Your kitchen sink cabinet often feels like a catch-all spot for extra storage. It seems convenient to tuck away a variety of items there, but not everything is safe or practical to keep in that space.
Knowing what not to store under your sink can help you avoid damage, safety hazards, and clutter. By being mindful about this space, you can keep your kitchen more organized and protect your home from potential problems.
Expired cleaning chemicals
You should avoid storing expired cleaning chemicals under your sink. Over time, these products can break down and become less effective or even unstable. This increases the risk of leaks or harmful fumes.
The heat and moisture under the sink can cause containers to degrade faster. If bottles leak, the chemicals may damage pipes or react dangerously with other products.
Regularly check the expiration dates on your cleaning supplies. Dispose of any old or unused chemicals safely, away from your living spaces.
Open paint cans
You should never store open paint cans under the sink. The moisture and temperature changes in this area can cause the paint to spoil faster.
Leaving paint cans open also increases the risk of fumes building up, which isn’t safe in a confined space.
If you need to keep leftover paint, make sure the lids are sealed tightly and store them in a dry, ventilated spot away from plumbing and heat sources. This helps keep the paint usable and your space safer.
Aerosol cans
You should avoid storing aerosol cans under your sink. These cans are pressurized and can become unstable if exposed to heat.
If you have a garbage disposal nearby, it can generate heat, increasing the risk of the cans overheating. This creates a potential fire hazard.
Also, the space under the sink is often poorly ventilated. If a can leaks or bursts, it could release harmful chemicals in a confined area.
To keep things safe, store your aerosol cans in a cool, dry place away from heat sources. This simple step helps protect your home and family.
Pesticides and insecticides
You should never store pesticides or insecticides under your sink. These chemicals can leak or spill, which could be harmful to your family or pets.
Keeping these products in a locked, well-ventilated space is safer. Ideally, choose a cabinet or shed away from living areas.
Always keep pesticides in their original containers with labels intact. This helps you use them correctly and avoid accidental misuse.
Flammable liquids
You should never store flammable liquids under your sink. Items like paint thinner, rubbing alcohol, and certain aerosols can catch fire easily in the cramped, warm space there.
If you have a garbage disposal, it can heat up during use, increasing the risk of these liquids igniting. Keeping them elsewhere, like a cool, dry garage or basement, is much safer.
Avoiding flammable liquids under the sink reduces fire hazards and keeps your home safer. It’s a simple step that prevents big problems later.
Medications
You should avoid storing medications under the sink because the area is often warm and humid. These conditions can reduce the effectiveness of your medicines over time.
Bathrooms and spaces under sinks are prone to moisture, which can cause some medications to expire faster than expected. Keeping medicine in such environments might make them less reliable when you need them.
Instead, store your medications in a cool, dry place away from direct heat or sunlight. A drawer or cabinet in a different room is usually a better choice for preserving their potency.
Food items
You should avoid storing food under the sink. The space tends to be damp and warm, which can cause food to spoil quickly.
Fresh produce like onions and potatoes need a cool, dry place to stay fresh. Keeping them under the sink can make them go bad faster.
Pet food also shouldn’t be stored there. It risks contamination from cleaning products and pests.
To keep your food safe and fresh, it’s better to store it in cabinets or pantries designed for food storage.
Sharp knives or tools
Keeping sharp knives or tools under the sink isn’t a good idea. You might accidentally cut yourself while reaching into a cluttered cabinet.
Water and moisture can dull blades faster, reducing their lifespan.
It’s safer to store knives in a dedicated knife block or drawer away from damp areas. This helps keep both you and your tools safe and sharp.
Laundry detergents with ammonia
You might find some laundry detergents contain ammonia, which can help remove tough stains. Ammonia is a strong cleaner but should be used carefully.
Avoid storing detergents with ammonia under the sink if you also keep bleach there. Mixing ammonia and bleach creates harmful fumes that are dangerous to breathe.
Keep these detergents in a cool, dry place where they can’t accidentally spill or mix with other household chemicals. This helps protect your family and home.
Propane tanks
You should never store propane tanks under your sink. These tanks contain flammable gas, and keeping them in cramped, poorly ventilated spaces increases the risk of leaks and potential fire hazards.
If a leak occurs, the confined area under the sink makes it harder for gas to disperse safely. This can lead to dangerous situations.
Store propane tanks outside, away from heat sources and direct sunlight. Always follow safety guidelines to protect your home and family.
