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How to Declutter Kitchen Countertops and Keep Them Clear

A clean kitchen countertop is a dream for most people. And we try to help you do that!
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Last Updated
:
March 23, 2023
by
Editorial Staff

If you have a kitchen countertop, the chances are that you use it quite often. This countertop needs to be cleaned just like any other surface in your home. If you find yourself cleaning your countertop more than once a week, then you should consider investing in a quality, durable, and easy-to-clean surface protector for your countertop.

These products can protect your countertop from food spills and staining and keep it looking new longer. Most people do not realize that when they are cleaning out the cupboards or pantry, they need first to use a wet/dry vacuum to remove all the dust before they move on to cleaning the countertop.

You will want to use one with a wider head that can reach the entire surface of your countertop. It will allow you to get into corners and under covers that you would not be able to reach if you used a narrow vacuum.

If you are the kitchen manager or the person who cooks regularly, you likely have many items that gather up in the kitchen. In fact, you probably have more items that are gathering dust in your kitchen than you do trash.

This makes it especially important for you to learn how to keep your kitchen organized to make it as easy as possible for your family and guests to quickly find the dishes they need.

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1. Decide what to keep on your countertop

decide what to keep on your countertop
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To help you decide what to keep clearing the countertop, you need to understand that you don't actually have to keep all the food off the counter. However, you do need to make sure that it is cleaned before you can use it again.

When you use your kitchen appliance or barstool every day, bacteria and food particles are stuck in the bristles and on the table surface. After a while, they will start to build up, and if you want to keep them out of your counter truly, you need to sweep them up before you ever put anything in the dishwasher or sink.

If you want to choose what to keep clearing the countertop, you need to realize that this includes anything that goes into the dishwasher or sink. This includes paper products, grease, vegetable oil, vinegar, spices, salt, sugar, eggshells, and more.

Of course, all of these things need to be cleaned up properly and sanitized before you can use them again, but they are generally not hard to clean up.

If you have an island in your kitchen, you should realize that it is your best chance at keeping all the food off the counter. However, it would be best if you still kept it clean. Using a sponge and some baking soda is enough to keep most of it clean and sanitized.

This is the only way to ensure that you don't get any germs or other types of harmful bacteria on the countertop. Most germs can't survive too long on surfaces like stainless steel.

2. Utilize your over-the-counter organizer at the pantry door

utilize your over-the-counter organizer at the pantry door
Mari Beth McLaughlin / Amazon

The great thing about an over-the-counter organizer at the pantry door is that you can use your pantry door to clear the countertop too. A well-lit space means you can see everything, and there's no mystery or shadowing because you can see it from over-the-counter organizers at the pantry door.

You'll also be able to see what you have in the way of ingredients and spices. If your cabinet door is not easy to open, try putting a large box down on the floor under the cabinet door to clear all the clutter.

It won't be nearly as effective if you have pots and pans lined up along the countertop as well. You'll have to get creative to clear all the mess. Once you clear the countertop at the pantry door, you can then use your pantry door to remove the rest of the space behind it.

You can set things on shelves and arrange containers to help clear the area. Use your pantry door to store linens and dishes as well. Even small items like paper plates can be cleared out to make room for more important things.

3.  Use a magnetic knife rack to clear the countertop

use a magnetic knife rack to clear the countertop
Canva Photos

Why? A magnetic knife rack is a simple solution that eliminates the need for physically taking the knife countertop apart. In addition, the racks are extremely easy to assemble and can hold several different types of knives comfortably.

While it is impossible to store large knives in the rack, you will still place smaller-sized ones there. This can allow you to keep them close at hand and organized at the same time. The knife rack itself is usually made up of two separate pieces that lock together and keep the knives secure in their slots.

One of the great things about a magnetic knife block is how simple they are to use. Since all you have to do to use it is to slot the knives in and turn them around, you can immediately get to work.

Most people will find this to be much easier than having to remove all of the knives from their storage slots, then arranging them in an attempt to find the ones that are still attached to their sheaths.

This simplification takes all the hassle out of organization and cleaning your countertop. In addition, you will always know where you found that particular knife since it will be staring you right in the face at every use.

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4. Hang cooking utensils to clear the counter

hang cooking utensils to clear the counter
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The kitchen is one of the most important places in the house. This is why you must invest in high-quality kitchen tools to make your cooking experience a fun and enjoyable activity.

For example, instead of buying a cheap plastic pot or wok, you can invest in a cast iron pan that will add great flavor to your cooking.

This is because cast iron absorbs the flavor of the food that you are cooking much better than other materials, and it will also last for many years without having to be replaced.

Another thing that you can do is hang your frying pans and pots from the counter, which will free up valuable cabinet space.

Also, when you cook on the countertop, the spills that you would otherwise have had to wipe up are easily cleaned up with a sponge or a paper towel, leaving your countertop looking great instead of being an eyesore.

If you are looking for kitchen accessories to make the most out of your kitchen, you may want to think about purchasing a wine rack, a grill basket, a butcher block, a large cutting board, and a deep fryer.

The advantage of using these kitchen utensils is that you will be able to store your favorite wines and crisp up your grill easier than ever before, and as a result, your guests will eagerly wait for the first bite when they arrive at your home.

In conclusion, you should invest in some of the latest kitchen accessories to help make your cooking experience as enjoyable as possible.

However, it would help if you never rushed into this decision as rushing into it could damage your kitchen, which no one wants. Therefore, before you purchase anything, you should first take stock of the needs of your kitchen.

You should also look around to see if there are any other kitchen utensils that you can use to streamline your cooking further.

Doing this will ensure that all your cooking is made easier and your family's satisfaction is guaranteed. Good luck!

5. Stick the microwave on your island!

stick microwave on your island
Canva Photos

One of the best uses for a Stick Microwave is for clearing the countertop in the kitchen. Many things can easily take up space in the kitchen, especially true if you have many items that you would like to clear out of your kitchen.

While most people tend to use the microwave for cooking foods, it can also be used for heating and melting butter or other items that do not need to be cooked for the best results.

You might find that you could save money using your microwave to clean the countertop and use it for cooking leftovers instead of using the stove to heat them again.

Another way that you could use your Stick Microwave in the kitchen is when you have parties at home. If you are having a dinner party for your friends and family, your microwave could quickly become your most-used device after the table.

You will quickly discover that you cannot cook your favorite dishes without having your microwave to keep you warm and to prepare your food with the least amount of effort. After dinner, you can pop your microwave back into your island for a comfortable night's sleep.

Having a Stick Microwave on your island can also help to create more space in your kitchen. You will quickly find that microwaves take up quite a bit of room, and you would have to make sure that there was plenty of room left for the movement and storage of dishes.

Even though microwaves come in all shapes and sizes, they do not take up much room. This means that you could clear up a lot of room in your kitchen by placing a microwave on the island that you already have.

There are several different sizes available, and most of them will fit comfortably in your kitchen area. This makes it much easier for you to make the most of your kitchen space while still preparing delicious meals for your family.

6. Put the cookbook on the side shelf

put cookbook on the side shelf
Sugar & Spice in the land of Balls & Sticks

People who are fond of eating out at restaurants and diners will find putting up cookbooks on the side shelf is a good idea because, after all, it will be a place where they can get quick and easy recipes.

This is especially helpful if you are a food aficionado who likes to go out to eat frequently and loves experimenting with new foods.

Putting up cookbooks on the side shelf in the kitchen will also give your kitchen the professional look that you want, and you can actually use it as a reference when cooking for other people.

In fact, many people even recommend putting up cookbooks on the side shelf because it is a very practical item that everyone should have in their kitchens.

It will not only help organize your kitchen but will also help keep things organized. Your ingredients will also be in order, and everything will also label everything according to the type.

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7. Group your items according to their category

group your items according to their category
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When you want to clear the countertop, you might be asking yourself why anyone would do that, but it is actually very easy. The truth is that there are several ways for you to make the most out of your kitchen, and clearing the countertop will no longer be the job of the items that you have grouped.

For example, you might have grouped your items into different piles, such as the ingredients, the tools, and the cooking pans. Now, when you group these items onto the countertop, you will have an easier time finding the things you need, such as the spices or the milk you might need for your next meal.

If you have many items on the countertop and are trying to clear them, you will notice that it can take you an entire afternoon to get everything up off the counter.

If you group your items on top of one another on the countertop, it will make it much easier to clean the countertop because you won't have to go through the exhausting task of pushing everything off the top of the counter.


Keeping your kitchen organized is very easy. There are several simple and effective tips to keep your kitchen counters clean. Most people are not aware of how much storage is actually in the kitchen and how easy it is to get stuff off counters.

Also, most people aren't aware that the kitchen is one of the most used rooms besides the family room. With all of these factors combined, it's very easy to create a place that looks beautiful while being efficient. There are so many other things that you can do to make your kitchen countertop shine.

The key is just taking the time to do a little bit of research and planning. There are plenty of products out there that are both inexpensive and easy to use! If you are unsure whether or not one of these would suit your needs, then ask around. You never know. Someone might have just what you need!

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