The kitchen is a space with frequent temperature changes, large humidity fluctuations, and potential leftover food residues—and this unique environment means some items are simply not suitable for cabinet storage. Storing such items improperly not only risks food spoilage and safety hazards, but also degrades the items’ performance over time.
Below are several types of items that should never be placed in kitchen cabinets, along with a detailed breakdown of the potential risks and better storage alternatives.
1. Foods That Spoil Quickly
Cabinets might seem sealed, but they experience temperature fluctuations, especially near the oven or dishwasher. These items belong in the pantry, a cool dark place, or the fridge:
Potatoes & Onions: The enclosed space can cause them to sprout or mold faster. Store them in a cool, dark, well-ventilated basket or bin instead.
Garlic: Similarly, it can sprout or degrade in the humid environment of a cabinet.
Certain Oils: Specialty oils like walnut oil or flaxseed oil, and any nut oils once opened, can go rancid quickly from heat and light. Refrigerate them.
2. Items That Attract Pests
Don't inadvertently roll out the welcome mat for ants, moths, and weevils. Avoid storing these in original, flimsy packaging:
Open Grains & Flour: Bag clips aren't always pest-proof. Transfer pasta, cereal, flour, and sugar into sturdy, airtight containers.
Pet Food: The smell is a powerful attractant. Keep it in its original bag inside a sealed bin designed for pet food.
Sweeteners: Honey, maple syrup, and other sticky sweets can attract ants if not perfectly sealed. Wipe the rims of the bottles clean.
3. Hazardous Items
Safety first! Cabinets are often within reach of children and can be knocked into, making them a poor choice for dangerous substances.
Cleaning Chemicals: Bleach, ammonia, oven cleaners, and other harsh chemicals should be stored up high in a locked cabinet, far away from food, or in a basement/garage.
Lighter Fluid & Firestarter Supplies: These are highly flammable and should be kept in a detached garage or shed, never in the kitchen.
4. Things That Degrade in Heat/Humidity
The space under the sink or next to the stove can get warm and moist, which can ruin sensitive items.
Spices & Dried Herbs: Heat and light cause them to lose their potency and flavor rapidly. Store them in a cool, dark drawer or a dedicated spice rack away from the stove.
Medications & Vitamins: The bathroom and kitchen are often the worst places for pills due to humidity and temperature changes. Find a cool, dry, dark place instead.
Electronic Devices: Like a kitchen scale or meat thermometer. Humidity can damage their circuitry over time. Store them in a drawer.
5. Oversized / Unsafe Items
Heavy or unstable items can turn cabinets into a danger zone.
Avoid These in Cabinets: Bulky appliances or sharp tools clutter cabinets and pose risks. Oversized items block access to other goods, while loose sharp objects can cause cuts when reaching for items.
Unstable Stacks: Avoid stacking heavy pots or glassware so high that it becomes precarious and could fall out when you open the door.
Pro Tip: Your cabinets are best suited for dishes, glassware, sealed dry goods in airtight containers, cookware, and baking supplies that don't spoil easily. Optimize this space for what you use every day, and your kitchen will be safer, cleaner, and more efficient.
Tribesigns: Your One-Stop Shop for Complete Kitchen Furniture
Beyond the practical kitchen cabinets and sideboards mentioned earlier, Tribesigns offers a full range of kitchen furniture to cover every need in your cooking space. Whether you’re hunting for a sleek dining table to gather with family over meals, a multi-functional kitchen island with extra storage for spices and cookware, or a mobile kitchen cart for flexible prep space—we’ve got you covered.
We also have stylish bar units for casual drinks and sturdy wine racks to store your favorite bottles, all crafted with the same focus on quality and design. No more hopping between stores to piece together your kitchen—Tribesigns’ complete set lets you pick every essential in one go, ensuring functionality, durability, and style all come together seamlessly.
