The space under your sink, whether in a kitchen or bathroom, is the best place to keep certain things that you don’t want to put on display. However, not everything can be kept there. The dark and moist conditions under the sink can be the breeding ground for decay and damage. To protect your belongings, you must be mindful of what you should store in this space.
Small Kitchen Appliances
Small appliances, such as crock pots, pressure cookers, and blenders, should not be stored under the sink. They could be damaged by sink leaks, which can cause electrical short circuits and fires. It’s better to store these items in your kitchen cabinet or closet.
Paper Products
It may be convenient to keep products made up of paper, like paper towels or paper bags, under the sink. However, the moisture and leaky pipes can ruin your products entirely. This can also promote the growth of molds and fungi. Instead, store these items in the dry pantry, linen closet, or even on the shelf in your garage.
Flammable Products
Never keep the fire extinguishers near the sink or under it. This place is not ideal as it is near water heaters, pipes, or dishwashers. This place could expose them to extreme amounts of heat and moisture. This condition can compromise flammable products and may ignite very quickly. These things should always be stored in a cool and dry place. Also, be sure not to put it in containers because any tiny spark can lead to a big fire.
Perishable Food Items
Items like onions and potatoes should never be stored under the sink. The small leaks, damp conditions, and moist environments can increase the chances of chemical contamination. This will increase foodborne diseases and become a breeding ground for multiple types of bacteria. These perishable food items should be kept in loose airbags, allowing proper air circulation.
Pet Food
Keeping pet food under your sink may seem common, but it should be avoided at all costs. This can increase the chances of cross-contamination with other items and attract rodents into your house. Always keep your pet’s food in a cool, dry container to ensure their well-being.
Batteries
Keeping spare batteries under the sink can lead to significant heat fluctuations from hot water pipes and nearby appliances. Because of this, your battery’s lifespan can be reduced drastically. This can cause it to discharge very quickly and potentially leak. To prevent your batteries’ life span and performance, store them in a cool and dry place.
Cookware
Do not store cookware utensils like pots and pans under the sink. The space is prone to leaks, which can impact the quality of heating the food. Leaks can also penetrate the utensils and cause them to be contaminated. The best space for storing them is in kitchen cabinets or a nearby closet.
Dishwasher Pods
It is natural to store dishwasher pods under the sink. Since this place is convenient and near the dishwasher. However, it exposes them to water leaks, molds, and spills from plumbing fixtures. If it gets exposed to water, the pods can dissolve entirely or even break apart.
Glass Items
Many people keep glass items like light blubs or vases under the sink. However, it is not a safe practice as glass is fragile. It can easily tip over and shatter, harming people who reach in. Additionally, it is challenging to clean afterwards in damp and dark areas. Bubble wrap such fragile items and keep them in a safe space.
Household Tools
Household tools such as a wrench or pair of pliers are essential to tighten the screws or anything that gets loose in the kitchen. These are the crucial tools for do-it-yourself. However, the dark, moist, and damp conditions under the sink can quickly rust these tools. The best way to keep them organized and safe is to store them in a basement or a garage.
Sponges
Sponges can soak the moisture if kept in moist conditions. This can spur the growth of fungi and molds. Even if they are new, they still get soaked quickly, which causes them to develop an unpleasant odor in your kitchen. Instead, keep them away in a tight-lidded bin or place them in the backstock supplies.
Insecticides and Pesticides
Storing different insecticides and pesticides under the sink is common, but it can be risky. Children and pets can easily reach out to these chemicals at this place. This makes them vulnerable to various diseases if ingested by mistake. Additionally, these chemicals can contaminate the food and water if they spill.
Sharp Objects
Storing sharp objects under the sink, such as knives and scissors, can be lethal. If your household has young children, then it becomes more dangerous. They can easily access these items and may harm themselves. The best way to store sharp objects is in a knife block or a secure drawer to prevent mishaps.
Valuable Documents
The area under the sink is not a good place to keep valuable documents such as gas bills, appliance guarantee cards, and other essential documents. The moisture will cause irreplaceable damage to these documents. This damage cannot be recovered quickly, leading to potential theft or costly replacements.
Cleaning Products and Chemicals
Many households store kitchen cleaning products and chemicals under the sink. However, it is not an ideal place, especially if you have young children and pets. These items can be easily accessible, which poses a severe health risk if ingested. Additionally, it can be spilt over due to plumbing leaks and cause irreparable damage to kitchen crockery or even appliances.
Electronics
Electronic items like handheld vacuums or toasters can easily be stored under the sink. However, it can cause hefty damage. Moisture and damp conditions can lead to electric sparks and potential damage. Additionally, any minor plumbing leak can cause water inside these electrical items and increase the risk of malfunction or fire.
Pantry Items
Due to limited storage space, people often store pantry items under the sink. However, the moist environment in this area can contaminate your food quickly. This can lead to spoilage and health risks if consumed. It is best to store pantry items in a dry, cool place to avoid these issues.
