What is okay to keep under the kitchen sink, according to experts?
Absorbent mat
First and foremost, before organizing any other items in the cabinet under the sink, put an absorbent mat in there. In case of a leak, it will absorb the water and prevent the development of mold, explains David Schneider, a residential interior designer in St. Louis
Fire extinguisher
Let’s hope you never get to use one, but just in case, better safe than sorry! So, a small fire extinguisher can be put inside the kitchen sink cabinet, to have it within reach in case of emergencies. Just make sure you it’s functional and you know how to use it.
That being said, we know that the area under the kitchen can seem like a real valuable storage place, especially if you’re short on that. But before placing whatever items you think fit under there, make sure it’s safe first.
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!!