6 simple tips for cleaning under the sink

You may think cleaning under the sink is unnecessary, but it can be one of the dirtiest places in the house, particularly if you stash your trash can there.

Chemicals, leaky faucets, soap spills, trash, mould and food particles can all build up under the sink and make it musty and filthy. Use these simple tips to clean under the sink and make the room sparkle.

The first step is to remove clutter from under the sink. Pull out everything stored there and throw away anything that is dirty, old or damaged in some way. Set aside the items you will be replacing later.

Inspect your sink pipes and make sure they do not leak. Leaky pipes promote the spread of mould and have a dirty, musty smell. Repair any leaking pipes before proceeding.

Use a soft scrub brush and soap to clean under the sink. Gently brush the walls, pipes and cabinet to remove any dirt or mould. Do not use much water, as this can damage any wood. Allow the under-sink area to dry thoroughly before continuing.

Keep the cabinet doors open while you work, and make sure to keep the room well-ventilated. Spray the area under the sink with a disinfectant spray, allow to sit for about 10 minutes, then wipe away the disinfectant with a clean cloth. Use a mixture of four parts water and one part bleach to kill any mould spores. Allow the area under the sink to dry completely before replacing any items and closing the doors.

If your sink is prone to leaks, you may want to put down a waterproof mat to protect the cabinet and deter mould and rot. This will also help prevent the musty smell that often gathers under sinks. Plastic sheets that are sticky on one side work well as a protective layer under dry sinks, but you may want to use a rubber mat for sinks that leak often.

Put back the items you need to store under the sink. Only store items that are unlikely to ooze or leak and won't be damaged if the sink leaks. A rotating shelf can help keep things within easy reach so you don't have to reach far into the back of the cabinet to reach what you need.

Follow these tips and you will have clean and sparkling under-sink areas in no time. Use the same cleaning method on all sinks in the home: bathroom, kitchen, garage, garden or anywhere else in the house that needs a pick-me-up.