Q: I love your blog and often check in twice a day. Thank you for your great work! But I have one question: what do you do at the kitchen sink with the few things you regularly use for washing-up/cleaning the dishes and the table (like a sponge, a dish cloth, a brush, dishwashing detergent, maybe gloves)? Are there good solutions out there that look clean, well-organized and perhaps even cool? What would you suggest to anyone who hates having too much stuff lying/standing around in the kitchen? Thank you and greetings from Europe. -Monica
A: Great question! We keep things minimal and tidy so the sink area feels uncluttered while remaining practical. For everyday use we fold a dish cloth and either place it beside the sink or drape it over the sink edge when it’s drying, which keeps it out of the way but handy:
Our sponge lives in a small wire caddy that suctions to the inside wall of the sink. That simple solution hides the sponge from view unless you look directly into the basin and lets water drain away so the sponge dries faster. Beside the faucet we use a coordinated soap and lotion caddy — a single container that holds both bottles keeps items visually grouped and reduces the scattered look that mismatched bottles can create. On the opposite side of the sink we usually keep a neat bottle of all-purpose cleaner for quick wipe-downs of counters or the dining table.
Dishwashing liquid and rubber gloves are stored out of sight under the sink. Since we rely on a dishwasher for most dishes, those items don’t need to be on display. If you want gloves visible, look for slim or decorative hanging solutions, but many people prefer the hidden option for a cleaner look.
If you dislike clutter, focus on a few simple principles:
- Limit what stays out: keep only the items you use daily on the counter and hide the rest.
- Group like items: use a small caddy or tray so soap, lotion and a sponge read as a single, tidy vignette.
- Choose neutral, cohesive containers: matching or complementary bottles and caddies make even functional items look intentional and stylish.
- Use sink-mounted organizers: suction-cup caddies and under-sink storage free up counter space and keep damp items drying properly.
- Store infrequently used items under the sink or in a nearby cabinet to reduce visual clutter.
Those small choices can make the sink area feel calm and organized without sacrificing function. What solutions have you tried? Share tips and photos—community ideas are great for discovering new, attractive ways to keep the kitchen neat.
Psst- Want more photos and info about what’s cookin’ in our kitchen? Check out these posts for additional details.