Pet food
Pet food should not be kept under the sink, especially if it’s not placed in air-tight containers. Being left in humid environments makes them more prone to developing mold. More than that, open pet food should not be stored in the vicinity of hazardous chemicals, such as cleaning products, so as to prevent cross-contamination.
Speaking of pets, check out these 13 Outstanding Things You Never Knew Dogs Could Do!
Pantry items
If you don’t have a lot of storage space, we understand the struggle to keep everything well-organized, out of reach and out of sight. It’s difficult to store all those cereal boxes, pasta, spice jars and so on. There’s no wonder you use every space you can, including the area under the sink.
Unfortunately, it’s not the ideal storing place for food items. It’s a humid place, because of the water pipes, which will cause the dry goods to alter and become useless. Same with fresh food. ‘Food items, especially fresh food like onions and potatoes, should be stored in a dry, dark, and cool area in your kitchen. Consider putting these in your pantry,’ says Lauren Saltman, a professional organizer and owner of Living.
Light bulbs
Many people have trash cans or recycling bins under the kitchen sink, making it a highly used area. This means that the things you also keep in that spot can be knocked over, smashed or damaged. So, if you have some light bulbs there, given their fragility, it’s best that you find them another storage spot. Maybe storing them in a box, wrapped in bubble wrap, in a storage closet, will keep them safe and fit for purpose.
You might also like to read more about these 7 Things You Should Throw Out of Your Closet Right NOW!
32 Responses
Thanks for your information this helps
very helpful, but tell that to an Italian wife . I don’t get involved with the kitchen , I help out where I can . But every time I look under the sink cabinet, to grab bag, for the garbage, I look in and I forget what I’m looking for. WTH is all this .
thks for the tip .
Thanks for the info!
Thanks for the info
who would leave fragile dishes under sink? Ugh! Cabinets or buffet!!!
You should leave a small bucket under the garbage disposal in case it leaks, especially if it is 6 years old or older. This will save you from cleaning up the mess in case it leaks. I know from personal experience!!!!
I learned my lesson the hard way. You never look under there until it’s to late. Under mine was plywood. I had to replace the wood which I didn’t have much room to work. Instead of a bucket I put a cat litter box under it. Wish I had read your information before hand
Thanks. I was wondering about that setup.
I don’t think garbage disposals are a good idea anyway.
Thanks for the tip. I will do that now.
Yes. That’s a great idea!
So true one never knows I leave a dishpan just in case..
Appreciate the info!
Thank you
How would you describe an “absorbent mat” for under the sink? Do you mean something cotton, like a towel or dishtowel? Something like a bathroom mat? I’m just a little confused about what to look for that’s absorbent, but not a catch-all for dampness and germs or dangerous substances.
Absorbent Mat. A piece of material used to absorb moisture, such as used to drain dishes on, mats used as a placemats under children’s feeding areas, etc. Absorbent Mat.
I have a “lipped “ rubber mat like you would use at the door for boots
They have various undersink mats available on Amazon, some of them are absorbent.
I have used “Puppy Pads”…. you can dispose of them as necessary
I would put a boot mat under kitchen sink. It has an edge in case of leaks.
Like one of those fabric dishdrainers sweetie!
They have great silicone ones that you can customize to fit and they come in larger sizes I got mine on Amazon less than $20- I have a corner sink so I had to get creative but I’m happy with it
I will be putting in my bathroom vanities too
They have great silicone ones that you can customize to fit and they come in larger sizes I got mine on Amazon less than $20- I have a corner sink so I had to get creative but I’m happy with it
I will be putting in my bathroom vanities too
I allow the sponges to air dry first after washing them in the dishwasher. I have Sterilite 3 drawer organizers…4 of them…and it is very organized plus sanitary! 🤷♀️
I only store brand new sponges under the sink. Once they are used, they stay out of the cabinet.
Yeah! My Mom was RIGHT! she told us this well back in the late 60’s and 70’s never put wet/damp sponges under the sink basically any thing wet under a sink and now at the tender age of 62 I don’t use sponges to me they are germy
I took a course with the Emergency team for Harford County. The fire chief said not to store the fire extinguishers under the sink. It should be hung on a wall where it is easy to get to if there is a fire. Most of the time the sink is near the stove and if there is a fire its dangerous to try to retrieve it if there is something that is blocking it when you try to grab it. I told them they need to make decorative fire extinguishers lol to be hung on walls. They said they would consider it NOT. The red is so anyone can see it and use it.
Waste of time… 10 items? Only Kitchen sponges..there must be something missing in this article, but the first thing you see is an advertisement….followed by Kitchen sponge nothing else.
Regarding sponges, stored under the sink. The cabinet doors are not air tight. I’ve never had a wet sponge remain wet. They dry out just fine. I’ve been keeping house for 50 years and I’ve never found a wet or even damp sponge under my sink, even if used everyday. 🤔🙄
If you’re tight on space, take a look at some RV lifestyle articles online, they come up with some clever ideas on storage and organizing. They have a very small space to live in.
yall are stupid advertise 10 items and then hide 9 of them
Great info especially for new families. I used to take all harmful items out from under the sink and instead put pots & pans, canned goods or other non-breakable or non-harmful items in the lower cabinets. My toddlers (now both grandparents) would pull those out and pretend to cook or use them as building blocks.
Great Information!!