9 Kitchen Items You'll Regret Tossing During Your Next Clean-Out

Cast Iron Skillets

Cast iron skillets are timeless kitchen staples known for their durability and versatility. With proper seasoning and care, a cast-iron skillet can last for generations, offering an unbeatable sear and even heat distribution that modern pans simply cannot match. 

“Cast iron skillets are cooking essentials that never go out of style," says professional organizer Melanie Seaver. "Although they are heavy and somewhat bulky, they are versatile cooking tools that stand the test of time."

Learn how to care for yours here if it's admittedly been a while since you've given yours some love.

Meat Thermometer

Better not throw away this petite essential: Even if you only use your meat thermometer annually, you'll be struck with regret the moment the occasion calls for it. A meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of cooking meats to a safe, juicy perfection (which can be useful for more than your yearly Thanksgiving turkey, by the way).

This small gadget is the only one that can fulfill its singular purpose, so find it a permanent home in the drawer and pull it out during holiday meals or when cooking for a crowd.

Silverware

When your everyday flatware has seen better days or you’re ready to upgrade for style, don’t ditch the old set. Having a backup set of silverware is a game-changer when hosting large gatherings or feeding extra guests. Keep the new set for daily use and store the older one for those special occasions when you have a full house.

"It’s not my career that taught me this trick," says chef Jeanne Strout. "It’s my job as a mom. When my kids were young, forks and spoons disappeared at an alarming rate, and I never regretted having extras on hand."

Baking Soda

If that box of baking soda you use to deter refrigerator odors is ready for replacement, don’t throw it away. It can still make for a powerhouse cleaner. "I throw a half cup of baking soda down the drain and follow it up with a little cleaning vinegar at the end of every shift," Strout shares of her commercial kitchen. "The chemical reaction helps keep the drains clean and odor-free." Baking soda can also be used for scrubbing sinks, doing laundry, and so much more.

Expired Spices

Spices can be used for other things when they are no longer potent enough for cooking. Cinnamon sticks can be simmered in a stovetop potpourri, ground cinnamon can help repel ants, cayenne pepper is a natural way to keep garden pests at bay, and dried green herbs can be added to your compost.

No reason to toss them into the trash when they can continue to be useful beyond their expiration date.

Manual Can Opener

"Nothing is worse than cooking for a crowd when your electric can opener goes out," says Seaver. Compact, reliable, and easy to use, a manual can opener is an unassuming tool that proves its worth when more modern tech fails. It doesn’t take up much space, but its value in a pinch is immeasurable.

Oatmeal

If you have a can of oats that has passed its best-by date, it can be a soothing addition to baths for irritated skin. Whether you're indulging in some self-care or even bathing your dog, oatmeal can work wonders when added to warm water. It’s a gentle, natural remedy that’s as good for your skin as it is in your bowl. Simply fill a clean stocking with plain oats and toss it into your warm bath.

Glass Jars and Mismatched Glasses

“I never toss out glass jars or mismatched drinking glasses," says Strout. Why? They're so easy to repurpose. Pare down your collection when it begins spilling from your cabinets, but evaluate what could be upcycled.

Repurposed glass jars are perfect for storing dry goods, packing lunches, pickling veggies, or serving up iced coffee with charm. You can also get crafty, transforming them into miniature terrariums, bud vases, or votive holders.

Holiday Dishes and Fine China

Holiday dishes and heirloom pieces might only make an appearance once or twice a year, but that’s exactly what makes them special. These pieces carry our family history, help us create our traditions, and elevate our celebrations from simple gatherings to cherished memories. They often hold sentimental value that goes far beyond their function. Consider them timeless treasures worth keeping—or potential regret waiting to happen.