The cabinet under the kitchen sink tends to collect all sorts of things. It’s easy to toss in extra cleaning supplies, household products, and items you don’t use very often, especially when you’re short on storage space.
But not everything belongs there. Since the cabinet houses plumbing pipes, it’s more likely to experience leaks, dampness, and moisture than other kitchen storage areas. A small leak can go unnoticed for days, leaving stored items damaged before you realize there’s a problem.
It’s worth checking what’s hiding under your sink and moving anything that could be damaged or create a safety concern. Here are 10 things that are better stored somewhere else.
Cookware
Storing pots, pans, and baking sheets under the sink might seem like a good way to free up cabinet space, but moisture can cause metal cookware to rust. Store your cookware in a dry kitchen cabinet or on a shelf so it stays clean and ready to use.
Pet Supplies
Keep pet food, treats, toys, and medications away from the damp conditions under the sink. Moisture can spoil food, damage packaging, and affect certain pet medications, so a pantry shelf or sealed storage container in a dry area is a much better choice.
Related: Keep The Pet, Not The Odor: 20 Ways To Reduce Pet Smells In Your House
Flammable Materials
Don’t store lighter fluid, aerosol cans, or other flammable products under the kitchen sink, where they may be exposed to heat or come into contact with other household chemicals. Follow the product’s storage instructions and keep these materials in a secure location away from heat, flames, children, and pets.
Small Appliances
It’s tempting to use the space under the sink for appliances you don’t use every day, such as toasters, blenders, and coffee makers. The moisture from plumbing leaks can damage electrical components, and the cramped cabinet makes these appliances harder to reach when you need them. Store them in a dry cupboard, pantry, or appliance shelf instead.
Harsh Chemicals
Strong cleaning products, including bleach and heavy-duty drain cleaners, need careful storage. Keep them in their original containers, follow the label instructions, and store them securely away from children, pets, and food items. Never store products together if their labels warn against mixing or contact with other chemicals.
Paint
Leftover paint cans may seem like a convenient place to tuck under the sink, but this area isn’t ideal for long-term storage. Moisture and temperature changes can affect paint quality, while a leaking or damaged can can create a mess. Keep leftover paint tightly sealed in a cool, dry location that meets the manufacturer’s storage recommendations.
Pantry Items
Cereal, pasta, canned goods, dried spices, and other pantry staples don’t belong under the kitchen sink. A leaking pipe can damage packaging and expose food to moisture, and cleaning products can create another source of contamination. Keep groceries in a dry pantry or kitchen cabinet instead.
Insecticides and Pesticides
Store bug sprays, ant killers, and other pesticides away from everyday household supplies. A leaking container or accidental spill could expose people and pets to harmful chemicals, so follow the label’s storage instructions and keep these products secured in their original packaging.
Paper Products
Extra paper towels, napkins, paper bags, and toilet paper may seem like practical items to keep under the sink, but even a small plumbing leak can ruin them. Move your backup paper supplies to a pantry, linen closet, or another dry storage area where they won’t get damp.
Batteries
Keep batteries in a cool, dry place rather than in a cabinet exposed to possible leaks and temperature changes. Moisture can damage batteries and their packaging, while improper storage can increase the risk of corrosion or leakage. Keep them in their original packaging or a dedicated battery organizer, away from metal objects and out of children’s reach.
