Written by Angela Reviewed by Daniel

The One Thing You Should Never Store Under The Sink

Under the sink is one of the most common places to stash things in a British kitchen. It’s where you might keep your washing up liquid, bin liners or a caddy of cleaning supplies.

But while most people treat it like a handy cupboard, there’s one thing you should never store under the sink and keeping it there could lead to damage, mould or even a fire risk.

Let’s break down what that item is, why it’s a bad idea and what’s safe to store instead.

Table of Contents

Never Store Electrical Items Under The Sink

Electricals and batteries have no place under the sink. Whether it’s your handheld vacuum charger, plug in air freshener refills, a steam mop or a spare toaster, that’s the one cupboard where they absolutely shouldn’t be.

Here are examples of what should not go there:

A Shark handheld vacuum or Vax steam cleaner (especially with charging cables)
A plug in fly zapper you use in summer
A mains powered extension lead used for the hoover or under cabinet lights
Battery powered gadgets like torches, CO2 testers or even electronic kitchen scales

Why? Because under sink cupboards are known for being damp, even if they seem dry at first glance.

Leaks from the U bend are common, especially in older plumbing setups and dripping tap connectors can go unnoticed for weeks.

Condensation often builds up on cold pipes during the winter months and spilled bleach or cleaning sprays can slowly corrode cables or battery contacts over time.

Even if everything looks fine on the surface, it only takes a small amount of hidden moisture to cause internal damage and if the appliance is plugged in or recharged elsewhere later, that damage could easily lead to a fire hazard.

Why Under The Sink Cupboards Are Always Risky

Even in modern, well kept kitchens, the area beneath the sink is one of the most damp prone spots in the house.

If your tap fittings are a bit loose or starting to wear, small leaks can go unnoticed for weeks. On top of that, it’s common for washing up liquid, bleach or other cleaners to spill slightly when stored down there, adding to the damp environment.

Most under sink cupboards in UK homes are made from laminate or chipboard, which soaks up moisture easily and warps over time. Even if the space looks dry at first glance, the materials inside may already be damaged beneath the surface.

Once that damp sets in, anything stored there, especially items like boxes, paperwork or electricals, is at risk of mould, rust or water damage.

That’s why this cupboard should be treated with extra caution, even if you’ve never had a major leak before.

What’s Safe To Store Under The Sink?

While electricals are a clear no, these common household items are generally fine to store in the under sink cupboard:

Washing up liquid
Multipurpose sprays like Flash or Dettol
Sponges, cloths and washing up brushes
Rubber gloves and bin liners
Cleaning tablets or dishwasher salt (as long as packaging stays sealed)

To make the space under your sink safer, try placing a plastic tray or cleaning caddy at the base to catch any drips or leaks.

Lining the cupboard with a non slip mat or waterproof shelf liner can also help protect the surface from moisture damage.

Store taller bottles like Domestos bleach or Harpic toilet cleaner towards the back so they’re less likely to be knocked over.

Avoid keeping anything that absorbs moisture easily, such as kitchen roll, tissues or cardboard packaging, as these can quickly become soggy and develop mould.

If You’ve Been Storing Electricals There Already…

If you’ve just realised that you’ve been keeping electricals under your sink, don’t panic but it’s best to act quickly.

Take everything out of the cupboard and check for any items with plugs, charging cables or batteries. Things like old extension leads, plug adaptors, torches, steam mop chargers or even kitchen appliances you don’t use often should be moved right away.

Look closely for any signs of damage, including rust on the pins, fraying wires, damp smells or battery leakage. Even if something looks fine on the outside, moisture could have crept in without you noticing.

If you’re unsure whether an item is still safe to use, it’s best not to take the risk. Replace it or dispose of it properly, and find a dry storage spot elsewhere in your home going forward.

Share This Under The Sink Storage Warning With Others!

Many people don’t realise that storing certain items under the sink can lead to damage or safety issues. Share this tip online to help others avoid common household mistakes.

Also, follow us on Pinterest ...