10 Ways We Are Ruining Our Kitchens Without Even Noticing

The endless action and creation going on in your kitchen might make it hard to notice if you’re making any mistakes in the process. Whether it’s about cooking, cleaning, or storage, every little detail is crucial to keeping the place looking as good as new. For example, even a paper towel can cause damage.

Bright Side is always there to have your back, in any situation. Here, we are ready to alert you about things you might’ve been doing wrong in your kitchen for years. Let’s see how we can improve the situation!

1. Using paper towels to wipe every surface

It turns out that paper towels are not suitable for wiping every surface, like for example, glass or varnished wooden kitchen counters and tables. Paper towels can be abrasive, so there is a risk that they could leave scratches on these delicate surfaces. Instead, you can use a soft cloth that won’t damage anything.

2. Neglecting the way you store your knives

One common mistake that many of us make is putting all the knives together in the same drawer. Their blades are not protected there from constantly clashing with each other as the drawer is opened and closed over and over again. It will lead to their early damage. Instead, you can consider storing your knives in a knife block or covering each blade with something that can prevent any harm to them.

3. Using vinegar to clean everything

You should avoid rubbing things like granite and marble countertops, stone floor tiles, metal surfaces, or hardwood floors with vinegar. This liquid is highly acidic and will wear down these surfaces way faster than normal. Meanwhile, it is safe to clean your microwave, dishwasher, fridge, sink, and faucets with it.

4. Mixing hot products in the blender

Hot liquids or foods in a blender cup with a closed lid can be dangerous. The liquid can expand and the warmth of the products will create steam, leading to a lot of pressure inside the cup. At one point, everything could explode all over your kitchen, causing damage not only to the kitchen itself, but leaving burns on you too.

5. Washing meat before cooking it

This one directly affects your health. Giving your meat a good wash won’t kill any bacteria that might be on top of it. Instead, you will wash it off and promote its spread somewhere else. For example, on your sink, counters, tables, etc. This increases your risk of getting sick. The heat from your pan or oven is more than enough to get rid of any bacteria.

6. Cooking certain types of foods in a non-stick pan

It’s better to avoid preparing foods like tomatoes or citrus in non-stick pans. The reason is that they are highly acidic and when they come into contact with the pan’s surface, they damage it. Ultimately, they just make your non-stick pans wear off faster. You can use a different pan instead, or a suitable pot.

7. Using glass cutting boards

The surface of this cutting board is so dense and heavy, that when a knife hits it, it will get dull in no time. You should always opt for something that will be more gentle on your knives. There are many different options available on the market. For example, a good wooden cutting board or even plastic will allow your tools to last longer.

8. Putting potato peels into the garbage disposal

This way you risk clogging your garbage disposal. Peels contain a lot of starch that can clump and turn into a thick pulp that can block everything. On that note, artichoke leaves and carrot peels should not be thrown away in there either, because they have tough fibers and can clog and damage the disposal blades. It’s better to collect everything and simply throw it away in the garbage can.

9. Using bleach to clean kitchen furniture

Always keep in mind that if the cabinets in your kitchen are painted or varnished, cleaning should be handled with care. Bleach is a rather aggressive liquid and by using it this way, you risk damaging the surface. You can try to use a mild soap with a soft cloth and warm water instead.

10. Putting wooden utensils in the dishwasher

There are several wooden things that are dishwasher safe, but most of them aren’t. For example, you should avoid washing your wooden spoons, dishes, or cutting boards in there. During the process, the water reaches extremely hot temperatures. This can destroy the material and cause cracks, warps, and discoloration.

Have you made any of these mistakes? Do you have your own kitchen care tips that you would like to share? We want to hear about them in the comment section!