This bacteria-busting kitchen storage solution instantly tidied up my small sink area – it's chic and clever

I live in a small space, which means I have to make every bit of countertop space I have work as hard as I can. That's why I love using my small kitchen sink caddy.

When I was looking for a way to keep my sponges and soap together to make my sink area look neater and be more practical, a clever Cisily organizer on Amazon was the easy and affordable answer. It has transformed my day-to-day washing-up routine.

Pro organizers and cleaners agree that it's a brilliant idea, so if you're looking for small kitchen storage ideas that are both sleek and functional, I am a huge fan of this clever caddy.

Kitchen sink caddies are small-space friendly and low-maintenance

I have lived in spaces with small kitchens all my life, and I have lived in my rental for four years. So, even if I do say so myself, I'm a pro at finding different ways to keep my space looking chic and curated, while still keeping it functional.

However, I could never find the right kitchen storage solution to keep my sponges and soap in. Some would be too big and would overpower the space, while some would be too small and couldn't contain everything. Luckily, the Cisily one from Amazon is just right.

It perfectly fits my Scrub Daddy (available from Walmart) and softer sponger, along with my liquid soap and brushes. It also has a strong and stable base, so it can handle the weight of wet sponges and bottles.

Underneath this, it has a draining board which can be flipped open easily. I like to use my top two cleaning supplies – cleaning spray and a microfiber cloth – after each washing-up session to keep it pristine.

I have it in white, as I thought it was a versatile shade that would work in future kitchens if we ever move. It also comes in blue, gold, black, green, and silver, so you can customize it perfectly to match your stylish kitchen ideas.

Pros of using kitchen sink caddies

Thinking about getting a sleek kitchen caddy like this one? Joy Ramos, cleaning expert at Bear Brothers Cleaning, has shared why this is a good idea:

• Compact size: Its size works well for small kitchens, apartments, or RVs, making it a wise choice when counter space is limited.
• Moveable divider: A divider helps keep things neat and easily accessible by separating items like soap, brushes, and rags.
• Brush holder: A brush holder keeps dish brushes upright, letting the water run off and the bristles air-dry while lowering retained moisture, helping cleaning tools last longer and reducing the chance of household mold forming.
• Drainage system: The open bottom or slotted base lets extra water drain quickly, which lowers the risk of bacteria and standing water.

Cons of using kitchen sink caddies

While I love using a kitchen caddy, it might not be for everyone. Ben Soreff, professional organizer at H2H Organizing, has shared some important cons to consider:

• Potential damage over time: The fact that the water can drain is great, but it can get moldy or stained over time if not maintained properly.
• Uneven frames: For example, a wire frame may stop items from sitting flat, which can prevent a uniform finish.
• Limited size: It may not hold all cleaning supplies for larger households or more demanding kitchens.

Top tips for using kitchen sink caddies

One of the best ways to make sure a kitchen caddy has longevity is by maintaining it properly.

‘Even with drainage, it’s smart to lift and wipe under the holder every few days to prevent water buildup or streaks on the counter,’ Joy says.

I do this with Mrs Meyer's spray from Amazon and Mr. Siga cloths from Walmart to keep the rest of the area clear.

As well as this, Joy recommends rinsing soap and food residue from sponges and brushes before placing them in the holder, in order to keep the caddy cleaner and odor-free.

Joy continues, ‘It’s also important not to overload it – keep things simple to allow air to circulate between them, speeding up drying and maintaining hygienic conditions.’

If you do have any supplies you need to have on hand or for rotation, such as extra sponges or tools, I recommend organizing under the sink to keep them out of sight but nearby. The Ukeetap organizers from Amazon are space-saving and easy to install.

Small kitchen storage essentials for the sink

Meet the experts

Joy Ramos

Joy is a cleaning expert and the operations manager at Bear Brothers Cleaning, which is a cleaning service in Huntsville and Birmingham, Alabama. She loves helping people find new ways to keep their homes tidy and clean.

Ben Soreff

Ben is a professional organizer at House to Home Organizing. He is a pro at helping everyday people clear away unnecessary clutter and to keep items they need to keep well-organized.

Now you’ve got your sink area looking neat, it’s time to get on top of keeping it sparkling. Learning how to clean a kitchen sink and how often you should clean your kitchen sink will certainly be useful.