7 Things To Throw Out Under Your Kitchen Sink

One of the most challenging spots to organize in your home is under the kitchen sink. It’s small, tight, and irregularly shaped due to the pipes. Add a garbage disposal or water filtration system, and fitting everything down there is like piecing together a puzzle. However, that doesn’t mean this space is impossible to keep tidy. But before you organize, it’s best to start by decluttering. Here are seven things to throw out from under your kitchen sink.

Food

Organizing strategist Brenda Prinzavalli advises relocating any food stored under the kitchen sink. This area is prone to leaks and tends to be moist and humid, causing food—even if it’s sealed—to mold or go bad. This can also attract vermin and bugs, so it’s best to store food in your refrigerator or pantry.

Extra Cleaning Supplies

Whether it’s an extra can of scouring scrub or a box of sponges, Katie Dills, brand president of The Cleaning Authority, suggests rethinking where you store these items. “Under your kitchen sink is likely one of the most frequently accessed spaces in your home. Typically, essential cleaning supplies, garbage bags, and dish towels are stored here, and it can become cramped and disorganized quickly,” she explains.

She advises moving your extra hand soaps, bulk trash bags, and cleaner refills to a location with more storage space.

Empty Bottles

There’s a good chance there are at least one or two empty bottles under your kitchen sink. Whether it’s a bathroom cleaning spray with less than one use left or a product you only use occasionally, such as brass cleaner—these items belong in the trash.

Old Cleaning Tools

Life gets busy, and it’s not uncommon to find a scouring pad under the sink that’s seen better days or a Magic Eraser that’s worn down to a nub. “Under the sink is a dark place where things tend to hide. I recommend tossing old sponges, cleaning brushes, and rags. Start fresh and rotate them regularly,” says Kris Hargrove, professional organizer and founder of Organized by Kris.

Products You Tried But Didn’t Like

While you might have had high hopes for that multi-purpose cleaner you heard about on TikTok, there probably isn’t any purpose in keeping it. We all make mistakes, but it’s best to cut your losses and move on. “Let go of anything you don’t reach for regularly or that doesn’t serve a specific purpose,” says Hargrove.

Kitchen Towels

While under the sink seems like a logical place to store extra kitchen towels, Prinzavalli advises against it. “Kitchen towels shouldn’t be under the sink unless they are for clean-up purposes only. Hand and dish towels should be stored in a clean, dry space like a drawer,” she says.

Vases

While you might not think to store your extra vases under the sink, plenty of other people do—Hargrove says she sees this all the time. Vases can take up quite a bit of room and under the sink tends to be a tight area. So, find another spot for them. “I suggest picking your favorite two and letting the rest go,” says the pro organizer.