🚫 5 Items You Should Never Put Under the Sink in Your Kitchen

The space under your kitchen sink is one of the most commonly used storage spots in the home. It seems like the perfect place to stash cleaning products, sponges, and anything else you want out of sight. But not everything belongs there — and storing the wrong items under your sink can lead to damage, safety hazards, and even unwanted pests.

Here are 5 items you should never store under your kitchen sink — and why it’s worth finding them a better home.

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1. Food of Any Kind

Storing food under the sink — even sealed items — is a big no-no. Why? Because the area under the sink is often warm, moist, and dark — a perfect breeding ground for mold, bacteria, and pests like ants and roaches.

🛑 Why to avoid:

• Can spoil quickly due to fluctuating temperatures

• Attracts pests

• Risk of contamination if there’s a leak

👉 Store instead: In upper cabinets, pantry shelves, or airtight containers away from moisture.

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2. Small Kitchen Appliances

It might be tempting to tuck away a toaster, blender, or mixer under the sink to save counter space, but this is not a safe place for electronics.

🛑 Why to avoid:

• Risk of water damage from plumbing leaks

• Moisture can cause rust or electrical damage

• Cramped space can lead to tangled cords or overheating

👉 Store instead: In a dry cupboard or on a dedicated shelf.

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3. Paper Products (Towels, Plates, Napkins)

Paper and moisture are a disastrous combination. Even a small leak under the sink can ruin your paper towels or disposable products, turning them soggy and unusable.

🛑 Why to avoid:

• Absorbs moisture quickly

• Can grow mold or mildew

• Attracts bugs

👉 Store instead: In a dry pantry or cabinet, far from water sources.

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4. Pet Food or Treats

While it might seem convenient to store pet supplies under the sink, pet food is just like human food when it comes to spoilage and attracting pests.

🛑 Why to avoid:

• Draws rodents, ants, and cockroaches

• Can spoil from heat or moisture exposure

• Risk of contamination from nearby chemicals

👉 Store instead: In a sealed container, in a cool, dry place.

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5. Valuable or Fragile Items

Sometimes people use under-the-sink space for storing things like candles, decorative items, or even spare glassware — but it's one of the riskiest places for breakables or valuables.

🛑 Why to avoid:

• Can easily fall or get knocked over

• Water leaks can cause irreparable damage

• Often overlooked during cleaning or repairs

👉 Store instead: In secure shelves or storage bins in more stable areas of your home.

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Pro Tip: What Should Go Under Your Sink?

✅ Safe items to store include:

• Non-toxic cleaning supplies

• Trash bags

• Dish soap & sponges

• Scrub brushes or gloves

• Buckets or bins (to catch leaks!)

💧 Consider using a liner or tray under the sink to catch any leaks and keep stored items dry.

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Final Thoughts

While it might seem like a convenient spot, the area under your kitchen sink isn’t suitable for everything. Moisture, heat, and leaks make it a tricky storage area, and keeping the wrong things there can lead to messes, pests, or even hazards.

By knowing what not to store under your sink, you’ll keep your kitchen safer, cleaner, and more organized. When in doubt, choose higher, drier storage options for anything that’s sensitive to water or temperature changes.