10 things in your kitchen you need to throw out ASAP
Most of us spend a lot of time in the kitchen, so it can easily turn into a chaotic mess.
Chances there are junk drawers filled with random papers, countertops cluttered with spices, plus that overfilled cabinet you have to quickly close before containers come crashing out. 'Unlike other areas of the home, items in the kitchen tend to rotate in and out on a regular basis,' says Ann Lightfoot, founding partner of Done & Done Home. That's why it's so important to regularly take stock of what you own — purging rarely used things and tossing items that are hiding in the back of kitchen cabinets and drawers.
Kitchen clutter can put a damper on your daily routine, making it more difficult to cook, clean or host guests. Not to mention, the daily frustration that comes along with crowded cabinets and drawers. There are likely plenty of items in your kitchen that you don't need — or worse, are full of harmful bacteria or chemicals.
Below, professional organisers share their advice for clearing clutter in the kitchen once and for all, starting with the things you should get rid of right away.
❌ Worn-out cutting boards
Plastic cutting boards wear out over time, leading to grooves that are difficult to clean. "Cutting boards that are heavily scratched can trap bacteria," says Shira Gill, organizing expert and author of Minimalista. While wooden and bamboo boards also develop grooves, they can be sanded and treated with oil, making them a more sustainable option.
❌ Small specialty appliances
Think about it: How often do you actually use that ice cream maker, panini press, seasonal waffle maker or shaved ice machine? "Space is a huge factor when deciding whether to hold onto small specialty appliances," says Ashley Murphy, co-founder of NEAT Method. "If space is limited, we recommend only keeping small appliances you're using regularly. Items used only once a year just aren't worth the clutter you have to visualise daily."
❌ User manuals
That new dishwasher, refrigerator or small appliance, like a toaster, came with a lengthy user manual. Instead of tossing it in a junk drawer to accumulate clutter, place it directly in the trash. "They can all be found online," says Murphy. "The next time you need help resetting your microwave, pull up the instructions online. In many cases, you'll even find an easy-to-follow how-to video."
❌ Chipped or cracked dishes
If a few dishes in your set have minor chips or cracks, it might not seem like a big deal to hold onto them. In reality, "small cracks in ceramic can harbor bacteria," says Gill. Not to mention, sharp chips are an eyesore and might cut your hands or mouth as you eat.
❌ Plastic that's not BPA-free
"Toss any plastic that's not BPA-free," says Natalie Schrier, founder of Cut the Clutter. Plastic containers and utensils, especially when warped or stained, may cause harmful chemicals, like BPA, to seep into food. Instead, swap dingy plastic containers for wood, stainless steel or glass alternatives.
❌ Expired foods
"You might be surprised how much expired food is hiding away in the corners of your pantry and fridge," says Murphy. "Take a minute to scan expiration dates and toss anything past its prime." Things like breadcrumbs, brown rice and whole wheat flour have a much shorter shelf life than you might expect. And, don't forget that spices expire!
❌ Kitchen sponges
Try to remember the last time your replaced your kitchen sponge — was it within the last week or two? They should be replaced at least every two weeks, or sooner if they smell. "Sponges can be breeding grounds for bacteria and should be replaced regularly," says Gill, who suggests switching to compostable sponges or washable cloths to reduce waste.
❌ Old dishtowels and table linens
Obviously, you don't need to throw away all of your dishtowels or table linens, but these tend to accumulate and it's important to purge them from time to time. "Get rid of any linens that are stained or ripped," plus any you rarely use, says Schrier.
❌ Scratched non-stick pans
Your scratched non-stick cookware might be releasing toxic chemicals into your food. "Replace these pans with safer options like cast iron, stainless steel or ceramic-coated cookware," suggests Gill. Certain cookware brands and community recycling centres will accept used cookware, so you don't have to toss pans in the trash.
❌ Reusable water bottles
Take stock of how many reusable water bottles you have stashed in the kitchen. Realistically, you only need one or two per person in the household.
How to responsibly dispose of clutter
Just because you no longer need something, doesn't mean it's trash. If your kitchen items (like small appliances or reusable water bottles) are in good condition, donate them to charity shops or consider listing them online or on Facebook Marketplace. For broken, stained or worn-out kitchen items, research recycling options in your area before throwing items in the bin.
More decluttering tips...
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Intro. Unlike other areas of the home, items in the kitchen tend to rotate in and out on a regular basis. Ann, Done & Done Home.Intro.Warped or stained plastic food storagePlastic containers, especially when warped or stained, can leach harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates into your food. Opt for glass or stainless steel alternatives instead. If your old plastic is recyclable, check local guidelines to dispose of it properly. Shira Gill, organizing expert and author of Minimalista Traditional spongesUsed sponges can be breeding grounds for bacteria and should be replaced regularly. Swap them for more sustainable options like compostable sponges or washable cloths to reduce waste. GillChipped or cracked dishesEven small cracks in ceramics can harbor bacteria and may leach lead or other chemicals. Toss these items and replace them with more durable, eco-friendly alternatives. GillWorn-out cutting boardsCutting boards that are heavily scratched can trap bacteria in the grooves. Wooden or bamboo boards are great sustainable options—just sand them down if they start to wear out! GillScratched pots and pansWhen non-stick cookware gets scratched, it can release toxic chemicals into your food. Replace these pans with safer options like cast iron, stainless steel, or ceramic-coated cookware. Many communities offer cookware recycling programs—search for a local drop-off point. GillAlso consider throwing away pots and pans that are damaged or no longer work well. While it's not ideal to throw away something like a pan, if it doesn't work and you never use it, it should be tossed. Ann, Done & Done HomeSmall appliances you never useThings in your kitchen that you should consider donating are small appliances you only use once or twice a year. If you think you might need that one appliance for the party you may or may not have, ask yourself whether you could borrow one from a friend or neighbor. Small appliances take up a lot of valuable real estate in your kitchen and it may not be worth it to store them for occasional use. Ann, Done & Done HomeSpace is a huge factor when deciding whether to hold onto specialty small appliances - we’re talking shaved ice machines and seasonal waffle makers. If you have space, tuck them out of the way on a lower pantry shelf or kitchen cupboard. If space is limited, we recommend only holding onto the small appliances you’re using regularly. Items used only once a year just aren’t worth the clutter you have to visualize daily. Ashley Murphy, NEAT Expired foodsYou might be surprised how much expired food is hiding away in the corners of your pantry and fridge. Take a minute to scan expiration dates and toss anything past its prime. Ashley Murphy, NEATItems Missing Pieces: From lids and straws, to necessary attachments and accessories - if your item is no longer functioning properly you can safely say goodbye. Take the opportunity to replace it with one that has all the parts. Ashley Murphy, NEATAppliance Manuals: Troubleshooting and Quick Start guides for household appliances might seem like something you have to hold onto, but the truth is, they can all be found online. The next time you need help resetting your microwave pull up the instructions online. In many cases, you’ll even find an easy-to-follow how-to video. Ashley Murphy, NEAT
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