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Never keep this things on your kitchen countertop: Here's why

Never keep this things on your kitchen countertop: Here's why What things should not be left on the kitchen counter (photo: Freepik)

When cooking, you need to have everything you need at hand. Having spices near the stove and a cutting board nearby can save time. However, some items should definitely be removed from the kitchen countertop.

When writing the material, the following sources were used: the House Digest and Best Life.

Jams and preserves

An unopened jar of jam or preserves can be safely stored without refrigeration for up to 12 months.

However, once you have opened the preserve, store it in the refrigerator to avoid mold and bacterial growth.

Food leftovers

After eating, all leftovers from the countertop should also be put away in the refrigerator within two hours. This is to prevent the risk of food poisoning.

Fresh Produce should always be stored in the refrigerator.

Eggs

This product can be left at room temperature for about two hours. Leaving them out longer can lead to spoilage and potential food poisoning.

According to the Egg Safety Center, if you leave eggs out of the refrigerator overnight, they are no longer considered safe to eat.

Despite efforts, countertops are magnets for dust, food splatters, and other invisible dirt. Leaving dishes on the countertop can increase the risk of harmful microorganisms getting into the food, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses.

If you have pets, especially cats, they may regularly walk on your countertops, leaving fur behind.

However, pets are not the only or even the worst danger of contamination. There are also mice and insects, which are usually more active at night. Mice can carry viruses and bacteria, so storing dishes helps protect you.

Previously we discussed how often you need to replace the dishwashing sponge to avoid exposure to microbes.