Under the Sink

Cleaning out the cabinet underneath the kitchen sink is a dreaded chore for many of us. This task just seems different than cleaning and organizing the cabinets in the rest of the kitchen. Let's face it, it's a dirty job.

But since somebody's got to do it (and since you and I probably happen to be that somebody), I thought I'd share two very basic principles I follow to help this small space not become a huge mess:

First, I only store a few necessary things under the sink:

--Trash can and a bag for recycling
--Roll of trash bags
--Plastic grocery bags (Only keep a few of these! I have to keep reminding myself that I'll bring home plenty more again next week.)
--Dish soap and dishwasher soap
--Bar Keepers Friend scouring powder
--Rubber gloves
--Sponges, plastic scrubbies, scrub brush
--Baby oil for my stainless refrigerator, stove, and table
--Watering can for my poor houseplants.

Secondly, I try to keep loose things grouped together as much as possible:

--Use a caddy attached to the inside of the cabinet door for holding rubber gloves, sponges, and scrubbies.
--Shove the collection of plastic grocery bags into one bag to keep them from migrating all over the cabinet. I think mine also reproduce if they aren't confined to one small spot.
--Use baskets or plastic food containers to keep bottles of detergent, sponges, and other supplies corralled.

Simple, right? Well, it's pretty simple when I actually follow these "rules" and keep it neat and tidy. Since I open this cabinet countless times a day, I think it deserves a little TLC.

What are your tips for taming the monster-size mess under the kitchen sink? Please share your ideas in the comments!

This post is linked to Raising Homemakers.