Kitchen Sink Storage Guide

Have you checked the cabinet under your kitchen sink lately? It’s often a cluttered space. Even if your farmhouse kitchen sink is charming, a mess under it can be a problem.
Picture endless stacks of kitchen towels, dish-washing supplies, old sponges, and recycled paper bags. Most people store many items here.

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According to Ginny Underwood, a professional organizer, the cabinet under the kitchen sink should be reserved for kitchen-related cleaning items. Supplies for other parts of the home, like toilet cleaner and feather dusters, should be removed.

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Start by taking everything out of the cabinet to take inventory. If there are spills, clean it up.

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Extra Supplies: Unopened boxes of trash bags, dishwasher tabs, dish soap, and other unused items don’t belong here. Lisa Dooley, a Boston-based organizing coach, suggests putting them in a closet or other storage area.

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Harsh Chemicals: Powerful cleaners like bleach should be stored securely in the garage or basement, away from children and other items.

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Flammable Products: Solvents, thinners, polishes, paints, and some cleaners can be dangerous. Oily rags can cause spontaneous combustion. These don’t belong in the kitchen.

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Kitchen Towels and Paper Bags: While convenient, these items don’t belong under the sink. Suzanne Pollak, co-founder of the Charleston Academy of Domestic Pursuits, says a leak could ruin them. Store them in a closet or another cabinet instead.

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Pet Food: Pet food shouldn’t go under the kitchen sink. Humidity can cause mold and mildew, and cleaning supplies could contaminate it if stored under the sink.
Storing Small Appliances: It can be challenging to find adequate space for small appliances like vacuums and food processors. Avoid storing them under the kitchen sink to prevent damage from potential leaks and moisture.

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Kitchen Sink Storage Organization: Utilize tools such as pullout trays, tension rods, S-hooks, and baskets to maintain an organized under-sink cabinet. These inexpensive solutions help keep your space neat and functional.

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Using Containers for Storage: Opt for plastic containers or tubs to store supplies, making it easy to clean underneath and see what items are running low. Regularly washing these containers in the dishwasher is recommended.

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Protecting with an Absorbent Mat: Before storing items under the cabinet, consider using an absorbent mat to catch any water in case of a leak. This helps protect cabinetry and prevent mold growth.

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Essential Cleaning Products: Keep distilled vinegar, dish soap, and scouring products handy under the sink. This area is also ideal for storing sponges, cleaning brushes, and scrubbers, but remember to replace them regularly due to germ accumulation.

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Avoiding Dangerous Mixtures: Be aware of cleaning products that should never be mixed together to prevent a small fire hazard.

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Safety with a Fire Extinguisher: Keep a small fire extinguisher under the sink as a safety measure against grease fires. Ensure it is up to date and easily accessible.

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Storing Handy Tools: Store tools used for unjamming garbage disposals under the sink to avoid losing them when needed.

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