Best Under Sink Utility Racks for Kitchens and Bathrooms

Why this category matters

Under sink space is some of the most valuable storage real estate in a home, yet it is also the most awkward. Plumbing eats into the middle of the cupboard, the floor often gets damp, and bottles topple over into hard-to-reach corners. A well-chosen under sink utility rack turns that frustration into a system: tall cleaners stand upright, cloths and sponges have a defined home, and you can actually see what you own at a glance.

In the kitchen, an organised under-sink cupboard saves time every day. Instead of hunting behind the bin for washing-up liquid or dishwasher tablets, a tiered or sliding rack can keep everything visible at the front. A two-tier design might hold sprays and detergents on the bottom, with bin liners, spare dishcloths and rubber gloves on the upper shelf. This prevents duplicates, reduces waste, and makes cleaning feel less like a chore.

In bathrooms, under sink racks are even more sensitive to moisture. Toothpaste splashes, dripping tap connections and steam can all contribute to mould and rust if you choose the wrong material. The right utility rack will be easy to wipe down, resist corrosion and still allow air to circulate around the pipes. This is especially important when storing items like bleach, toilet cleaner and spare toiletries in a compact vanity unit.

There is also a safety element. Without structure, it is tempting to pile everything into one dark space. That often means strong chemicals, sharp cleaning tools and cloths used for different areas are all mixed together. A considered under sink organiser gives you a way to separate items by purpose and risk, which helps if there are children or pets in the home and reduces the chance of spills or cross-contamination.

How to choose

Choosing an under sink utility rack starts with a tape measure and a quick sketch rather than a product photo. Measure the internal width, depth and height of your cupboard. Then, look closely at the plumbing: where does the trap (U-bend) sit? Does a waste disposal unit or water filter hang down? Draw a simple rectangle on paper, then sketch the pipes as thick lines or circles. This will help you visualise where shelves can and cannot go.

Telescopic and adjustable racks are particularly helpful when the pipes sit centrally. These systems usually have two side frames connected by extendable bars or panels. Imagine two vertical ladders standing at each side of your cupboard, with removable slats running between them. You can leave a gap in the middle where the U-bend drops down, effectively creating two half-shelves either side of the pipe instead of losing the whole width.

Material choice is the next big decision. Stainless steel is ideal for damp kitchen and bathroom cupboards as it resists rust and is strong enough for full-size cleaning bottles. Coated metal (such as powder-coated steel) can also work well, provided the coating is thick and continuous. Plastic racks are lightweight and often cheaper; they do not rust, but very thin plastic can bend under the weight of large bottles. When deciding between them, consider how heavy your usual items are and how often you will wipe up spills.

Finally, think about the layout: tiered shelves, sliding baskets, or a combination. Tiered racks create vertical storage, letting you stack smaller items above tall sprays. Sliding racks have pull-out baskets that function like shallow drawers, ideal for deep cupboards where items at the back are normally lost. Many people use a tiered frame under the sink for bulkier bottles, then add narrow sliding organisers or wall-mounted holders on doors and walls to gather the smaller tools that do not sit well on flat shelves.

Common mistakes

A common mistake is measuring only the cupboard door opening rather than the full, usable interior. Doors often overhang part of the internal space, so a rack that technically fits the width might still catch on hinges or frames when you try to slide it in. Always measure inside the cupboard and check for any lip, pipe collar or electrical point that could block the base or the corners of your rack.

Another trap is ignoring future changes to your plumbing. If you choose a rigid, non-adjustable rack that wraps tightly around the existing U-bend, any later addition such as a filter, waste disposal unit or new tap tails could make your carefully chosen organiser unusable. Telescopic and adjustable designs leave more flexibility, allowing you to shuffle shelves or remove individual panels if the layout changes later.

Material shortcuts can also backfire. Bare, uncoated steel might look strong, but in a damp kitchen or bathroom cupboard it can quickly develop rust spots, especially at welds and joints where water collects. Conversely, very flimsy plastic racks can sag in the middle when loaded with heavy floor cleaners, causing bottles to lean and fall over. Choosing rust-resistant metal or thick, durable plastic designed for utility use avoids both problems.

Finally, underestimating safety is easy. Placing all chemicals at the front of a low kitchen cupboard makes life simpler for adults but also for curious children. A better approach is to keep everyday, milder cleaners on the more accessible parts of the rack, and reserve the back, upper tier or a higher-level organiser for corrosive or highly concentrated products. Pairing your under sink rack with a cupboard lock or child-safety catch is often a wise step.

Top under sink utility rack options

While many under sink organisers are designed specifically for kitchen and bathroom cupboards, some versatile utility racks and holders can be repurposed cleverly for this space. Below are three options drawn from best-selling utility storage products that can complement, or in smaller cupboards even replace, a traditional under sink shelf unit. Each one brings a slightly different approach to organising awkward cleaning tools and accessories around plumbing.

You can also explore a wider range of options via curated lists of the best-selling utility racks for home and kitchen, then apply the buying advice in this guide to decide which designs will actually work under your sink.

Toolganize Power Tool Rack (Used as a Side Utility Shelf)

This heavy-duty power tool organiser is designed for garages and workshops, but its compact, wall-mounted format can inspire clever under sink storage in utility rooms or larger kitchen cupboards. Mounted on the side wall of a deep under-sink space (often above the U-bend), its flat upper shelf and front slots can hold smaller cleaning tools, spray bottles or even narrow caddies, while keeping the cupboard floor free for a separate under sink rack below.

The main advantage here is strength and structure. Built to carry power tools, it easily handles the weight of cleaning supplies and small equipment such as scrub brushes or handheld steamers. The integrated power-strip space (even if not used under a sink for safety reasons) also creates a neat ledge for storage. However, it does require drilling into a solid side wall or a strong cupboard panel, and the colour and style are more industrial than typical kitchen organisers.

You can find more details and check sizing for the Toolganize power tool organiser, and consider how its side-mounted shelf layout might work in combination with a smaller under sink rack or bin. If you decide it suits a utility or laundry cupboard, you can purchase it directly via the same Toolganize rack listing.

Cosicosy Stainless Steel Mop and Broom Holder

This stainless steel mop and broom holder is a neat way to free up space inside your under-sink cupboard by getting long-handled tools off the floor. Rather than leaning mops and brooms diagonally inside the cupboard, which wastes valuable room around the pipes, you can mount this holder on the inside wall of a utility cupboard or just outside, and keep the under-sink area for bottles, cloths and smaller items on a dedicated rack.

Made from SUS304 stainless steel, it is designed to cope with damp mops and wet bathroom or kitchen conditions, making it a good match for the humid environment around sinks. The combination of self-adhesive and screw fixing offers flexibility: adhesive may be adequate on tiled walls, while screws provide security on painted or raw surfaces. One downside is that it does not provide flat shelf space, so you will still need a separate tiered or sliding organiser for your smaller supplies inside the cupboard.

You can view the full specification for the Cosicosy stainless steel mop and broom holder, including weight capacity and installation options. If you decide it is a good way to reclaim your under sink space, it is available to order directly from the same product page for the Cosicosy holder.

AceMining Wall Mounted Broom Holder

The AceMining broom holder uses a row of holders and hooks to keep long tools and smaller accessories tidy. When used near a kitchen or bathroom, it can complement an under sink rack by relocating brooms, dustpans and even small cleaning brushes to a nearby wall or the back of a utility-room door. This frees up the cramped space under the sink so you can install a telescopic or tiered organiser without battling against broom handles.

Constructed from ABS plastic, it is thick and durable enough for everyday household tools and offers multiple grips plus hooks for items such as dusters, microfibre cloths or scrubbing brushes. Plastic has the advantage of being rust-free, but some people may prefer metal for a more premium look, especially in open-plan kitchen-diner spaces. As with any wall-mounted holder, the main limitation is that you need suitable wall space nearby; it is not a direct replacement for an under-sink bottle rack.

You can see dimensions and user reviews for the AceMining wall-mounted broom holder, which may help you decide whether to pair it with an under sink shelf in a compact home. If it fits your layout, you can add it to your order straight from the same AceMining broom holder listing.

Visualising how racks fit around pipes

Because so many people struggle to picture how an under sink rack can possibly work with a central U-bend, it helps to imagine the cupboard as a simple box. Stand in front of it and look in. The floor is a rectangle; in the centre, a rounded pipe drops down from the sink then bends towards the back wall. An adjustable rack will usually stand on four feet at the corners of this rectangle, like a table pushed close to the walls.

Telescopic shelves run left to right between the side frames. Each shelf is made up of several narrow panels that you can remove individually. To create space for the pipe, you simply do not place panels in the middle where the U-bend hangs. The result is like two small bridges either side of the pipe, leaving a clear hole around the plumbing. Tall bottles stand on these bridges, but nothing presses directly against the pipe. If your waste pipe runs low along the back wall, you can also slide the whole frame slightly forward so the rear bar does not clash.

Tip: When you unpack an adjustable under sink rack, assemble it loosely first and hold it in the cupboard before tightening. This makes it much easier to see exactly which panels need to be left out or moved to clear the pipes.

Stainless steel vs coated metal vs plastic

Stainless steel racks are usually the best long-term choice for kitchen and bathroom sinks. They handle drips, spills and humidity without rusting, and the metal stays rigid even when fully loaded with large bottles of floor cleaner or bleach. Look for stainless grades specifically mentioned in the description, as generic ‘steel’ may actually be mild steel with only a thin coating.

Coated metal racks use a protective layer of paint or plastic over steel. They can look stylish and are often more affordable, but the coating can chip if knocked during installation, exposing the metal beneath. In a damp cupboard, those exposed spots can rust. If you choose coated metal, check that all welds and cut edges are well covered, and avoid dragging the rack roughly across the base of the cupboard.

Plastic racks will not rust and are easy to wipe, which is excellent for bathrooms and for people who regularly deal with leaks or spills. Thicker, reinforced plastic can be very sturdy, but very light or thin designs may flex in the middle. They tend to be quieter to move and kinder to delicate cupboard bases, making them a good pairing with wall-mounted holders like the AceMining broom holder in ABS plastic.

Tiered vs sliding racks under the sink

Tiered under sink racks use fixed shelves stacked vertically. They are simple, stable and make full use of the height under the sink. This layout is brilliant when you have short items such as sponges, cleaning cloths and small sprays that would otherwise get lost behind taller bottles. You can dedicate the lower tier to heavy items and keep lighter things up top, reducing the risk of tipping.

Sliding racks use pull-out baskets or trays, working like mini-drawers. They are particularly handy in deep cupboards where items at the back would otherwise be inaccessible. When you pull the tray towards you, everything becomes visible, so you are less likely to forget half-used products. The main drawback is that the sliding mechanism needs clear space; any pipe, hinge or bin that obstructs the travel can make a slider frustrating to use.

Some people find the happiest compromise is a fixed tiered rack positioned to the side of the U-bend, combined with a low-profile slide-out tray in front of the pipes for smaller items. Others move bulky tools such as mops and brooms onto wall-mounted holders like the Cosicosy stainless steel holder, freeing space for a larger tiered organiser inside the cupboard.

Load capacity and cleaning products

Load capacity matters more than many people realise. A few large bottles of bleach, floor cleaner and multipurpose spray can weigh several kilograms altogether. If your rack is under-specified, shelves can bow or even break over time. When comparing products, look for a stated maximum weight per shelf and per unit, and compare this with a realistic estimate of what you will store.

As a rough guide, group your products by weight: heavy liquids (bleach, floor cleaner, large washing-up liquid), medium items (surface sprays, glass cleaners, bathroom sprays), and light accessories (sponges, microfibre cloths, rubber gloves). Plan to place the heaviest items on the lowest level, where the rack is strongest and the centre of gravity is low. Lighter items can go on upper tiers or in hanging baskets or holders.

Warning: Never overload a pull-out or sliding basket beyond its rated capacity. The extra weight puts strain on the runners and fixings, increasing the risk of the basket coming off its tracks when fully extended.

Ease of wiping spills and maintenance

An under sink rack should make cleaning easier, not add more nooks for grime. Open-wire shelves allow drips to fall through, which can be good for drying, but spills may reach the cupboard base. Solid shelves catch liquid, making it more obvious when a bottle is leaking and easier to wipe in one go, but pooled liquid needs to be cleaned fairly quickly to avoid staining or smells.

Look for smooth surfaces without deep grooves, and consider whether the rack can be lifted out fully for an occasional deep clean. In some cases, it is helpful to place a removable tray or mat under the rack to catch any leaks from bottles stored above. Stainless steel and quality plastic both stand up well to being wiped with mild detergent, while coated metal should be treated more gently to avoid scratching the protective layer.

Safety tips for storing chemicals under sinks

When organising cleaning chemicals under sinks, visibility and separation matter. Keep similar products together on specific parts of the rack: bathroom cleaners in one section, kitchen sprays in another, and floor cleaners grouped at the back or side. This reduces the chance of grabbing the wrong product and makes it quicker to see when you are running low on something important.

If you share your home with children or pets, consider a layered approach. Place less hazardous, everyday cleaners towards the front and on the lower shelves, and reserve the upper tier or a higher cupboard elsewhere for strong drain cleaners, oven cleaners and concentrated products. A simple child-safety lock on the cupboard can provide extra reassurance, especially in bathrooms where doors are often left ajar.

Long-handled tools such as mops and brooms, which can easily knock bottles off shelves, are often better on a wall-mounted holder such as the AceMining broom holder or the Cosicosy stainless steel holder. Moving them away from the under sink area reduces the chance of accidents and makes it easier to keep bottles upright and secure.

Conclusion

Choosing the best under sink utility rack for your kitchen or bathroom is less about the prettiest photo and more about thoughtful measuring, material choice and layout. By sketching your plumbing, deciding where shelves can logically sit around the U-bend, and paying attention to rust resistance, load capacity and ease of cleaning, you can turn an awkward cupboard into one of the most efficient storage zones in your home.

Often, the most successful setups combine a compact tiered or adjustable rack under the sink with wall-mounted supports for long-handled tools, such as a stainless steel mop and broom holder or a durable ABS broom rack. With a little planning, you can keep cleaners accessible for adults, out of easy reach of children, and neatly arranged so that spills are rare and quick to tackle when they do occur.