We sometimes include affiliate links and curated AI content to highlight top design styles.
Your counters may look clean, but lurking on their surfaces are some of the germiest items in your home. Everyday objects we place there can harbor bacteria, mold, and even pests without us realizing it. If you’re serious about keeping your living spaces as hygienic as possible, it’s time to reconsider where you store these everyday household items. Here are 15 things you should remove from your counters—and better places to keep them instead.
1. Wooden Cutting Boards
Wooden cutting boards absorb moisture and trap food particles in their grooves, making them a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Even with regular washing, deep cuts and scratches can harbor germs that are tough to remove. Instead of keeping them on the counter, store them upright in a well-ventilated rack to ensure they dry completely between uses. Periodically disinfect them with a vinegar or hydrogen peroxide solution.
2. Sponges
Your sponge might be the dirtiest thing in your home. Constant exposure to food particles and moisture allows bacteria like E. coli to thrive. Many people leave sponges sitting in the sink or on the counter, where they never fully dry. Instead, wring out your sponge after each use and store it in a designated holder with proper drainage. Replace it frequently or use a silicone scrubber that resists bacterial growth.
3. Dish Towels
Dish towels are used for washing dishes, wiping hands, and cleaning spills. But they become a breeding ground for bacteria when they sit damp on the counter. Cross-contamination is also a major risk, especially if they’ve been in contact with raw meat juices. Keep them off the counter by hanging them on a towel bar or hook to dry fully between uses. Swap them out daily for fresh ones.
4. Knife Blocks
Knife blocks may seem convenient for storing knives, but those deep slots collect dust, food particles, and bacteria over time. Since they rarely get cleaned, they can harbor mold and mildew. Instead, opt for a magnetic knife strip mounted on the wall or inside a cabinet. This keeps your knives accessible while preventing unsanitary buildup.
5. Salt & Pepper Shakers
Salt and pepper shakers are handled frequently, but when was the last time you actually cleaned them? Studies show that unwashed hands can contaminate these household staples with bacteria. Instead of keeping them on the counter, store them in a closed cabinet when not in use, and wipe them down regularly with a disinfectant wipe.
6. Reusable Water Bottles & Lids
Reusable water bottles are great for the environment but can harbor mold and bacteria—especially around the lids and spouts. Many people leave their bottles on the counter, exposing them to airborne germs. It’s best to wash them thoroughly daily and store them upside down on a drying rack to prevent moisture buildup.
7. Fruit Bowls
A bowl of fresh fruit might make your space look inviting, but it also attracts pests like fruit flies. Unwashed fruit can carry bacteria and pesticide residue, which transfer to the bowl and your counter. Instead, store perishable fruit in the fridge and keep a small amount on the table in a ventilated basket.
8. Coffee Maker Reservoirs
Your coffee maker’s water reservoir is a hidden germ hotspot. Leftover water creates the perfect environment for mold and bacteria to grow. Many people leave coffee makers on the counter, exposing them to dust and other contaminants. Keep it cleaner, empty and dry the reservoir daily, and consider storing the machine in a cabinet when it is not in use.
9. Toaster Crumb Trays
The crumb tray in your toaster is often overlooked, but it collects bits of bread that can grow mold or attract pests. If your toaster sits on the counter, these crumbs can easily spread bacteria to other items. Clean out the crumb tray at least once a week, and if space allows, store your toaster in a pantry or cabinet when not in use.
10. Pet Food Bowls
Leaving pet food bowls on the counter might be convenient, but it also spreads bacteria from your pet’s saliva onto nearby surfaces. Even if you only place them there temporarily, they can leave behind harmful germs. Instead, keep pet bowls on the floor and wash them daily to prevent bacterial buildup.
11. Utensil Holders
A countertop utensil holder may seem handy, but it can collect grease, dust, and food splatters from nearby areas. Bacteria can also accumulate at the bottom, where moisture tends to settle. Instead, store utensils in a clean drawer with a divider or a closed cabinet to keep them sanitary.
12. Blender Gaskets
Blender gaskets are notorious for trapping moisture and food particles, leading to mold growth. Many people rinse their blender but forget to take it apart for a thorough cleaning. If your blender sits on the counter, it’s constantly exposed to dust and bacteria. Instead, clean all parts thoroughly after each use and store the blender in a closed cabinet when not in use.
13. Flour & Sugar Canisters
Flour and sugar canisters might look stylish on the counter, but you introduce bacteria from your hands or scoops every time you dip in. If not properly sealed, these containers also attract pests. Instead, store them in a cool, dry pantry and use airtight containers to keep them fresh and sanitary.
14. Phone & Tablet
While using a phone or tablet while cooking or working may be convenient, these devices are covered in bacteria. Placing them on the counter can transfer germs from your hands and other contaminated surfaces. Instead, use a wall-mounted holder or keep them in a designated charging station away from food prep areas.
15. Plastic Grocery Bags
Many people leave plastic grocery bags on the counter after unpacking, but these bags have been in shopping carts, car trunks, and store floors, picking up bacteria along the way. Instead of placing them on your counter, store them in a designated bag holder or recycle them immediately.
A Cleaner, Healthier Home
Your counters should be clean and clutter-free, not a breeding ground for bacteria. By rethinking where you place these everyday items, you can significantly improve the cleanliness of your home. Small changes, like storing frequently used objects in cabinets and regularly sanitizing surfaces, can go a long way in keeping your space hygienic. Take a look around—what can you remove from your counters today?
For more tips related to counters, check out 15 Habits that Keep Your Kitchen Counters Clear and Beautiful
