7 Things You Should Never Store Under Your Kitchen Sink
Being choosy about what you stash under your sink isn’t just about organization—it’s about damage prevention too!
The cabinet under the kitchen sink is one of my go-to storage spots in the kitchen. Its convenience lies in its central location, though; on the other hand, I’m not too crazy about how disorganized it tends to get down there (not to mention the looming threat of water damage should any leaks occurs in the plumbing!)
So in order to keep myself organized and prevent unnecessary damage, I did some research to determine once and for all what I should not keep under my sink. I’ll be sharing these under-the-sink no-no’s with you today, along with a few recommendations of items that you should keep under the kitchen sink! :-)
1. Harsh Chemicals
Everyday cleaners are a-okay to keep under your sink, but harsher chemicals like bleach? Not so much. For safety’s sake, store any harsh or corrosive formulas like bleach, drain cleaner, etc., in a more secure location away from curious kids and pets.
2. Tools
Storing wrenches, drills, and other tools under the sink might keep them close at hand, but storing rust-prone tools directly under a water source is just asking for trouble! Any sort of leak or drip could quickly cause rusting, so it’s just not worth the risk! Instead, store your tools in a covered toolbox in a dry location, like your garage or a closet.
3. Backup Items
The area under your sink offers valuable storage space, but it isn’t the best place to pack with bulk buys from your most recent Costco run. Keep the area functional and free of clutter by keeping smaller amounts of your supplies handy, and store the rest of your “backups” in your pantry, closet, or out in the garage.
4. Pet Food And Treats
Can you imagine the emotional devastation both you and your pet would feel if you discovered their favorite treats had gone moldy? That’s a very real possibility if you store their treats or food under the sink, where it’s often humid and a frequent site of leaks.
If you want to continue storing pet food or treats under the sink, keep them well protected by transferring them from bags and boxes to airtight containers. Or you could simply move your pet’s food and treats to a dryer storage location, like a closet or the bottom of your pantry.
5. Anything Flammable
It should go without saying, but flammable items don’t belong in the kitchen! This includes products like solvents, thinners, polishes, paints, certain cleaners, and anything else that could potentially burst into flames.
This is particularly important if you’ve been keeping any oily rags under your sink, like those used to apply furniture polish or varnishes containing linseed or flaxseed oil. Flammable items and oily rags should be safely stored away in the garage or a closet.
6. Things You Don’t Use
Because of its central location, the cupboard under the kitchen sink is a great place to store things you frequently need and use. This could include sponges and scrubbers, garbage bags, extra dish soap, and so on.
So take an inventory of the items under your sink, and if there are any bottles filled with mystery solutions you forgot to label, or pairs of cleaning gloves that don’t actually fit, find someone who could use them or get rid of them.
7. Anything That Shouldn’t Get Wet
While it isn’t necessarily inevitable that the pipes under your sink will start to drip or spring a leak at some point, it’s common enough that it would be silly not to consider the possibility! So unless you’re alright with possibly having to throw out a bunch of soggy paper towels or paper bags, or a bunch of corroded batteries, store items that shouldn’t get wet elsewhere.
4 Things You SHOULD Store Under The Kitchen Sink
1. Waterproof Mat
Water damage wouldn’t just affect the items you store under your sink—it could also do a number on the cabinet itself! Prevent warped or water-logged wood by lining the bottom of the cabinet under your sink with a waterproof mat.
2. Everyday Cleaners
Most of your go-to kitchen cleaning products (mine would include cleaning vinegar, Bar Keeper’s Friend, and Dawn dish soap, among others) can stay stashed under the sink, so they’re easy to reach when you need them. (Another obvious choice: dishwashing detergent!)
3. Cleaning Tools
Sponges, brushes, and scrubbers are fine to keep under the sink, although I advise keeping them in a covered storage bin. This will help prevent them from soaking up moisture from leaks or humidity and possibly even getting moldy. (Oh, and be sure to throw your sponges out if they start to smell.)
4. Fire Extinguisher
Every kitchen needs a functioning fire extinguisher somewhere in the vicinity, and the cupboard under your sink is a great centralized location for it. You never know when you might need one, and it’s better to be safe than sorry!
What do you keep under your kitchen sink?