How to Organize Cleaning Supplies Under Sink

The cabinet under the kitchen sink is one of the most challenging spaces to organize — it's awkward, often has pipes in the way, and tends to become a dumping ground for cleaning products. Here's how to bring order to it.

Step 1: Empty and Purge

Pull everything out. Discard empty bottles, expired products, and duplicates. Check that all bottles are sealed properly — leaking cleaning products are a safety hazard. Only keep what you actually use regularly.

Step 2: Work Around the Pipes

The pipes under the sink dictate your storage layout. Measure the available space on each side of the pipes before buying any organizers. Most under-sink organizers are designed with this in mind and have adjustable or split shelves to fit around plumbing.

Step 3: Use a Pull-Out Organizer

A pull-out under sink organizer is the most practical solution for deep under-sink cabinets. It slides out like a drawer, giving you full access to everything at the back without reaching in blindly. This is especially useful for spray bottles and tall items.

Step 4: Add a Second Tier

A 2-tier under sink organizer doubles your usable space by creating an upper shelf for smaller items (sponges, scrubbers, gloves) while keeping larger bottles on the lower level. Many models are adjustable to fit around pipes.

Step 5: Group by Category

Organize cleaning supplies into logical groups:

• Daily use: Dish soap, sponges, scrubbers — front and center.
• Surface cleaners: Spray bottles grouped together.
• Deep cleaning: Bleach, heavy-duty cleaners — toward the back.
• Extras/refills: Backup products stored in a separate bin.

Step 6: Use the Cabinet Door

The inside of the cabinet door is often wasted space. A door-mounted organizer can hold spray bottles, gloves, or small cleaning tools, freeing up shelf space for larger items.

Safety Tips

• If you have children or pets, add a cabinet lock to the under-sink cabinet.
• Never store cleaning products near food items.
• Keep products in their original containers with labels visible.
• Don't mix cleaning products — store them separately to avoid accidental mixing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I organize under the sink with pipes in the way?

Use an adjustable or split-shelf organizer designed to fit around plumbing. Measure the space on each side of the pipes before buying. Pull-out organizers are especially good for working around pipes.

What's the best organizer for under the kitchen sink?

A pull-out sliding organizer gives the best access to deep cabinets. A 2-tier organizer maximizes vertical space. Many people use both — a pull-out on one side and a tiered shelf on the other.

How do I keep spray bottles organized under the sink?

Store them upright in a pull-out organizer or a tall bin. You can also hang them from a tension rod mounted across the cabinet — the spray triggers hook over the rod, keeping bottles off the shelf entirely.

Is it safe to store cleaning supplies under the sink?

Yes, as long as products are sealed, stored in original containers, and the cabinet has a childproof lock if needed. Never store cleaning products near food or in unlabeled containers.