17 Things You Should Purge From Your Kitchen At Least Once A Year

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When was the last time you went through your kitchen junk drawer? Our guess is that it's been a while. Here's your reminder to organize your junk drawer at least once a year. But there are other things you should purge from your kitchen annually. Food is a big one — you definitely shouldn't keep any stale, unwanted, or expired food. Or, what about that crazy, chaotic Tupperware drawer? If you dread opening it up every time as it's overflowing and you can never find a matching lid and container, it's time to purge.

Chances are, you're in your kitchen every single day. A lot of clutter can accumulate in a year. By committing to an annual or bi-annual kitchen purge of the following items, you can keep things streamlined, hygienic, and functional. Here's a list of everything you should go through at least once a year.

Confession, we've all probably had a chip or two that's a day past the expiration date listed on the bag. Expiration dates on food are actually more about quality than safety (except baby formula). The system isn't standardized by the government so it's okay to think of them as guidelines rather than a strict rule. But, with that being said, it's still a good idea to generally follow these dates.

Chances are you go through your fridge far, far more frequently than than once a year and toss any expired or visibly spoiled food. But, don't skip the annual pantry cleanout. It's a good idea to toss any items that are expired, including oils, canned foods, or even flour. Food can lose flavor and nutritional value over time, so it's best to just throw it away after the expiration date. Stale food not only takes up space — but things like old flour can also develop weevils. 

Did you know? Spices actually lose potency over time. So, even if that bottle of chili powder hasn't expired yet, it may not be the most flavorful. Typically, dried herbs last one to three years (oregano, dill, parsley, etc.), powdered spices last two to three years (garlic powder, chili powder, ground paprika, etc.), and whole spices can last up to four years (mustard and fennel seeds, cloves, cinnamon sticks, etc.).

The whole point of adding spices to your food is to make it tastier, so you don't want to use an old spice. If you smell a spice and the aroma has faded, chances are it won't add a ton of flavor to your food. Toss any spices that are past their prime, and repurchase as necessary. Salt is sort of an exception. It doesn't really expire, but can absorb moisture over time, resulting in clumping. After going through all your spices, if you're looking for ways to store your spices without cluttering up your kitchen, consider a wall-mounted shelf or a magnetic spice storage system on the side of your fridge.

Ah, Tupperware. If that word causes a shudder to move down your spine, it's probably time to go through that drawer. Excess containers can create clutter in your kitchen, and if there's no matching top and bottom, you'll likely never use it. Keeping Tupperware past its prime can also be a health concern as any deep grooves can be a home for bacteria. Many older plastic food storage options may also contain BPA, which can leach into food, especially after the container is continuously heated or washed.

Therefore, it's important to know when to throw away your plastic storage containers, and purging them at least once a year ensures you're not hanging onto containers that are past their prime. Any containers that don't seal well or have scratches should be tossed. And if you're on the fence about what to replace them with, here's why ditching plastic containers and using glass instead could be a good move: Glass doesn't scratch as easily as plastic, and it's an inert substance, which means fewer chemicals leaching into food. Yes, glass storage containers are more of an upfront investment, but they'll last longer, and something like this set of Glass Food Storage Containers from Vtopmart works out to just a few dollars per container. 

In this day and age, that takeout menu from the Chinese restaurant down the street doesn't need to be taking up space in your kitchen. Paper menus can be a source of clutter, and the majority of restaurants have their menus online. Delivery apps really changed the food game — you don't even need to call a restaurant to put in an order anymore.

Even if you prefer physical takeout menus, keeping them for more than a year doesn't make sense. Restaurants update items, prices, and menus, and a physical menu may be outdated or inaccurate. Be sure to recycle any paper menus and put menus lined with plastic or wax in the trash.

Most of us grab extra "just in case" ketchup packets from fast food joints, only for them to end up in the junk drawer for half of eternity. Same with the plastic silverware. Not only are single-use plastics bad for the environment, but they also tend to wind up as just extra clutter in the kitchen. 

If you have a drawer or cabinet for condiment or silverware packets, be sure to go through it at least once a year. Either recycle or throw away these items to help declutter your kitchen. To limit more sachets accumulating in your home, buy full-size condiments and only take condiments or silverware that you plan on using. If you end up having extra condiment packets, consider putting them in lunches or keep a few in your car if you ever have to eat on the go.

Dish towels totally multiply. Whether you have a collection with funny sayings on them, or a variety of holiday towels you bring out seasonally, they can add up. If some dishcloths are beginning to show wear, it's time to let them go. Also, did you know that dish towels should actually be washed every day? If you follow this rule, that will definitely contribute to deterioration. Any towels that are fraying, have unpleasant odors (after washing), or stains that just won't go away no longer deserve a place in your kitchen. 

Make a point to go through all your kitchen towels at least once a year to check for ones that are past their prime. If you don't want to just throw away your old dish towels, consider donating them to an animal shelter. Be sure to call your local shelter to check if they're needed and any requirements for their condition. You can also use old dishcloths as rags for DIY projects like painting, or dirty jobs in the garage.

How long has that chipped mug been sitting untouched in your cabinet? Even if it was your favorite, it's time to part with it. The item may not be leak-proof, and could even cause injury if used. The cracks can also hold dirt and bacteria. These broken dishes simply take up space in your kitchen and should be removed.

Even if you've been meaning to put a dish back together or fix a crack, it's best to go through these items annually to free up space. Looking for creative ways to reuse broken dishes in your home or garden? Consider making stepping stones, practicing Kintsugi, building a mosaic table, or creating a unique backsplash for your kitchen.

We all may have a favorite spatula, but chances are you have a few, and maybe some of them hardly ever see any use. Items like duplicate can openers, garlic presses, peelers, whisks, etc., and also common culprits of clutter. Chances are you don't need three sets of measuring cups, two thermometers, of five potato peelers in your kitchen. 

It's a good idea to go through your kitchen tools at least once a year and donate any doubles or specialty items. Whether you were gifted a duplicate item or accidentally lost and then repurchased (and later found the original kitchen tool), these duplicates can sneak up on you. An annual clean-up is a great way to keep utensil drawers streamlined. Tools that you don't need that are still in good, working condition can be donated or given to friends or relatives. Duplicates that are in poor condition or function terribly: Consider chucking. Nobody wants a blunt vegetable peeler that's almost impossible to use. 

That nonstick pan you've had for years might not be the healthiest thing to have around. PFAS chemicals can be found in nonstick cookware and have been linked to negative health impacts. If your nonstick pans have any discoloration or deep cuts or scratches, it's definitely time to let them go. Nonstick coating that is either chipped or peeling can get into your food, and you shouldn't consume those materials.

To avoid this, inspect your nonstick pans annually and discard any that are damaged. To help minimize future damage to your nonstick pans, only use them with wooden or silicone utensils, avoid harsh sponges, and limit exposure to high heat as much as possible. When choosing what pans to use in the future, consider cast iron or stainless steel pans. These materials are long-lasting and extremely durable. 

That panini maker collecting dust in the back of your kitchen cabinet should probably be donated. The breadmaker you were gifted last Christmas that's never been used should find a new home. And the jug-style blender that's been outshone by your more versatile immersion version doesn't need to clutter up a countertop or cabinet space. Any weird, specialty kitchen appliance that doesn't get used probably won't be missed.

If you haven't utilized one of these little (but space-hungry) gadgets in the past year, chances are you won't be reaching for it anytime soon. Go through any small kitchen appliances yearly and give away the ones that don't get used. Consider donating working appliances to thrift stores, local community organizations, or even specific charities. If you have the appliance manual, be sure to include that with your donation as well. You can also often sell working items online. 

The infamous junk drawer. The place where those takeout menus end up (but you've tossed those already, right?), random pens and pencils hide, and other items are stored haphazardly. This is your sign to go through it. If you're unsure how to declutter your junk drawer, start by taking everything out, then toss and sort items, clean the drawer, and finally organize it.

While you should tackle this area once per year at a bare minimum, quickly going through it more frequently (think of this like a top-up declutter) can make the annual purge task much less daunting. It's super easy for items (and even downright trash) to accumulate here, so rather than letting it get totally out of hand, try to keep a handle on the clutter with light purges every few months. Some even offer a case for ditching the junk drawer once and for all, but if you're sticking to your junk drawer, be sure to run through it regularly.

We've all bought food that we didn't end up liking. That new brand of protein bars that you bought in bulk but hated the texture of? There's no need to keep them in your pantry. Or the cans of beans you purchased to go on a fad diet, when you actually hate baked beans? Don't let them continue to take up space.

Go through your pantry at least once a year, not only to get rid of expired items, but also unwanted items. If you're not going to eat it, let it go. Before you just throw it away, be sure to check with your local food pantry and see if they need or want any of the items, or offer items to family and friends. 

Mugs are renowned in the kitchen as an item that multiplies before your eyes. One day you have two, and the next thing you know they're overtaking your cabinets. Even if you're trying the coffee mug storage solution that everyone overlooks, chances are you don't need two dozen vessels for hot beverages. As mugs are great gifts for holidays, birthdays, and celebrations, they can very easily accumulate throughout the year. (Raise your hand if you have a Number 1 Dad mug in your kitchen.)

Go through your mug collection annually to free up space in your cabinets. If you truly can't part with any of them, consider smart ways to reuse mugs for useful storage solutions around your home, like using them to hold cotton balls, straws, loose change, or even toothbrushes. Or, if you're looking for a unique way to display the mugs you're keeping, try this Clip-On Shelf Mug Holder from ECROCY.

We've all gotten a promotional water bottle before. Whether it was a prize after finishing a 5K race or included in a gift bag, water bottles are a great way for companies to promote their business. But what happens when you have more water bottles than you know what to do with? Rather than letting them take over, purge the unused ones from your kitchen at least once per year.

You can often donate water bottles to your local thrift store, or you can get some of them out of your kitchen by repurposing metal water bottles around your home and garden. Consider using them as a watering can, bird feeder, or even a vase. And for old, beat-up plastic bottles that need to be trashed, place in these recycling. 

It truly is tempting to keep all your glass jars. But the thing is, if you're in the habit of washing out and reusing jars, they'll just keep accumulating in your kitchen. Whether they were once full of jam or jelly, or even pickles, if you've got dozens just sitting untouched in a drawer, with very little chance of getting used — then you might want to pair down your collection. Glass jars can take up a lot of space, and if you're short on that, these should definitely be the items to go.

Now even though we suggest you should go through your glass jars every year, you don't have to just recycle the unwanted ones. There are a wide variety of clever ways to reuse old glass jars around your house. They can be repurposed as lanterns, terrariums, or even piggy banks. You can also upcycle your glass jars for a stylish and functional bathroom.

That ratty oven mitt you got as a gift from your grandma ten years ago is long past its prime. Not only can old, stained, or ripped potholders and oven mitts be an eyesore, but they can also be less effective. An oven mitt with a hole may not protect you from a burn (and that's the whole point). Therefore, it's crucial to go through and declutter your potholders and oven mitts at least once a year.

Tackle potholder and oven mitt chaos by gathering them all in one place, then getting rid of any that are damaged, and finally organizing the ones you use on a regular basis. You can also repurpose oven mitts when they are too far gone for the kitchen. They just might transform into your favorite new coasters.

Cookbooks were once the only place to find recipes, but that's no longer the case. There are so many recipes available online, chances are you don't use cookbooks often at all. If that's true, maybe it's time to part with some (or at least get them out of the kitchen).

Obviously you should keep any cookbooks that hold sentimental value, whether it's a book of family recipes passed down or a cherished gift. But be sure to go through your collection annually to keep your kitchen decluttered. When deciding which cookbooks are worth tossing while decluttering your kitchen, consider how much space you have, how often you use them, and if they are outdated. For instance, holding onto a cookbook of microwave recipes when you don't own a microwave doesn't make sense. Recipe binders can also become cluttered with recipes you no longer need. Consider pruning these down, or reorganizing into a binder of recipes you use regularly, and one for special occasions. The kitchen may also not be the best place to store cookbooks, so instead try putting them in the pantry, or on a shelf in your dining room.

Plastic cutting boards are a common tool in the kitchen, but they definitely shouldn't be kept forever. Once a cutting board is heavily scratched or scarred, it should probably be thrown away. After heavy use, a cutting board may be hard to properly clean, and bacteria can find a home in any crevices.

It's easy to just keep on using the same cruddy cutting board without realizing in what bad shape it's gotten. To avoid this, it's important to purge your kitchen of any damaged plastic cutting boards at least once per year. Often plastic cutting boards are not recyclable, and should be thrown away if no longer fit for use. If you're not keen on the idea of having to send plastic chopping boards to the landfill every couple of years, consider trying wooden or stone options instead.