Nine Kitchen Items You Might Discard Unwisely

Trashringeable Kitchen Items: 9 Things You Might Regret Discarding

Let's face it, we all have kitchen gadgets that collect dust and take up precious space. But before you go on a decluttering spree,listen up! Even professional organizers and executive chefs have their favorites that they never toss out.

Here are some underrated and surprisingly versatile items that deserves a permanent place in your kitchen:

Melanie Seaver, a professional organizer and founder of Nashville Home Organizers and Jeanne Strout, executive chef at The Nations Brewing Company have some surprising suggestions for items you should hold onto:

Nine Domestic Items You May Wish You Hadn't Discarded from Your Kitchen

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Cast Iron SkilletsCast iron skillets are classic kitchen workhorses, known for their indestructible nature and exceptional cooking performance. Properly seasoned and cared for, these timeless pans can last for generations, delivering an unbeatable sear and even heat distribution that modern pans simply can't match. According to Seaver, "Cast iron skillets are cooking essentials that never go out of style."

Discarded Kitchen Products You'll Wish You Kept

Meat ThermometersYes, even that teeny-tiny thermometer lurking at the back of your drawer can serve a valuable purpose. Regardless of how often you use it, it's the only tool that can accurately gauge the internal temperature of your meats, ensuring they're cooked to perfection. Pull it out on special occasions and holiday meals, or when cooking for a large crowd.

SilverwareWhen your cutlery could use an upgrade or a freshening up, don't throw it out! Keeping an extra set comes in handy when hosting gatherings or unexpected guests. Strout, who is also a mom, suggests having spare forks and spoons on hand as they tend to disappear at alarming rates among kids.

Essential Kitchen Items You Might Regret Discarding

Baking SodaIf that box of baking soda in your fridge is past its prime, it doesn't mean it's lost its purpose. Strout uses it for cleaning kitchen drains at her commercial kitchen, promoting clean and odor-free pipes. Additionally, baking soda can clean sinks, do laundry, and help with so many other household chores.

Expired SpicesYour expired spices may not be suitable for cooking anymore, but they still have uses beyond the kitchen. Ground cinnamon can repel ants, cayenne pepper keeps garden pests at bay, and dried herbs can be added to compost. So, why toss them when they can continue to be useful after their expiration date?

Nine Home Kitchen Items That You Might Want to Think Twice Before Discarding

Manual Can OpenerWhen your electric can opener conks out during a large gathering, a manual can opener becomes your lifesaver. Small, portable, and easy to use, it's a worthwhile investment to keep in your kitchen for emergencies.

OatmealDon't discard that old can of oats just yet! It can be a delightful addition to your bath water for soothing irritated skin, whether that's for yourself or your furry friend. Just toss a handful of oats into a warm bath and enjoy the gentle exfoliating power.

Glass Jars and Mismatched GlassesRepurposing glass jars and mismatched glasses can add charm and practicality to your daily life. Strout suggests keeping these items to store dry goods, pack lunches, or serve iced coffee with style. Get creative and transform them into mini terrariums, bud vases, or votive holders for your homemade candles.

Holiday Dishes and Fine ChinaThough they may only grace your table during the holidays, these sentimental pieces hold significant value. Keeping them around helps you create cherished family traditions and reminds you of your heritage.

Martha Stewart might approve of keeping classic kitchen workhorses like cast iron skillets, known for their exceptional cooking performance and longevity, which can last for generations.
In the realm of sustainable kitchen cleaning tips, using baking soda for cleaning kitchen drains, sinks, and even as a laundry aid, presents an eco-friendly alternative.
When organizing a cluttered kitchen,Jeanne Strout, executive chef at The Nations Brewing Company, advises keeping an extra set of silverware handy for hosting gatherings or unexpected guests, especially since they tend to disappear among kids.
Expired spices from your food-and-drink pantry can still have uses beyond the kitchen, such as repelling ants with ground cinnamon or using dried herbs in compost.
Adopting a sustainable lifestyle doesn't mean discarding all expired items; for instance, an old can of oats can be repurposed for soothing irritated skin in a warm bath.