7 Things You Should Never Store Under the Kitchen Sink

Storage space is a valuable resource in a jam-packed kitchen. Appliances, dishes, and cleaning supplies take up a lot of room, often leading to us cramming items into every available cabinet to keep things tidy. But there is one place you should avoid treating like extra storage: under your kitchen sink. This cabinet is home to potential leaky pipes and plumbing, exposing items to water damage. While it’s okay to store dish soap, dishwasher tablets, and garbage bags under the sink in a pinch, here are seven items that you should never keep in that space.

Sponges

While keeping sponges and dish rags below the sink may seem sensible for easy access, it’s better to find another storage spot in your kitchen. Sponges, fabric wipes, and other cloth materials can soak up the moisture in the air and quickly develop mold and mildew. Keep all sponges in a dry place, like a kitchen drawer, until you’re ready to use them.

Harsh Chemicals

Storing harsh chemicals such as bleach and drain cleaners under the sink is a bad idea. Moisture can affect the quality of unsealed cleaning supplies, making them less effective. The area beneath the sink is also located at ground level, making it easily accessible for both children and pets. Store harsh chemicals below eye level in a secure, well-ventilated area, such as a cabinet or pantry.

Paper Towels

Paper towels are incredibly absorbent, which can be a bad combination with the ambient moisture below the kitchen sink. This could lead to the towels developing mold, and you will have to throw them away, wasting money. Keep all paper products in a cool, dry environment.

Flammable Substances

You should avoid storing flammable substances beneath the sink, such as aerosol cans. This is especially true if you own a garbage disposal, which generates heat that can cause an aerosol can to explode and catch fire. Keep all flammable materials in a safe area, away from heat sources and out of direct sunlight, such as in a dark cabinet or on a lower shelf in the garage.

Batteries

Moist, damp environments can cause batteries to corrode, leading to health risks and property damage. Store batteries in a dry, cool area, such as a drawer or a toolbox compartment. 

Kitchen Appliances

Never store electronic appliances under the sink. This includes blenders, hand mixers, and handheld vacuums. If an electric appliance is exposed to water, its circuit board could be ruined, killing the machine. 

Pet Food

Keeping bags of dry pet food underneath the sink poses an unnecessary health risk to your furry companions. If the bag comes into contact with moisture, the food could develop mold and make your pet sick. Store pet food in a secure location, such as a pantry.

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