15 Things You Should Toss From Under the Kitchen Sink Today (You’ll Thank Yourself Later)

Things You Should Toss From Under the Kitchen Sink Today (You’ll Thank Yourself Later)

Old Household Cleaners and Corrosive Chemicals

That bottle of drain cleaner you bought three years ago? It’s time to let it go. Potent drain cleaners contain highly corrosive chemicals that can eat through skin, clothing, and even plumbing pipes if not used correctly. Storing them under the sink puts them at risk of leaking, which could damage the cabinet structure and other items stored nearby. If a bottle tips over and spills, its corrosive contents pose an immediate chemical burn hazard to anyone who reaches into the cabinet. These chemicals become more dangerous as they age, with containers degrading over time and increasing the risk of accidents.

Expired Bleach and Ammonia-Based Products

Here’s a scary fact that might surprise you: storing bleach and ammonia-based cleaners in the same cabinet is a recipe for disaster. A small, unnoticed leak from both containers could allow the chemicals to mix on the cabinet floor. This mixture creates chloramine gas, a toxic vapor that can cause severe respiratory issues, chest pain, and nausea. Even if these products are in separate containers, expired bleach loses its effectiveness and can become unstable. Bleach is a dangerous substance that can cause skin irritation, respiratory problems, and even death. “Used properly, bleach is great for disinfecting, but it is usually one of the most hazardous chemicals in the household,” says Rick Sachleben, PhD, expert for the American Chemical Society.

Pest Control Products and Pesticides

That can of bug spray might seem harmless, but it’s actually one of the most dangerous items lurking under your sink. Chemicals designed to eliminate pests or weeds are highly toxic and should be handled with extreme care. The under-sink cabinet is often easily accessible to curious children and pets, making it a dangerous storage spot for these poisons. Accidental ingestion can have devastating or fatal consequences, a risk that far outweighs any storage convenience. These potent chemicals must be stored in a secure, locked cabinet, preferably in a garage or shed where they are out of reach. Most bug sprays and pest treatment products contain dangerous chemicals. Pesticides can cause cancer and reproductive damage.

Dishwasher Pods and Colorful Detergents

Those convenient dishwasher pods are basically candy to a toddler’s eyes. To a small child, colorful dishwasher detergent pods can look enticingly like candy. Keeping them in an unlocked cabinet under the sink creates a significant poisoning risk in households with young children. Ingestion of the concentrated detergent can cause severe internal burns and other life-threatening injuries. Always store these pods in their original container on a high shelf or in a cabinet with a childproof lock to prevent a tragic accident. 18-month-old Harrison opened a cupboard, removed the cap from a container of dishwasher detergent and swallowed the powder. Lisa heard his cry and ran to the kitchen to find him vomiting blood. An ambulance rushed Harrison to hospital where doctors were unsure if he would survive.

Flammable Items and Aerosol Cans

Your kitchen’s under-sink area is basically a fire hazard waiting to happen. Small propane or butane canisters for camping stoves or torches have absolutely no place in your kitchen. These containers of compressed, flammable gas are extremely sensitive to heat and can explode if the temperature rises too high. The proximity to the dishwasher or other heat sources makes the under-sink area a dangerously volatile storage location. Always store these fuel canisters in a cool, well-ventilated space like a garage or outdoor shed, away from living areas. Many common household products, including some polishes, cooking oils, and aerosol cans, are surprisingly flammable. The cabinet under the sink is often near heat-producing appliances like the dishwasher, which can increase the temperature in the enclosed space. An unseen leak or spark from old wiring or a nearby garbage disposal motor could easily ignite these flammable substances.

Electronics and Small Appliances

That handheld vacuum might seem convenient to store under the sink, but it’s actually putting your investment at risk. There’s nothing more convenient than having your go-to handheld vacuum easily accessible after dinner, but leaving it under the sink risks damaging it in the event of a leaky pipe or other moisture. Blenders and slow cookers fall into this category, too. Instead, store electronics someplace that’s fairly insulated from that risk — in the pantry, a hall closet near the kitchen or in the kitchen island. Moisture and electricity do not go well together. Moisture can cause corrosion and damage delicate electrical connections, plus create a hazard if the appliance you plug in has moisture anywhere in the unit, visible or not. Your coffeepot should wake you only with its caffeine, not by electrocuting you.

Food Items and Pet Food

You might think that extra bag of dog food fits perfectly under the sink, but you’re creating a recipe for disaster. Food items and pet food – In the event of a leak it could get into the food and cause mold. Sure, the sink is right there next to the dog bowls, or near where you are making your breakfast. But anything that any member of your family is going to eat, furry family included, should not be stored under the sink. The moisture and humidity under the sink create perfect conditions for mold growth, bacteria, and pest infestations that can contaminate your food. Humans can get sick from handling contaminated pet food or bowls that pets eat out of; this has happened as recently as 2023.

Light Bulbs and Fragile Glass Items

Those spare light bulbs might seem like they belong in that dark cabinet, but they’re actually a safety hazard waiting to happen. It’s tempting to stow spare light bulbs under the sink, but the heavily trafficked cabinet makes the delicate glass easier to smash. If you use the area under your sink a lot because your trash can is there, keeping things that are made of delicate materials, like glass isn’t a good idea. They can get damaged and pose a safety hazard when tossed around. Light bulbs are very fragile and it’s best to keep them in a spot where they’re less likely to be crushed. While the moisture isn’t great for these, it is actually their delicacy that makes lightbulbs not terrific for under-sink storage. They are so easy to break, and when they shatter, they SHATTER, and trying to clean up tiny shards of glass under the sink is a giant pain. Keep these where you are unlikely to accidentally smash them.

Damaged or Leaking Containers

That rusty can of WD-40 or the cleaning bottle with the loose cap needs to go immediately. Regularly inspect the items you keep under your sink for any signs of damage, rust, or leaks. A cracked bottle or a rusting aerosol can compromises the container’s integrity and increases the likelihood of a spill. Continuing to store a product in a damaged container is an unnecessary gamble that threatens your property and health. Prioritizing kitchen sink safety means immediately and properly disposing of any product whose packaging is no longer secure, regardless of how much is left. Even a small leak can create a domino effect, contaminating other items and creating hazardous chemical reactions.

Mothballs and Old Fabric Protection Products

Those mothballs from your grandmother’s era are more dangerous than you think. Mothballs contain pesticides that can cause headaches and dizziness if their fumes are inhaled. If ingested, they can cause cancer or anemia. The confined space under your sink can concentrate these toxic fumes, making them even more dangerous. Many older fabric protection products contain similar chemicals that have since been banned or restricted. The confined, poorly ventilated space under the sink allows these toxic vapors to build up, creating a health hazard every time you open the cabinet door.

Expired Medications and Supplements

While it might seem logical to keep medicine in the bathroom or kitchen, expired medications pose serious risks. Poison dangers to children come in many different forms, from medicines and household chemicals to coin-size batteries and liquid nicotine. In 2020, blood pressure medications, acetaminophen, antidepressants, dietary supplements and bleach were among the top five most unintentionally ingested substances by young children. Expired medications can become toxic or lose their effectiveness, and the humid environment under the sink accelerates their degradation. Nearly nine out of 10 unintentional poisonings occur in the home. Children are naturally curious and may mistake colorful pills for candy, especially when they’re easily accessible under the sink.

Toxic Household Chemicals and Solvents

That bottle of rubbing alcohol, nail polish remover, or paint thinner doesn’t belong under your sink. Any flammable items should be kept somewhere else. Rubbing alcohol, aerosols and cooking oils are all flammable. Many air fresheners contain formaldehyde and other chemicals that can be toxic if inhaled. They are also flammable and can catch fire if near an open flame. Ammonia exposure can burn your eyes, nose, and throat. Because it is a corrosive liquid, it can also burn your skin. The combination of poor ventilation and proximity to heat sources makes these products particularly hazardous in the under-sink environment.

Button Batteries and Small Electronics

Those loose batteries rolling around in a drawer under the sink are a silent killer. Swallowed batteries burn through a child’s esophagus in just 2 hours, leading to surgery, months with feeding and breathing tubes, and even death. About the size of a nickel, 20 mm, 3-volt lithium coin cells are the most hazardous as they are big enough to get stuck and burn faster. Secure battery compartments and keep loose batteries away from children. Coin-size button batteries, used in all sorts of electronics, are dangerous if swallowed. Do not leave products with accessible button batteries within reach of children and use tape to help secure a battery compartment that does not have a screw closure. The dark, cluttered environment under the sink makes these small hazards easy to overlook.

Cloth Rags and Paper Products

Those old rags soaked in cleaning chemicals are basically fuel for a fire. When you store used cleaning rags under the sink, they can spontaneously combust due to chemical reactions, especially if they’ve been used with oils or certain cleaning products. The confined space and lack of air circulation create perfect conditions for this dangerous chemical reaction. Additionally, damp paper products and cardboard boxes create ideal breeding grounds for mold and bacteria. Common risks in the kitchen are; fire, electrical issues, burns, slipping, improper handling of kitchen equipment, food poisoning, and improper storage. The lead cause of residential fires is cooking, and it is mainly because of unattended cooking.

Liquid Nicotine and E-Cigarette Products

E-cigarettes and their liquid refills are becoming increasingly common in households, but they’re incredibly dangerous when stored improperly. Electronic cigarettes (e-Cigs) are devices made to look like real cigarettes. They contain a battery, a heater, and liquid nicotine. When heated, the nicotine liquid becomes a vapor, which users inhale. Liquid nicotine products contain flavorings and something to help the product vaporize. Liquid nicotine products are very poisonous if swallowed. The sweet flavors and bright colors of these products can attract children, and even small amounts can be fatal. A smaller dose can be toxic in children compared to an average adult. Advise travelers to be mindful about children playing in rooms treated with pesticides and to seek medical attention in cases of difficulty breathing, excessive drooling, nausea, vomiting, seizures, tremors, or an altered level of consciousness.

Conclusion

The space under your kitchen sink might seem like convenient storage, but it’s actually one of the most dangerous areas in your home when used improperly. While it seems like a convenient storage spot, its combination of moisture, darkness, and proximity to plumbing makes it a surprisingly hazardous place for many common products. Storing the wrong items here can lead to dangerous chemical reactions, property damage, and serious health risks for your family and pets. Improving your kitchen sink safety involves more than just organization; it requires understanding the potential dangers lurking in that small space. By moving dangerous chemicals, flammable items, and moisture-sensitive products to safer locations, you eliminate a host of hidden risks. A few simple changes can dramatically improve your home’s kitchen sink safety and give you valuable peace of mind. Taking the time to declutter and relocate these items is a small investment in protecting your home and the well-being of your family.

Remember, in 2023, the 55 US poison control centers provided telephone guidance for nearly 2.1 million human poison exposures, and nearly nine out of 10 unintentional poisonings occur in the home. Your kitchen sink cabinet shouldn’t be a contributing factor to these statistics. What’s the most surprising item you discovered you shouldn’t keep under there?