15 Items to Purge from Your Kitchen Immediately
Here’s a quick checklist of items to purge from your kitchen that’ll make it easy to declutter and keep this space ready for parties and fun!
If you’re like me, your kitchen is probably one of the most frequently used rooms in your home. It’s where we prepare meals, gather with family and friends, and often serves as the hub for daily activity. However, with all the hustle and bustle, it’s easy for clutter and unnecessary items to accumulate. That’s why I’ve put together a list of 15 things you can get rid of from your kitchen today to help simplify your space.
If you just want to read the list you can skip the rest and head right to The List!
Purge those Mismatched Containers and Lids
First on the list are those mismatched plastic containers and lids that seem to multiply every time you open the cabinet. You know the ones I’m talking about!
It’s time to let go of any containers that are missing lids or are no longer in use.
If you’re like me, you probably have a collection of plastic containers and glass jars in your kitchen cabinets. But how often do you actually use all of them? If you’re struggling to find matching lids for your containers or jars, it’s time to declutter and get rid of them.
Plastic Containers
Plastic containers are super convenient for storing leftovers and meal prepping, but they can quickly take over your cabinets. If you have a pile of plastic containers with missing lids or lids that don’t fit properly, it’s time to let them go.
I can’t explain how this happens, it’s like the sock puzzle in the dryer. I think we sometimes grab one of those containers and don’t use the lid and pretty soon there are just more lids than containers.
To make the process easier, sort through your containers and match them with their lids. If you can’t find a match, it’s time to say goodbye. Consider recycling them, or repurpose them for non-food items like craft supplies or office organization. But definitely don’t leave them in your kitchen – if you don’t have an immediate need for them put them in the recycle container.
Glass Jars
Glass jars are great for storing pantry staples like rice, pasta, and beans, but they can also accumulate quickly. If you have a collection of glass jars with missing lids or mismatched lids, it’s time to declutter.
If you’ve been collecting glass jars and you aren’t really using them, it’s probably time to declutter as well.
Start by sorting through your jars and matching them with their lids. If you have jars without lids or lids without jars, it’s time to let them go.
By decluttering your mismatched containers and lids, you’ll free up space in your cabinets and make it easier to find what you need. Plus, you’ll have a more organized and functional kitchen.
Purge Your Utensil Drawer
Next, take a look at your utensil drawer.
Not just those forks and spoons (what happens to all the spoons anyway?)
Do you really need three different types of whisks or four different spatulas? I’ll admit that I have two of the same spatula and one really skinny one that I love but I try to limit it to that.
Keep only the essentials and donate or toss the rest. Be ruthless, you’ll somehow always accumulate more.
Unused Kitchen Gadgets
As someone who loves to cook, I have accumulated quite a collection of kitchen gadgets over the years. But let’s be honest, how many of them do I actually use on a regular basis? Not many. In fact, I’ve found that some of these gadgets just take up valuable counter and cabinet space. Here are a few kitchen gadgets that I’ve decided to get rid of:
- Garlic Press: While a garlic press can be handy, I find that it’s just as easy to chop garlic with a knife. Plus, cleaning a garlic press can be a hassle.
- Egg Slicer: I used to love using an egg slicer to make perfect slices for salads and sandwiches. But I’ve found that a sharp knife works just as well and takes up less space. And again, way easier to clean.
- Avocado Slicer: Yes, I know avocado slicers are all the rage right now. But I’ve found that a knife works just as well and is easier to clean.
- Mandoline Slicer: A mandoline slicer can be great for making thin, even slices, but I’ve found that it’s also easy to accidentally slice your fingers or your knuckles. It’s definitely one of the most dangerous tools in the kitchen!
By getting rid of these unused kitchen gadgets, I’ve freed up valuable space in my kitchen and made it easier to find the tools that I actually use on a regular basis.
Purge those Expired Pantry Staples
As I was cleaning out my pantry, I found several expired pantry staples that I had forgotten about. It’s important to get rid of these items as they might be harmful to your health and affect the taste of your food. Here are some expired pantry staples that you should get rid of today:
- Flour: Flour can attract bugs and become rancid over time. Check the expiration date on your flour and get rid of any that are expired. If you’re not sure if your flour is still good, you can check for a musty smell or any signs of bugs.
- Canned Goods: Canned goods can last a long time, but they do have an expiration date. Check the dates on your canned goods and get rid of any that are expired. Expired canned goods can contain harmful bacteria and can make you sick.
- Oils: Oils can become rancid over time and lose their flavor. Check the expiration date on your oils and get rid of any that are expired. You can also check the smell and taste of your oils to see if they are still good.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Baking powder and baking soda lose their potency over time and can affect the outcome of your baked goods. Check the expiration date on your baking powder and baking soda and get rid of any that are expired. I find that I generally replace these once a year when we start holiday cooking!
By getting rid of these expired pantry staples, you can make room for new and fresh ingredients in your kitchen. Plus, you’ll be ensuring that the food you eat is safe and delicious.
Old Spices and Herbs
As a home cook, I know how easy it is to accumulate a collection of spices and herbs. However, it’s important to regularly check the expiration dates and get rid of any old or stale ones. Here are a few reasons why:
- Loss of flavor: Over time, spices and herbs lose their potency and flavor. This can result in dull and lackluster dishes, which is not what any cook wants.
- Potential health risks: Old spices and herbs can harbor bacteria, mold, and other harmful microorganisms. Using them in your cooking can put you and your family at risk for foodborne illnesses.
To avoid these issues, I recommend going through your spice collection at least once a year. Check the expiration dates and give them a sniff test. If they smell musty or stale, it’s time to toss them.
It’s also a good idea to store your spices and herbs properly. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Invest in some airtight containers to help keep them fresh for longer.
The only one you should double check is sale. Pure salt doesn’t expire, but salt with additives might.
Excess Cleaning Supplies
As I was decluttering my kitchen, I realized that I had accumulated a lot of excess cleaning supplies over time. I had multiple bottles of the same cleaning product, half-used sponges, and old rags that were just taking up space.
I had purchased a dish soap at some point that had an unpleasant scent and some of my sponges had fallen out the back of the drawer and been unaccounted for when I purchased more.
I decided to simplify my cleaning routine by getting rid of all the excess supplies that I don’t need. I started by taking inventory of what I already have and then made a list of the essential cleaning supplies that I actually use on a regular basis. Turns out there weren’t that many.
Here are a few tips to help you get rid of excess cleaning supplies in your kitchen:
- Check expiration dates: Some cleaning supplies have expiration dates, and using them past their prime can be less effective or even harmful. Check the labels and dispose of any expired products.
- Donate unused supplies: If you have cleaning supplies that are still in good condition but you don’t use them, consider donating them to a local shelter or charity.
- Use multi-purpose products: Instead of having multiple products for different cleaning tasks, try using multi-purpose products that can do it all. This will help simplify your cleaning routine and save space. I actually use window cleaner for quite a lot of my cleaning!
By getting rid of excess cleaning supplies, you can create a more organized and efficient kitchen. Plus, you’ll have a better idea of what you actually need and can avoid unnecessary purchases in the future.
A Few More Ideas
Here are just a few more ideas of places you can quickly declutter in your kitchen!
- Dish Towels (donate stained or threadbare to the local animal shelter)
- Takeout Menus (you can find them online)
By getting rid of these unnecessary items, you’ll not only free up space in your kitchen but also make it a more functional and enjoyable place to be. So, grab a trash bag and let’s get started!
The List
Here’s everything above – just in a handy list format!
- Anything that doesn’t actually belong in the kitchen (papers, etc)
- Mismatched Containers and Lids
- Unused Glass Jars
- Unused Utensils
- Excess Gadgets – Bread Machine, Garlic Press, Mandolin Slicer, Egg Slicer, Juice Machine
- Expired Pantry Staples and any other expired food
- Old Herbs and Spices
- Excess Cleaning Supplies
- Old and Tired Dish Towels
- Takeout Menus
- Old or broken cutting boards
- Coffee Mugs (I think these multiply)
- Cookbooks (that you don’t use)
- Promotional Water Bottles
- Condiment Packs and Plastic Cutlery from takeout
Once you’ve cleared it all out it’s time to plan a party!!
But only if you want to. I will admit that I find planning a dinner or even just coffee can be a big incentive for me to get these kinds of chores done. Nobody really wants to purge the kitchen but everybody probably needs to.
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