A clean kitchen counter makes your space look neat and sharp. If you store unnecessary things, your kitchen will be disorganized, and you will have more things to clean and less time to cook. The number one countertop principle is to keep it minimal and clutter-free, and this article will provide you with some do’s and don’ts to keep your countertops clean.
What are the Do’s?
We believe that kitchen counters should be filled with things you use daily or frequently. This minimizes mess and you have everything you need in front of you. This comes down to personal preference, but you should have an idea of what kitchen staples or utensils you want to keep on your counter space.
Here is a list of things you CAN add to your kitchen countertop that make sense:
Coffee Spot
There are certain appliances that you use every day, such as a coffee maker, so it makes sense that you want to store it in your countertop. However, the best way would be to set up a coffee zone spot, where you store mugs, coffee, to-go cups, and coffee filters.
Dish Rack
Another must-have is a dish rack, especially if you don’t already own a dishwasher. This is great if you live by yourself or you do the dishes by hand. And if you’re worried about the countertops getting dirty, plank countertops are a great option. These countertops are extremely easy to clean and they leave no stains.
Cooking Utensils
If you’re someone who spends most of your time cooking, you know how hard it is to run around searching for utensils. The best place to leave your utensils such as spoons, spatulas, tongs, or ladles is next to the stove, as this is much more practical. Additionally, you could also get a utensil crock or even DIY one to match the décor of your kitchen.
Paper Towels
Paper towels are a must in your kitchen, and this goes without saying. They always come in handy since you don’t know when you’re going to need one, so it’s always better to keep them nearby. The best spot to keep your paper towels is near the sink because that’s where you’ll need them most.
Fruit Basket
What’s a kitchen countertop without a veggie or fruit basket? This just makes it look more cozy and homey, and they look nice. As a bonus, you or other people are more likely to eat fruits or veggies if they are displayed than if you were to refrigerate them. You can also use wicker hamper basket for four that matches your kitchen and also good for picnics.
Mixer
Bulky and large appliances like a mixer are difficult to store in a cabinet or elsewhere because the size and weight might damage the cabinets. Depending on your cabinets, you might get away with hiding a mixer in there, but we still recommend keeping it on the counter. Plus, it’s much more convenient.
What are the Don’ts?
A messy kitchen countertop is a big no-no. It makes your kitchen look unorganized and nobody wants that. It would be best to store some unnecessary items in a cabinet, shelf, or pantry so that you make the most of your countertops.
Here are some things that you should NOT store in your countertop:
Appliances Not Used Frequently
Okay, so we mentioned that you should only display the appliances that you frequently use, rather than the ones you rarely use. That’s because some appliances you use only a few times a year, so it’s best to get them off the countertop and leave some space for other useful appliances.
Serving Pieces
Although you might use serving pieces on a daily basis, they can get cramped up in the countertop, taking more space than needed. One option would be to mount them on the wall and they can act as décor pieces, while also displayed in front of you.
Papers
You might have a habit of collecting papers and just putting them on the countertop because that’s convenient. But, they take up more room than is necessary and can be stored in another place, like the wall above the counter.
If you get used to collecting papers on the countertop, it becomes a huge mess and then you have to clean up afterwards.
