Countertops are often the first things to become cluttered in busy households. Things tend to pile up on the surfaces in kitchens and bathrooms because it’s convenient to keep them there temporarily when you're in a rush. But messy counters can become eyesores in the blink of an eye.
Mary Gagliardi— AKA Dr. Laundry—agrees. “Countertops that are clear of clutter are ready to be used, whether for a baking project or a skincare routine,” she says. “Clutter-free counters help a house look clean.”
Whether it’s in the kitchen, bathroom, or both, items left out in the open can cause visual chaos that leads to more stress. More surprisingly, however, some things can actually cause a hazard if they’re kept on countertops. Here are some things that professional cleaners never leave sitting out, and why.
1. Small Tools or Gadgets
You might use the lemon squeezer, milk frother, and meat thermometer on a somewhat regular basis. But that doesn’t mean they should be left on the kitchen countertop 24/7. As useful as they are, professional cleaners never leave them scattered on the counters.
“While some things get left out on kitchen counters because of frequent use, like a coffee maker or a utensil holder, others stay out because they can be impractical to put away in a cupboard, like a stand mixer or a toaster,” says Gagliardi. But anything that doesn’t fit into the ‘used daily or too large to store easily’ category is best put away. If you’re cramped for drawer or cabinet space, that’s a sign to declutter the kitchen gadgets you never use or no longer need, so you’re able to comfortably store the ones you do.
2. Rarely-Used Appliances
As Gagliardi pointed out, it's practical to keep frequently used appliances, such as the coffee maker, out on the counter for convenience. However, the same doesn't apply to those that are used on occasion. For instance, if you only make slow cooker meals in the winter months or press a panini here or there, it’s best to store these small appliances away from the counter. Clearing away such items can make a kitchen feel more spacious and tidy.
3. Mail, Keys, and Other Clutter
The kitchen counter isn’t a filing cabinet, but it often becomes one in many households. Piles of unopened mail, receipts, and miscellaneous—yet important—items like your house or car keys should not be left strewn across countertops, especially haphazardly. This can lead to them getting lost, or even ruined, amidst the clutter. Instead, create an entryway drop zone to catch your essentials. Use a basket or tray on a console table, add hooks nearby, or set up a household command center to organize everything in one place, freeing your countertops of daily clutter.
4. Non-Essential Items
“In the bathroom, where counter space is typically more limited, it’s important to have spaces to easily store items like toothpaste and skin care products off the counter when not in use,” Gagliardi says. While it’s tempting to leave everything within arm’s reach, doing so makes the space look cluttered, even if it’s technically organized. Additionally, the more items you leave out, the more difficult it is to wipe down surfaces regularly without having to move a dozen things first. “Things like cotton swabs, cotton balls, toothpaste, dental floss, makeup, and shaving accessories can be put away to help the space look tidier and make it easier to be cleaned,” Gagliardi says.
Additionally, keeping items out means more surfaces for dust, hair, and bathroom moisture to settle on, resulting in more cleaning in the long run. Per Gagliardi, “If you have the space for it in your bathroom and you like having a jar with cotton swabs out, go for it!”. This will help keep them clean while making it easier to get ready or clean surfaces.
When it comes to toothbrushes, you might be surprised as to how the pros feel about them being left out on counters. “Toothbrushes need good air circulation to help them dry quickly after use, so shouldn’t get put away in a drawer or medicine cabinet,” says Gagliardi. She suggests storing toothbrushes upright in a cup or stand or, if you have an electric version, keeping it on its holder and plugged in, to allow them to dry properly. Experts also recommend keeping toothbrushes as far away from the toilet as possible.
5. Hair and Grooming Tools
It’s not just the skincare serums and hair ties that get left on bathroom countertops. Flat irons, curling wands, hair dryers, and beard trimmers are also often found sprawled across bathroom counters, especially during busy mornings. And it’s not just about how messy they look; Tools and their tangled cords leave behind hair and product buildup that can be harder to wipe up the longer they stay on surfaces. If you use a tool every single day and don’t have the time to wait for it to cool before putting it away, consider placing the item on a silicone mat or using a heat-resistant organizer to stand it up right and off the counter.
6. Damp Items
Washcloths, dish towels, loofahs, and wet sponges should never be left on the counters. Damp materials will attract bacteria and mildew, particularly in humid environments such as the bathroom. Instead, have a designated spot, such as a hook or rack, nearby to allow them to dry between uses. (And know when it’s time to wash towels to keep germs at bay!)
7. Cleaning Supplies
One thing that professional cleaners always do is return the cleaning supplies they used to their designated storage areas, which doesn’t involve the countertop. Even if the products are used to scrub counters, Gagliardi explains that they should be put away once the job is done. A clean counter means everything, including the cleaning supplies, goes back to its rightful place.
In general, Gagliardi suggests that homeowners should provide new cleaners with guidance on what they can clean around and what they can put away. “Messiness from clutter is definitely a big part of why professional cleaners don’t want to leave items out on countertops following cleaning,” she notes. “Even if surfaces get cleaned, if the clutter isn’t dealt with, the space won’t look like it was cleaned thoroughly."
Source: Cornetta, M. (2025t, July 20). 7 things Professional cleaners never leave on the counter. Better Homes & Gardens. https://www.bhg.com/things-never-leave-on-counter-11764181