What things absolutely cannot be stored in the closet: you will be surprised

The kitchen pantry is a great place for storage, but often we don't even think about the risks of putting certain things on the shelves. There are many risks: from shortening the shelf life of food to posing a direct threat to health.

When it comes to pantry organization, proper food storage should be a top priority. Homes and Gardens magazine has told us what things should never be stored in the pantry.

Nuts and dried fruits in glass containers

The temperature in the pantry is not controlled, so you should not store anything that can easily spoil. Foods with a high oil content, such as nuts, seeds, and even coconut oil, can acquire a bitter taste at room temperature.

Ashley La Fond, founder of Of Space + Mind, emphasizes: "Nuts, seeds, and some oils really should be stored in the refrigerator, especially if you have a warm pantry."

However, olive oil starts to become cloudy at low temperatures, so you can close the lid tightly and leave the bottle in the pantry.

Open food containers

Improper use of transparent jars and storage containers can cause pests to invade the pantry. Smaller, airtight containers for long-term storage are better. The same goes for a variety of seeds that attract mice. Even small bags of open food should be stored in airtight containers.

Perishable foods

Do not put perishable foods in the pantry, including dairy products, fruits and vegetables, open packages, etc.

Dairy products should be stored in the refrigerator, and foods with a strong odor should be stored in a separate cabinet. Fruits and vegetables should be stored in the refrigerator or in a cool, dark place.

Spices

Organizing spices is one of the most aesthetically pleasing tasks. You can stock up on appropriate jars and labels. However, using special containers, you can forget about expiration dates. Keep the spices you use regularly in the kitchen for easy access. It is also worth attaching separate stickers with the shelf life.

Everything left over from the renovation

Cleaning products, paints, and chemicals all have the potential to corrode over time and can create a food hazard. In addition, if you have small children in your family or people who might confuse a bottle of cleaner with a bottle of salad dressing, it's best to just not take the risk. Also, don't store dirty brooms, mops, or rags in the pantry next to food.

Towels for dishes

Kitchen towels can be an unexpected addition to this list. After all, it's just a clean cloth. "Avoid storing kitchen towels in your pantry - they can attract moths," explains Jane Stoller of Organized Jane.

Paper products

"I would also avoid storing non-food related items in the pantry, such as books and documents," said Prerna Jain of Ministry Of Cleaning.

When you're dealing with cookbooks or appliance manuals, consider setting up smart storage for paper products in the kitchen, such as above cabinets or on the sides of a kitchen island.

Honey and maple syrup

Honey or maple syrup will spoil quickly in the pantry. Due to its high sugar content and lack of artificial preservatives, syrup is prone to mold and loss of flavor at room temperature. After opening the bottle, make sure it closes tightly and store maple syrup in the refrigerator to prevent mold.

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