When you first become an adult, it’s tempting to start kitting your kitchen out with just about every appliance and peripheral, with the perception that it will improve your ability to cook. As you grow older, though, you come to the realization that half of these items simply contribute to clutter and that it’s much wiser (and often safer) to have a clearout and upgrade. So, to aid in your decluttering, here are some kitchen items that you should probably throw away after hitting 30.
Old, Warped Cutting Boards
It can be really tempting to keep hold of cracked and grooved cutting boards, as they have clearly had a lot of use, making them somewhat sentimental. However, they really should be thrown in the trash, especially those made of wood, as they can harbor bacteria even with regular cleaning. If you really want to keep them, consider sanding them down, and you’ll be able to get rid of the dirty layer of wood.
Nonstick Pans with Scratches
Believe it or not, some older scratched nonstick pans may release small amounts of chemicals, although modern PFOA-free pans are much safer. Regardless, scratches wear down the surface over time, impacting cooking quality. Meanwhile, cast iron or stainless steel pans make excellent upgrades, offering long-lasting durability without chemical concerns. So, just chuck your old non-stick pans and replace them with something that will last.
Blunt Knives
Not only is there no point keeping a dull knife, but it can also be dangerous, requiring more force to cut and subsequently increasing the risk of injury during use. Sure, regular sharpening can help, but there’s only so blunt a knife can become and still be salvageable. Just upgrade to a higher quality knife, make sure you maintain it and safely dispose of your old knives.
Plastic Storage Containers
Some plastics may release chemicals when microwaved, especially older, non-BPA-free containers. As a result, it’s probably worth chucking your old plastic storage containers. If you’re still concerned about the presence of BPA in modern alternatives, glass containers would be a good upgrade, providing a durable, heat-resistant alternative that won’t absorb food odors or stains.
Chipped Dishes and Glasses
Not only do chipped dishes pose a risk of injury, but they can also harbor bacteria in the cracks. Replacing them keeps your dining experience safe and enhances the visual appeal of your kitchen. We think you’ll find that a complete, unchipped set will make every meal feel a little fresher.
Cheap Wine Glasses
Ask yourself whether you really need to keep all those old, cheap wine glasses, especially if you’ve acquired fancier glasses over time. You’d be surprised at how much having a proper wine glass can improve the wine-drinking experience and even the flavor and aroma. So, have a wine glass clearout, and you’re unlikely to miss the old ones.
Mismatched Cutlery
Most households are guilty of having mismatched cutlery, but while it’s normal, a matching set is undeniably more pleasant and elegant to use. Sure, functionality isn’t compromised by using mismatched cutlery, but you probably wouldn’t wear odd socks, either, so why not sort out your cutlery drawer?
Plastic Utensils
People often hoard plastic utensils after receiving them from food deliveries, but they should chuck them out and stop buying them. Plastic utensils often warp, stain, and may melt when exposed to high heat, releasing chemicals in the process. Make sure you recycle them safely and then upgrade to wooden, silicone, or stainless-steel options, which will enhance durability and safety while saving the environment.
Worn-Out Dish Towels
Frayed, old towels are less effective for drying and can even retain moisture, leading to bacterial growth–do you really want to dry clean items with that?! Your answer to that is probably “no,” so it might be time to throw them out or recycle them, switching to new, absorbent towels which will be much more hygienic.
Cheap, Flimsy Baking Sheets
Not many people realize that warped or rusty baking sheets don’t cook food evenly, impacting results and increasing replacement frequency. Therefore, they’re worth throwing away and replacing with heavy-duty baking sheets, which not only last longer but also conduct heat more evenly, making baking easier and results more consistent.
Heavily Used Sponges
Perhaps you don’t do this, but you’d be surprised at how common it is–hoarding old, heavily used sponges under the kitchen sink. Frankly, this is pretty gross because even if you clean them, used sponges will always contain some nasty bacteria. So, throw away any sponges that are greasy, smelly, or just visibly gross, and get yourself some washable alternatives that can be safely reused.
Random Plastic Cups
Just as with plastic cutlery, you might have a plastic cup collection in one of your cupboards, perhaps from events or old sets. There’s nothing inherently wrong with using these, other than that they clutter up your cupboards unnecessarily. Realistically, you just don’t need that many cups, so consider switching to glassware or at least getting yourself a matching cup set.
Herb and Spice Containers Older Than Your Job
Another kitchen item that you should ditch after 30 is that age-old spice rack. Contrary to popular belief, spices do go bad over time, losing their flavor and reducing the impact of your recipes. Spices aren’t that expensive, either, so take a moment to throw out all those old spices and replace them with fresh stuff. Feel free to refill the old containers with your newer spices, though!
Bulky Appliances You Never Use
As we mentioned in the intro, lots of people are guilty of cluttering their kitchen with unused appliances, such as juicers, bread makers, or popcorn machines. While they might be fun to use for a couple of weeks, they usually end up taking up valuable counter or cabinet space without much long-term use. Just take some time to assess what you actually use and clear out the rest.
Cheap Toaster
Are you one of the many people who bought the cheapest toaster they could find from the store, only to discover that it constantly trips your electricity? If so, c’mon–it’s time to invest in a higher-quality toaster. You don’t even need to spend that much to get one that won’t cause you electricity problems, so there’s really no excuse to be living with this inconvenience.
Cheap Peelers and Graters
As with blunt knives, low-quality peelers and graters can be more difficult and even hazardous to use, as you’ll need to give them more force when using them. Therefore, investing in better tools makes peeling and grating safer and faster, enhancing the efficiency of your food prep while cutting down frustration. As with many things on this list, upgrading won’t be expensive, so don’t put it off until later.
Collection of Old Mugs
Finally, we’re not necessarily saying that you should throw your old, sentimental mugs in the trash, but do you really need to keep them in your kitchen cabinet? This feels cluttered and chaotic and can even lead to you accidentally smashing an old favorite. As a compromise, choose all of your favorites and store them safely in a box, sticking to using a single mug set to keep your kitchen better organized.