them, such as a table or shelf, where you can access them when you need them without them interfering with your work space. If you need to use a cookbook to follow the steps on how to make some Brazilian coxinhas, it is recommended that you use a lectern on which to place the book.
4. Small household appliances
The blenders, the air fryer, toasters, blenders and other small appliances are essential in the kitchen, but having them always on the island can make the space feel cluttered. While it's tempting to keep them nearby, it's ideal to store them in a place where you can access them without losing all the usable space on the island. If you use several appliances on a regular basis, consider investing in a small table on wheels to keep them close by, but off the island.
5. Fruits and vegetables that do not require refrigeration
Placing a fruit and vegetable bowl full of fruits and vegetables of all colors and flavors on the countertop or kitchen island may seem practical and even aesthetic, but in reality it poses risks to the safety, order and hygiene of the space. During the preparation of raw foods, such as meat or fish, it is possible for splashes to reach the fruit and vegetables displayed in the fruit bowl. This increases the risk of cross-contamination, compromising food safety. In addition, certain fruits emit ethylene, a gas that accelerates ripening and spoilage of other nearby produce, generating unnecessary waste. They can also attract pests such as fruit flies, moths and ants, affecting the cleanliness of the kitchen. On the other hand, the accumulation of objects on the countertop reduces work space, making food preparation more difficult and increasing the risk of accidents. To avoid these problems, it is advisable to store fruits in ventilated baskets away from sources of heat and humidity, keeping the kitchen more organized, safe and functional.
6. Cups, glasses or plates
Have you ever left an empty coffee cup or glass of water on the island after eating or drinking something? This is a common habit that contributes to clutter and takes up space that could be put to better use. It's best to take empty cups and glasses directly to the sink after use to prevent them from piling up on the island and taking up valuable space.
A tidy worktop ensures a more organized and enjoyable cooking experience
The kitchen is usually, in most homes, the heart of the house. Keeping the countertop and kitchen island tidy is essential to facilitate its maintenance, reduce stress during cooking, optimize the available work space and, most especially, kitchen safety. Every item you place on the island should have a clear purpose, whether it is to facilitate cooking, cleaning or organization. If you haven't yet taken the step to reorganize your kitchen, why not do it today? Start by eliminating those unnecessary items on the island and you'll see how the atmosphere in your kitchen will improve immediately, making your cooking space safer and more efficient!
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Patricia
