Take control of the space under your kitchen sink

Whether you're tidy at heart or a perpetual clutter bug, organising the space under the kitchen sink can be a challenge. With these five ideas, you can turn this valuable storage space into a place that is functional and tidy. Here's how to start:

1. Toss old products out.

2. Pare down what's left.
You can do your basic kitchen cleaning with just 6 products:

  • Liquid dishwashing detergent: gentle enough not to damage any surfaces, but good enough to get the job done.
  • All-purpose cleaner: when you need some abrasive power, these products will do the job without harming any surface (except glass).
  • Glass cleaner
  • Degreasing cleaner

  • Vinegar: a mild acid that is effective in many ways. It will get rid of hard water deposits in your kettle.
  • Oven cleaner or ammonia: Place a cup of ammonia in an unheated oven overnight to help loosen carbon from the walls and make cleaning easier.
  • You'll also need a few tools for basic cleaning: a bucket, soft cloths, rubber gloves, and a scraping tool for stubborn stains; sometimes the edge of a plastic credit card is enough. For heavy scraping (to remove caked-on food, for example) I like a safety razor: always use it on an angle, and make sure you have a lubricating medium (such as oil or water) underneath.