Neither Storage Bins Or Under The Sink: The Only Way To Store Cleaning Products

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Our lives are full of habits that we never even think to question, like putting the bread in the fridge, even though this causes it to go stale faster, or making the bed first thing in the morning, despite the fact that some experts suggest letting it air out first. One of these habits is keeping your cleaning supplies in a plastic storage bin under the sink. This is such a common practice that almost no one gives it a second thought — but harsh cleaning chemicals can react with and degrade certain plastics, so it's worth rethinking both the location and the container. 

Instead, the safest approach is to leave cleaning products in their original containers, skip the plastic bin, and store them somewhere outside your immediate living area. Certain chemical and plastic container combinations can cause plastics to break down over time, especially when harsh cleaners like ammonia and bleach are involved. Heat from nearby appliances and hot running water under the sink can accelerate the process. The harsh fumes can become concentrated in an enclosed space, and off-gassing can impact indoor air quality. Storing them under the sink next to your hand towels and sponges creates the additional risk of transferring chemicals to your hands and cookware. Don't forget about the obvious dangers that chemicals and cleaners present to infants and children, too. Using plastic storage bins with lids as under-sink organizers to keep your space tidy makes matters worse, because a sealed bin gives fumes nowhere to go at all.

Whether it's window cleaner or laundry detergent, the safest way to store cleaning products is in their original container, which the manufacturer has tested to ensure that it holds up to the chemical that's inside. While metal containers aren't great for storing chemicals, a metal storage cabinet with ventilation makes an ideal storage solution for all your cleaning supplies. A large unit like GREATMEET's Metal Garage Storage Cabinet is corrosion-resistant, has adjustable shelves, and features a locking door for added safety.

There are many locations around the house that are a safer place to store cleaners than under the sink. A better spot is in a mudroom, utility room, or mop closet — basically, any low-traffic and out-of-the-way area where you're not likely to be eating and drinking. You could even make a DIY broom closet to say goodbye to the eyesore of cleaning supplies clutter. From a high shelf in the garage to a wall cabinet in the laundry room, there are a lot of smart ways to store and organize cleaning supplies out of sight to ensure the safety of everyone in the family.