The 10 Things You Should Never Store on Your Kitchen Countertops — And Why Most People Still Do It

If you’re like me, you own more appliances than you use.

I had a waffle maker, a smoothie blender, an air fryer, and a sandwich press — all proudly displayed. But the truth? I only used one or two regularly.

Instead of cluttering your counters, store rarely used appliances in a cabinet or pantry. Keep daily-use ones like your coffee maker out, but give everything else a designated spot away from sight.

The result? Your kitchen instantly looks more polished — no kitchen remodel near me needed.

4. Fruits and Veggies That Spoil Fast

You might think that colorful pile of avocados and tomatoes looks Pinterest-perfect, but many fruits and veggies are highly sensitive to light and temperature.

Avocados ripen too fast. Potatoes sprout. Tomatoes lose flavor. Onions rot near potatoes. The list goes on.

Stick to displaying bananas or apples. Store the rest in a cool pantry or the fridge, depending on what it is.

5. Spices

I used to proudly keep my spice rack near the stove — ready for action. But I later learned that heat and light degrade the flavor of spices.

That dried basil? Tasteless. That cinnamon? Weak.

Best practice: Keep spices in a drawer or cabinet away from the stove. It not only preserves flavor but gives your counter a cleaner look.

6. Paperwork and Mail

Raise your hand if your kitchen counter becomes the catch-all for bills, coupons, doctor’s notes, and grocery lists.

(I’m guilty too.)

The issue isn’t just clutter — it’s stress. Piles of paper make your kitchen look messy and make important papers easier to lose.

Create a command center somewhere else — a drawer, wall basket, or small office corner. Your kitchen should feel warm and welcoming, not like a mini post office.

7. Cutting Boards

Stacked cutting boards in the corner might feel practical, but they often slide around, attract crumbs, and add visual noise.

Try storing them vertically in a cabinet using a file-sorter-style rack or a simple divider. It looks neater and keeps your boards clean.

8. Pet Food and Bowls

This one surprised me — but it makes sense.

Leaving pet food or treats on the counter might feel convenient, especially if your pets are part of the family. But open kibble bags or containers attract pests and leave a smell behind.

Fix: Use an airtight container and store it in a pantry or drawer. Keep bowls on a mat in a dedicated floor space — ideally not near food prep areas.

9. Coffee Pods or Beans in Glass Jars

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