Even though it has plumbing pipes and drain pipes taking up space, the big open cabinet under the kitchen sink is a convenient and attractive storage area. Not for some things.
Do not store anything dangerous under the kitchen sink. Or anything that can be ruined by water. Moisture of any kind–leaks, condensation, or humidity–enables mold growth. Moisture and food stored under the sink also attract insect pests.
Store the following items in another location.
1. Hazardous Chemicals and Flammable Products
Not only are most chemical cleaning products poisonous, many of them are flammable. Bleach can combust spontaneously. Other cleaning products act as an accelerant in case of fire. Many sink cabinets are close to kitchen ranges.
Things like rubbing alcohol, solvents, and some aerosols like spray silicone lube have it all. Flammable, explosive, and poisonous. They should never be stored under the sink.
2. Food
Storing food like potatoes and onions under the sink for convenience may seem like a good idea. It isn’t. Many houses have heat ducts under the cabinet–making them very warm. Produce will not last as long.
Insects like roaches are attracted to food and moisture under the sink. If mold is present, it will grow on vegetables. Cleaning supplies may leak or drip onto food.
3. Electrical Appliances
Storing electrical appliances where they might get wet is a bad idea. High humidity in the cabinet can corrode connections and components. Even battery-operated appliances can be affected by corrosion. Contacts corrode and batteries can swell and become useless or split.
4. Pet Food
Pet food can get wet from leaks or just absorb moisture from humid air. Mold grows on wet pet food. Hazardous chemicals can leak into it. Your pet may start spending time underfoot in front of the sink because that is where the food comes from.
5. Cookware and Utensils
Anything you cook with or eat off of should not spend time under the sink. Mold, chemicals, water stains, or insects may get on or in them. Making extra work to clean them before use.
6. Paper Products
Under the sink is a poor location for anything that can be ruined by water or moisture. Paper towels, tissues, paper bags, cardboard, cookbooks, and owner’s manuals can all be ruined by water, moisture, mold, and insects.
7. Items Dangerous To Children
Things like dishwasher pods attract children who tend to explore by taste. Keep anything poisonous out of this cabinet and others that children can access. Child safety locks work if used consistently.
8. Mold
Mold grows in dust if moisture is added. Water gets under the sink from small plumbing leaks, condensation, water seeping under the sink lips, and splashes. Mold starts growing in less than 48 hours. If it is undetected, it spreads fast and becomes a messy cleaning job.
Items That Should Be Stored Under the Sink
If you are left wondering what can be stored under the sink, here is a short list.
- Garbage can.
- Compost bin. Warm moist air is beneficial.
- Recycling bin.
- Garbage bags. Large and small.
- Non-toxic cleaners. Like dish soap and vinegar.
- Cleaning supplies. Rubber gloves, small brushes, and scrubbers.
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