Storing towels, washcloths, extra bathmats, and other linens in close proximity to plumbing fixtures under the sink increases the risk of contamination if there are leaks.
The vanity can often be an underestimated storage hero. Under-the-sink space, when used effectively, can hold a good number of towels.
Storing dry food products under the sink is generally not recommended for several reasons: Moisture: The area under the sink is often prone to moisture from plumbing leaks or spills, which can lead to mold growth and spoilage of dry food items.
Store towels in a basket rather than on a shelf for a collected but casual look. A large woven basket can store up to five bath towels when they're rolled up. To maximize the functionality of the bathroom, add another matching basket to collect used towels for an easy transfer to the laundry room.
Avoid storing cookware, like pots and pans, under your sink. "If there is any leaking or dripping due to condensation or moisture introduced from washing dishes, it can potentially contaminate cookware," says Cooper. Instead, keep these items in your kitchen cabinets or in a nearby closet.
One of the best ways to waterproof underneath these sinks is with cabinet mats, as these mats are designed to fit snugly under sinks, and they serve as a barrier between the cabinet bottom and any leaks coming from the sink's plumbing.
Placed strategically near the shower, beside the washbasin or behind the door, hooks are a practical option to hang both towels and bathrobes. They are also ideal for small bathrooms with a limited amount of space.
When towels are not in use, they should be stored in a designated bucket of sanitizer with a concentration of 200-400 ppm. This is important to maintain proper hygiene and sanitation standards, especially in environments like kitchens or food preparation areas.
CDC guidelines do not support the storage of medical or surgical supplies under a sink. Other examples include reagent and chemicals that could have an adverse reaction if exposed to water/sewer/moisture, cleaned patient care equipment, etc.
Wet Locations include most of outdoor areas without cover or protective shield, or some indoor areas directly exposed to water splash or flow, such as enclosed bathtubs, showers, and sinks.
The ergonomics experts at Blum recommend fitting cabinets under the sink with drawers as a simple solution for eliminating these disadvantages. This makes it possible to use the available storage space on several levels and can be implemented for both wide and narrow sink cabinets.
Items that can be stored under a sink
Plastic containers - Save space by nesting containers from largest to smallest and separating lids. Dustpan - Stash a small dustpan and brush to quickly sweep up crumbs or dirt. Recycling - Use the under-the-sink area to sort and store cardboard, paper, glass and recycled plastic.
"Towels should be stored in a cool, dry place, such as a linen closet or a wardrobe," Cameron says.
3. Storage of clean, damp reusable towels/cloths in a container with appropriate sanitizer at the required concentration when not in use.
As a general rule, it is recommended to replace your bath towels every two to three years, with five years the maximum. Over time, frequent laundering and normal wear and tear can cause towels to lose their absorbency and become less soft.
A towel ladder is also perfect for storing wet towels. Hooks are easy to install and can be placed virtually anywhere. Use a repurposed coat rack to dry your towels. Place a towel bar wherever you have the wall space.
Kitchen Towels and Paper Bags
While convenient, these items don't belong under the sink, says Suzanne Pollak, co-founder of the Charleston Academy of Domestic Pursuits. A leak would ruin them. Stash them in a nearby closet or another cabinet instead for easy access.
Towels: To get the most storage space for bulky towels, it's best to fold them in thirds lengthwise, then into a rectangle. Place on shelves at your eye level or below, so the edges face toward the back for a neat appearance. If your closet is on the smaller side, consider rolling your towels for extra space.
“If a client has eight or so towels and they're rotating them every other week and washing them all, then it's fine to keep them there,” she tells us. “But, if you have towels for your kids and your grandkids stored there, they're prone to mildew.
Add an Under-Sink Mat or Tray
Most mats are rubber so even if they get wet, the water won't saturate through to your sink or kitchen cabinetry and wreck the wood. Most under-sink mats have grooves throughout that can hold water to contain a leak. Some mats are even capable of retaining several gallons of water.
A: Flex Caulk is a hybrid polymer caulk, while Flex Shot is a thick siliconized rubber sealant. Both can be used around your sink, countertops, shower, and bathtub.
Use a Drip Tray: Place a drip tray under the sink to catch any leaks or spills and prevent water from damaging the cabinet. Monitor Humidity: Keep humidity levels under control to prevent moisture buildup under the sink. Consider using a dehumidifier if necessary.