The cupboard under your sink is probably hiding things you didn’t even know existed. Inside, you’ll find mystery bottles from three house moves ago, rubber gloves that have seen better days, and that sponge you’re not quite brave enough to touch.
But sorting it out is easier than you think. And once it’s done, you’ll actually be able to find what you need without rummaging around for 30 minutes. Ready to reclaim that space? Let’s dive in.
Empty the Cabinet
First things first, pull everything out from under the sink. This is your chance to see exactly what’s been lurking in there, and trust us, you’ll be surprised.
Lay it all out on the floor or kitchen table so you can actually see what you’re dealing with. Then, sort things into three piles: keep, bin, and donate.
Be ruthless here. If you’ve got three half-empty bottles of the same washing-up liquid or a sponge that looks like it’s survived a small war, it’s time to let go.
Once you’ve sorted through the chaos, take a moment to measure the space. Knowing the height, width, and depth will help you find storage solutions that actually fit instead of guessing and ending up with bins that you can’t squeeze in.
Clean the Space
Now that your cupboard is empty, it’s the perfect time to give it a good scrub. Grab a cloth and some all-purpose cleaner, then tackle every surface, including the sides, bottom, and back.
Pay special attention to those corners where grime tends to hide. If you spot any sticky residue or stubborn marks, a bit of baking soda mixed with water will work wonders.
While you’re at it, open a window or switch on the extractor fan. You don’t want to be breathing in fumes from cleaning products in such a confined space, especially in smaller UK flats where ventilation isn’t always great.
Once everything is sparkling, let it dry completely before moving on. This will prevent mould from setting up camp, which is the last thing you want in a damp space like under the sink.
Line the Base for Protection
No matter how careful you are, your cleaning products may end up seeping, and pipes don’t always give you much warning when they start to leak.
So, here’s a tip that’ll save you hassle down the line: pop a liner or mat at the bottom of your cabinet. It doesn’t need to be anything fancy. A rubber mat, some old towels, or even a cut-to-size piece of vinyl will do.
If you’re using a mat, make sure it sits flat and reaches right into the corners, where moisture tends to collect.
For extra protection, choose a waterproof option, especially if there’s pipework running through the cupboard.
When it gets dirty, you can simply lift it out, rinse or wipe it down, and put it back. It’s a small step that will save you from dealing with warped shelves, swollen chipboard, or lingering smells later on.
Choose Smart Storage Solutions
Now for the fun bit—making the space actually work for you.
Transparent containers are your best bet here because you can see what’s inside without pulling everything out.
Stackable bins also help you use vertical space efficiently, which is brilliant if you’re working with limited room. You can fit more in without it looking like a jumble sale exploded under your sink.
For cleaning sprays and bottles, consider adding a lazy Susan or turntable. Give it a spin, and suddenly everything is accessible without you having to crouch down and root around.
Pull-out drawers or sliding baskets are another game-changer if you’ve got the budget. They let you access items at the back without dislocating your shoulder in the process.
And don’t forget about using the inside of the cupboard door. Adhesive hooks or small hanging baskets can hold gloves, cloths, or scrubbing brushes, freeing up precious shelf space.
Arrange by Frequency of Use
It’s time to put things back, but let’s be strategic about this time around.
The products you reach for daily, like your washing-up liquid, sponges, and bin bags, should be stored front and centre where you can grab them in seconds.
On the other hand, less frequently used items, like that silver polish you only break out twice a year or the drain unblocker you hope never to need, can go further back or on higher shelves.
Group similar items together as well. You can keep all your surface cleaners in one container, dishwasher tablets in another, and spare sponges somewhere you’ll remember they exist.
This way, you won’t shuffle through twenty bottles every time you need something. Also, you’ll be able to tell when you’re running low on essentials.
Keep Hazardous Items Secure
If you’ve got kids or pets, safety needs to be at the front of your mind.
Cleaning products can be dangerous in the wrong hands or paws, so consider adding a childproof lock to the cupboard door.
Alternatively, store anything potentially harmful on the highest shelf or in a separate locked container. It’s a simple step that will prevent accidents and give you some peace of mind.
Even if you don’t have little ones around, it’s worth checking that nothing is leaking or damaged. Cleaning up the mess left behind from a burst bottle of bleach is nobody’s idea of a good time.
Stick to a Maintenance Routine
You’ve done the hard graft, so don’t let it slide back into chaos. Set a reminder on your phone to check the cupboard once a month—just a quick five-minute scan will do.
Look for anything that’s running low, past its use-by date, or starting to leak. Bin anything dodgy, wipe down any spills, and put stray items back where they belong.
And remember that at the end of the day, your under-sink cabinet should work for your lifestyle, not against it. If something about your system isn’t working, change it.
Maybe you need more dividers, or perhaps a different layout would suit you better. So, don’t be afraid to experiment until you find what clicks.
However, if the thought of staying on top of it all feels overwhelming, there’s no shame in calling in help. Apartment cleaning services in the UK can help with deep cleans and offer advice on keeping your under-sink space organised long-term.
Conclusion
Good job! What was once a chaotic mess is now a streamlined space where everything has a home, and you can actually find what you need. You’ve saved yourself future stress, prevented duplicate purchases, and maybe even discovered supplies you forgot you had.
So, give yourself a pat on the back, make a cuppa, and enjoy the fact that one more corner of your home is sorted.
