The Kitchen Clean-Up Zone

Within the kitchen the "Clean-up Zone" is where items used during the cooking process and the meal are cleaned.  When designing your new kitchen the clean-up zone should be centered around the kitchen's primary sink.  While the size and shape of the actual sink may vary, a deep sink is ideal for both washing large items and for hiding dirty ones from guests until they can be washed.  In addition, ample countertop space should be provided on both sides of the kitchen sink.  The National Kitchen and Bath Association recommends a minimum of 24" on one side of the sink and a minimum of 18" on the other.  This countertop space allows for hand washing of dishes as well as for a landing space for dirty dishes etc.

If the kitchen has a dishwasher, it should be located within 36" of the sink.  Ideally the dishwasher will be located adjacent to the sink to allow for easier hookups to plumbing and close proximity to the sink.  One of the questions I often get asked is which side of the sink should the dishwasher be located on?  There is no right or wrong answer to this question.  In most cases the exact layout and position of the kitchen sink will determine the location for the dishwasher and whether this is placed on the left or right side of the sink. 

Of course, no work zone would be complete without adequate storage for commonly used items, such as cleaning supplies, garbage and recycling bins and dish towels.  Here are some examples of how you can create a functional and organized Clean-up Zone with kitchen storage solutions from Dura Supreme.

A convenient pull-out with double bins for trash and recycling is one of Dura Supreme’s most popular cabinets (BRC).

Organize cleaning supplies in our convenient pull-out caddy with a detachable, portable basket (SBPOC).

Scrub brushes are tucked away neatly and can dry overnight in this tip-down sink tray (TDFS).

This thin, pull-out next to the sink has a towel rod so dish towels can dry after use (BPOF-TB or BPOC-TB).

A two-tiered shelf provides extra storage on either side of the plumbing fixtures (SBO).