The space below your sink can otherwise be considered the Bermuda Triangle of the kitchen. It’s where various cleaning products, spare sponges, trash bags, and other odds and ends go — and sometimes disappear. But it’s also an agent of chaos and can very quickly get out of control if no order is implemented. It’s a tricky space to organize because you’re dealing with limited real estate and chemicals. If the clutter is getting out of hand, try this approach to declutter and organize your space under the kitchen sink.

Getting Started

First things first, it’s time to face the music. Open that cabinet door and brace yourself for the avalanche of items that may come tumbling out. Don’t worry; it’s all part of the adventure. Take a moment to assess the situation. Are there expired cleaning products lurking in the shadows? Do you spot any stray objects that could be salvaged or placed elsewhere? Take inventory of what you’ve got, and then you can begin organizing.

Out With the Old, In With the Organized

Once you’ve faced the beast head-on, it’s time to declutter. Let go of those half-empty bottles of mystery cleaning solutions and toss the crusty old sponges that have seen better days.

Pro tip: If you can’t remember the last time you used it, it’s probably time to toss it.

The Power of Organization

With the clutter out of the way, you can find homes for each item or product that’s left. So, where to begin? You’ll want to get some durable organizers that fit the space, like small stackable bins, sliding drawers, or, if space permits, a lazy Susan for easy access to all your under-sink essentials.

Sort and Categorize

Group similar items together – all the cleaning sprays in one corner, sponges and scrub brushes in another, and so on. Bonus points for labeling your bins and containers for maximum organization prowess.

Maximizing Vertical Space

When surface area is lacking, vertical space is your friend. Don’t let those pipes cramp your style! Get some adjustable shelving units or over-the-door organizers to make the most of every inch.

Maintenance Mode: Staying Organized

Once you’ve conquered the mayhem that lives under the sink, the next big milestone is . . . keeping it that way. Like any great quest, maintenance is key to keeping your newly organized space in tip-top shape. Make it a habit to do a quick inventory check every month or so and toss out any expired or unused items.

And don’t forget to give your under-sink cabinet a little TLC every now and then, especially if your cleaning products have taken a spill or two. A quick wipe-down with some all-purpose cleaner will keep things looking fresh and tidy.

Proper Care and Safety Tips for Chemical Cleaners

Because you’re working with a bundle of chemicals, ranging from bleach to drain cleaners, they can be risky if you don’t handle or store them properly. While these products are essential for maintaining a clean home, they can also pose serious risks if not handled and stored properly. Follow these tips to stay safe in your organization process.

Secure childproof locks.

If there are children or pets that can access the cabinets in your household, play it safe by installing childproof locks on the cabinet doors under the sink.

Keep chemicals in original containers.

Avoid transferring household chemicals to unlabeled or improper containers. Original containers are designed to store these chemicals safely and often include child-resistant caps and important safety information.

Store chemicals away from food and pet supplies.

Keep a clear separation between household chemicals and food items or pet supplies stored under the sink. This reduces the risk of accidental ingestion or contamination.

Avoid mixing chemicals.

Never, ever mix household chemicals unless specified by the label or manufacturer. Mixing certain chemicals can produce toxic fumes or reactions that pose serious health hazards. For example, mixing bleach and vinegar can create chlorine gas, which can be serious — from lung and eye irritations to fatality if mixed in large quantities.

Ventilate the area.

Make sure you have adequate ventilation under the sink by keeping cabinet doors partially open during and after using chemical products. This helps dissipate any fumes and prevents the buildup of potentially harmful gases.

Protect yourself.

When handling household chemicals, wear the right protective gear such as gloves and safety goggles to shield your skin and eyes from potential contact with harmful substances.

Dispose of chemicals safely.

When disposing of household chemicals, follow local regulations for proper disposal methods. Make sure you don’t pour chemicals down the drain unless instructed to do so—this can be harmful to the environment!