It’s not uncommon to keep household items used regularly, like dish and hand soap, stored under the kitchen sink. But many people don’t realize that this can be one of the least safe places in your home for storage. It’s dark, humid, and often filled with tiny crevices where mold or mildew can easily spread if not monitored properly.
Plus, there are some things you should never store underneath your kitchen sink — from flammable liquids to food items — as much safer locations exist in other parts of the house or even outside it altogether. Keep reading to learn which products pose the biggest threat when stored in a precarious spot, like underneath your kitchen sink!
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Items You Should Never Store Under The Kitchen Sink
It’s no secret that the kitchen sink can be an incredibly handy spot for storing various items. However, there are some products that you should never store underneath your kitchen sink — here are a few:
Light Bulbs
It may be tempting to store light bulbs under the kitchen sink due to their small size, but this is an absolute no-no that could come back to haunt you in the long run. Nothing should be kept there due to lots of moisture and dampness that can accumulate, leading to ruined items and even a possible fire hazard.
Light bulbs are particularly prone to damage when stored there as they need less humidity and typically thermal shock, which means they’re ill-suited for the very warm environment present behind closed cabinet doors. Instead, store them in a cool and dry spot like a basement or garage so they remain in perfect condition until needed.
Pesticides and Insecticides
Pesticides and insecticides are other household products that you should not store under the kitchen sink. These products are designed to kill pests such as insects, rodents, and other critters that can invade your home. However, they can also be hazardous to human health, particularly if used or stored improperly.
Pesticides and insecticides contain chemicals that can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, and other health issues if inhaled or come into contact with the skin. Moreover, they can be particularly dangerous to children and pets, who may accidentally ingest or inhale the products. Additionally, storing pesticides and insecticides under the kitchen sink can contaminate food and cooking utensils, which can be a severe health hazard. Therefore, it is best to store these products in a secure, dry location, away from the reach of children and pets.
Medicine And Vitamins
Storing medicine and vitamins under the kitchen sink is not a good idea, especially if they are not in their original packaging. These items are sensitive to moisture and heat, which can cause them to degrade and become less effective. Additionally, storing medicine and vitamins in an area with cleaning products and other chemicals can contaminate them, making them unsafe to use.
The ingestion of expired or damaged medicine and vitamins can be hazardous to your health and significantly reduce their effectiveness. That’s why you should all store these items in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight and kept in their original packaging; this ensures the greatest degree of safety for you!
