The Kitchn Cure Day 16: Clean and Organize the Under-Sink Area

The Kitchn Cure Day 16: Monday, September 1
Assignment: Clean out the under-sink area and evaluate your cleaning tools. Throw out anything gross. Make a list of anything you need. Wash out the sink itself. (See all the assignments so far here)
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Over the last three weeks you’ve cleaned your appliances, decluttered and restocked the pantry, and wiped out all the cupboards. Now you’re in the home stretch of The Kitchn Cure, the final week, which means addressing the only areas we haven’t hit yet: the sink, countertops, and floor. So, take a deep breath, pull on those rubber gloves, and remind yourself that you can totally do this. Let’s start with the sink area:

1. Take a “Before” photo of your under-sink area: Take a photo of the area under your sink and post it to your Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, or Facebook account, and use the hashtag #kitchncure. Don’t be shy! The under-sink area is a messy spot for many of us. You will be in fine company.
2. Take everything out: Unload everything you keep under the sink. Take out the trash can (if you keep it there), the dishwasher detergent, the buckets and random plastic bags, and the dozen or so cleaners. Grab that icky sponge that’s been wedged in the back for who knows how long. Empty the area completely.
3. Evaluate your cleaning tools and toss anything gross: Get rid of old sponges, rags, or anything that’s scummy and gross. Remove cleaners you don’t use. Give them away or dispose of them responsibly. Make a list of any cleansers or cleaning tools you need.
4. Wipe everything out: Vacuum under the sink if needed, then liberally spray a multi-purpose cleaner and wipe everything out with paper towels.
5. Reorganize: Before you put everything back, consider how you can better organize the under-sink area. Maybe the answer is a pull-out drawer, a few stacking containers, new recycling containers, or even just a rack for holding sponges. Make a plan, get what you need, and then replace everything. Need some inspiration? Check this out → My Sink Cupboard Is a Mess. Help Me Turn It Into a Masterpiece of Organization.
6. Clean the sink: The sink itself gets dirty from our greasy dishes, so it’s a good idea to clean it frequently. Faith does this after every dishwashing session. Take a nice-smelling dish soap (you want something fragranced here!), squirt it all over the sink, scrub it till it gives you suds, then rinse with hot water and dry. Make sure to clean the faucet and along the edge of the sink, too!
7. Put the list somewhere you can see it: Put the list of cleaners and tools you need somewhere you can easily see it, so you remember to pick those items up the next time you’re out.
8. Take an “After” photo of your under-sink area: Did the area under your sink go from trashy mess to neat and organized? We want to see it! Take a photo and post it to your Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, or Facebook account, and use the hashtag #kitchncure.

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