If your “stash it” place is the cabinet under your kitchen sink, it’s time to pull things out and reorganize to keep this area clean and ready for the unexpected leak, according to Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Here are tips on what to keep and what to toss.
What Not to Store under the Kitchen Sink:
Unused, old, broken or no-long suitable cleaners, sponges, scrub brushes and other castoffs that have accumulated behind closed doors should be discarded.
Towels, rags, paper towels, paper bags. All of these items absorb water and odors from other stored items or the waste basket combined with heat and humidity coming from the sink and/or dishwasher. If the only storage space available for these items is under the sink, they should be stored in closed plastic containers.
Metal items. Tools, pots and pans, metal cookware, or anything else that is prone to rusting does not belong. This also includes small appliances and light bulbs.
Produce, food items, pet food/treats. Produce and dry foods may mold under the sink.
Harsh chemicals, flammable products, insecticides. Bleach, insecticides, solvents, thinners, paints, polishes, and household cleaners have no place under the kitchen sink. These items need to be stored in the basement, garage, or utility area and away from small children. Occasionally the containers of these items spring a leak or emit fumes—all of which we do not want in our living areas and especially not in our kitchen. Further, often a dishwasher sits next to the sink cabinet; heat or an electrical spark and flammable fumes could cause a sudden explosion or fire.
What to Store under the Kitchen Sink
Consider an absorbent mat for the bottom of the cabinet to absorb a bit of water from a dripping sponge or leaking from a pipe or a stored product. These mats protect the cabinetry and prevent the formation of mold.
Consider purchasing clear plastic containers for organizing or protecting items or even installing tiered under-sink organizers to make use of the available vertical space or pull-out racks to keep items from getting lost in the back of the cabinet and bring them forward for easy access. Home improvement and container stores have any number of these items designed to work around the pipes and garbage disposal. The inside of the cabinet doors are an ideal place to mount a towel rack or racks made for storing everything from trash bags to paper towels and sponges.
Cleaning products. Keep the essentials such as vinegar, dish soap, dishwasher products, scrubbers, sponges, brushes, and kitchen gloves — all of the items needed daily to maintain a clean and healthy kitchen. If young children are in the home, the doors to the cabinet should be secured with child-proof locks to prevent accidental poisoning from any of these products.
By reclaiming and organizing our under sink space, we make our home safer and more efficient with the added benefit of having just what we need under our sink.
Article released February 8, 2021
