What are the CDC guidelines for under-sink storage?

Author: Hector Wunsch IV  |  Last update: Friday, October 24, 2025

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.

What are the ADA requirements for under sinks?

How much knee clearance is required under an ADA-compliant sink? A minimum of 27 inches of knee clearance is required beneath the sink to accommodate wheelchair users.

Is it safe to store things under the sink?

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.

What are the CDC guidelines for sterile storage?

Do we need to monitor the temperature and humidity of the rooms where sterile supplies are stored?
  • Positive air pressure relationship to adjacent areas.
  • Minimum outdoor air exchange 2 per hour.
  • Minimum total air exchange 4 per hour.
  • Maximum relative humidity 60%
  • Temperature range 72 to 78 F or 22 to 26 C.

Can you store food under the sink?

If you're considering food storage options, never use the space under the kitchen sink to house food and perishables kept under the sink can be contaminated by potentially harmful chemicals, germs and moisture due to temperature fluctuations.

CDC Relaxes COVID-19 Guidelines: What It Means For You

Why is it unwise to store foods under the sink?

Just because you keep your pet food in a container, or use those cute dispensers for your cereal, under the sink is still both a warm and moist environment, which encourages fast staling, mold, mildew and bacterial growth.

Can I store potatoes and onions under the sink?

Onions and potatoes should be kept somewhere dry, dark, and cool. The area under the kitchen sink is too damp for these items. Onions and potatoes are also often kept in bags or containers that allow air circulation, making them vulnerable to leakage that may occur under the sink, says Margarethe A. Cooper, Ph.

What are the storage requirements for sterile items?

Sterile supplies should be stored far enough from the floor (8 to 10 inches), the ceiling (5 inches unless near a sprinkler head [18 inches from sprinkler head]), and the outside walls (2 inches) to allow for adequate air circulation, ease of cleaning, and compliance with local fire codes (e.g., supplies must be at ...

Do dental instruments need to be bagged?

After cleaning, dried instruments should be inspected, wrapped, packaged, or placed into container systems before heat sterilization. Packages should be labeled to show the sterilizer used, the cycle or load number, the date of sterilization, and, if applicable, the expiration date.

What are the CDC guidelines for mopping floors?

For mopping floors it is recommended to use microfiber mops and to change the mop- head after each room including, after isolation room cleaning and after cleaning blood or bodily fluid spills.

How do you store under the sink?

Pull-out organisers are a fantastic way to maximize the space under your sink. These organisers allow you to reach items at the back of the cabinet with ease. Available in various sizes and designs, pull-out organisers are perfect for storing cleaning supplies, dishwashing liquids, and other kitchen essentials.

Can chemicals be stored under a sink?

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.

Can you put bins under a sink?

Undersink Bins

Our bins for under-sink installation have a couple of features that make them the ideal candidates for these tricker spots. This includes: A low height – typically under 450mm. or A short depth – as little as 325mm deep. Some products feature both aspects.

What is the ADA code for kitchen sinks?

Since the sink must be 34” off the floor, and have 27” inches of open space underneath, a standard basin won't work. Most kitchen sink basins are 10” deep. But your ADA kitchen sink can only be 5.5” deep if it's an undermount design or 7” deep maximum for top mount options.

What is the difference between a sink and a lavatory?

A "sink" is a more general term and can be used to refer to any bowl-shaped fixture that has a drain and is designed for the purpose of washing. Sinks can be found in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and more. "Lavatory," on the other hand, specifically refers to a sink used in a bathroom for washing hands and face.

What are the CDC guidelines for sterile supply storage?

Sterile medical supplies should not be stored under sinks where they might be exposed to water. According to the CDC, sterile items should be kept 8 -10 inches from the floor, at least 5 inches from a ceiling, 18 inches from a sprinkler head, and 2 inches from an outside wall to permit adequate air circulation.

How should dental instruments be stored?

Recommended storage options to prevent recontamination of sterilised dental instruments include: placing in covered trays, cassettes or clip-in trays in enclosed boxes or cupboards in a rack system; or sealing within clean, single-use, sterilisation grade wrapping material or self-seal sterilisation bags/pouches.

Do dental handpieces need to be bagged?

Bag the dental handpiece in order to avoid contamination during the sterilization process. It is recommended that you use a paper or plastic bag. This allows the steam to dissipate easily during autoclaving. Once the process is completely done, dry the handpiece.

What are the storage conditions for sterile packaged instruments and equipment?

It must be stored away from sources of moisture (eg not next to or below sinks, above sterilisers, or on open shelves). Suitable storage areas include clean, well-sealed cupboards, drawers, or enclosed shelving (sliding doors must be kept closed), or sealable plastic containers with plastic dividers (not cardboard).

Which is the most preferred sterile storage system?

Closed shelving is preferred as it protects sterile packages from dust, traffic, airflow, and other environmental and physical challenges within the storage area. Semi-closed shelving is shelving with at least three solid sides (top and two sides) and forms a closed unit when the shelves are moved together.

How long do instruments stay sterile after autoclaving dental?

Lastly, provided the process has been carried out correctly, properly sterilized and wrapped dental instruments should remain sterile for around 30 days. If an instrument is left longer than 30 days, or the wrap is damaged in any way, it should be resterilized in the autoclave before being used on a patient.

What is safe to store under a sink?

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.

Why can't you store onions and potatoes together?

But, here's the catch: Storing potatoes and onions together will drastically shorten their shelf life. The reason? Onions produce ethylene gas, a gas that causes potatoes to spoil prematurely. Conversely, potatoes' high moisture content can cause onions to turn brown and mushy.

What is the best container to keep potatoes in?

The vessel they're in matters too, as potatoes require air to circulate around them, which is what makes the open design of a basket the best choice. Keep these baskets in your pantry, your basement, a cellar, or any other dark, cool place.

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