11 Genius Kitchen Sink Soap Tray Ideas To Declutter Fast

Q: How do you display dish soap in a kitchen?

The best way to display dish soap is to decant it from its original plastic bottle into a stylish, reusable dispenser made of glass, ceramic, or metal. Place this dispenser on a small decorative tray or caddy next to your hand soap and a sponge holder. This creates a look that is intentional, organized, and aesthetically pleasing, turning a daily necessity into a piece of kitchen decor.

Q: Where is the best place to put a sponge holder?

The best place for a sponge holder is where it can get maximum air circulation to dry quickly and prevent bacteria growth. Ideal options include an in-sink caddy with suction cups, a vertical holder on a countertop tray that allows air to flow all around it, or an over-the-sink caddy that straddles the sink divider. Avoid leaving a wet sponge to sit directly on the countertop or at the bottom of the sink, as this traps moisture.

Is your kitchen sink the one area of your home that defies all attempts at organization? You’re not alone. It’s the command center of the kitchen, a high-traffic zone for rinsing vegetables, washing hands, and tackling piles of dishes. This constant activity means it can devolve into a cluttered, wet mess in seconds, leaving you with a soggy sponge, mismatched soap bottles, and a general sense of chaos right where you crave cleanliness and order.

The frustration is real. You try to keep it tidy, but the brightly colored plastic dish soap bottle clashes with your carefully chosen decor. The wet sponge leaves a little puddle on your beautiful countertops, and the scrub brush never seems to have a proper home. This persistent disarray not only looks messy but can also make the simple act of washing dishes feel like a bigger, more frustrating chore than it needs to be. It feels like a losing battle against visual noise and countertop clutter.

The solution lies in using dedicated trays, stylish dispensers, and smart caddies to intentionally contain and organize every item. This approach doesn’t just hide the mess; it transforms your sink area from a chaotic workspace into a functional and visually appealing part of your home. By giving everything a designated spot, you create a system that is easy to maintain, protects your surfaces, and makes your daily kitchen routine more pleasant and efficient.

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Is Your Kitchen Sink Drowning in Clutter?

A well-organized kitchen sink uses dedicated trays, stylish dispensers, and smart caddies to contain soap, sponges, and brushes. This strategy is about more than just tidiness; it’s about creating a system. When every item has a designated home, you eliminate the visual noise of mismatched plastic soap bottles and soggy, unsightly sponges lying about. This simple act of containment not only declutters your countertops, making them easier to clean, but also establishes a more hygienic and visually appealing kitchen workspace. A tidy sink area can transform the feeling of the entire kitchen, turning daily chores from a burden into a more streamlined and pleasant experience. It validates your desire for an orderly home and proves that even the busiest corners can be beautiful and functional.

11 Genius Kitchen Sink Soap Tray Ideas To Declutter Fast

You can reclaim your counter space with 11 distinct, genius ideas designed to organize your sink area quickly and beautifully. These solutions are curated based on a combination of proven interior design principles, everyday practicality, and the top-rated user-approved solutions for 2025. Whether your kitchen style is rustic farmhouse, sleek modern, or cozy minimalist, you’ll find an idea here that not only solves your clutter problem but also enhances your decor. These strategies are designed for significant visual impact and are simple to implement, proving you don’t need a major renovation to create a sink area you love.

1. Elevate with Stylish Soap Dispensers

You can instantly upgrade your sink’s appearance by replacing standard, disposable soap bottles with stylish, reusable dispensers. This single change is one of the most effective ways to reduce visual clutter and make your sink area look more intentional and high-end. Instead of clashing logos and bright plastics, you can choose dispensers made from beautiful materials like glass, ceramic, or stainless steel that perfectly complement your kitchen’s hardware and overall aesthetic. It’s a small investment that pays huge dividends in style.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/upgrade-your-bathroom-with-custom-lotion-dispensers–1688918605527212/

This approach is also more economical and eco-friendly in the long run. Buying soap refills in bulk saves money and reduces plastic waste. Adding custom, waterproof vinyl labels for “Dish Soap” or “Hand Soap” adds a final, polished touch that makes a daily necessity feel like a curated piece of decor.

Materials Needed: Reusable dispenser bottle (glass or ceramic recommended), liquid dish soap or hand soap (bulk refill), waterproof label (optional).
Step-by-Step Directions:
1. Choose a dispenser that matches your kitchen’s hardware and decor style. Consider amber glass for a warm look or clear glass for a clean, modern feel.
2. Thoroughly wash and dry the new dispenser before its first use to remove any dust or residue.
3. Using a small funnel to prevent spills, carefully pour your bulk soap refill into the dispenser. Be sure to leave about an inch of space at the top to prevent overflow when you insert the pump mechanism.
4. Apply a custom, waterproof label squarely on the front of the bottle for a polished, organized look.

Pro-Tip: For a cohesive, high-impact look, buy a matching set of two or three dispensers for dish soap, hand soap, and even lotion if you keep it by the sink. This creates a powerful visual statement of organization and intention.

Call to Action: Pin this for later to inspire your next kitchen upgrade!

2. Employ a Dedicated Soap & Sponge Tray

The simplest solution for containing sink-side chaos is to use a dedicated tray to corral your soap dispenser, sponge, and brushes. This single action provides a designated spot for everything, instantly making the area look neater and more organized. More importantly, it protects your countertops from the soap drips and water puddles that inevitably form, preventing stains and potential damage over time. A tray acts as a visual anchor, grouping disparate items into one cohesive unit.

When selecting a tray, consider both form and function. Materials like silicone are incredibly practical—they’re waterproof, non-slip, and exceptionally easy to clean. Ceramic trays offer a classic, substantial feel, while a beautiful piece of sealed wood can add warmth to a rustic or farmhouse kitchen.

Materials Needed: A soap tray of your choice.
Step-by-Step Directions:
1. Measure the available counter space next to your faucet to ensure you choose a tray that fits perfectly without crowding the area.
2. Select a material that suits your needs and style. Choose silicone for ultimate water-resistance, ceramic for a timeless look, or sealed wood for natural warmth.
3. Look for a tray with a slightly raised lip or edge. This crucial feature will contain any water drips from sponges or hands, keeping your counter dry.
4. Arrange your soap dispenser, sponge, and any scrub brushes neatly on the tray. This simple act creates a unified and intentional sink station.

Lesson Learned: Avoid unsealed wood trays, no matter how beautiful they look in the store. From my experience, they can quickly develop mold, mildew, or dark water stains in a high-moisture environment like a sink area. Always opt for waterproof or quick-drying materials like silicone, ceramic, or properly sealed wood.

Call to Action: Love this clean look? Shop similar trays from our curated list!

3. Integrate a Multi-Functional Sink Caddy

An all-in-one solution to sink clutter is a multi-functional sink caddy that holds all your cleaning tools in one compact unit. This is the ultimate tool for efficiency, designed with specific compartments for dish soap, sponges, scrubbers, and brushes. By keeping everything upright and separated, a caddy not only saves valuable counter space but also promotes quicker drying, which is essential for preventing the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria on your sponges.

Sink caddies come in various designs to suit any kitchen setup. Freestanding models can sit neatly on the counter, while over-the-sink versions are perfect for double sinks with a divider. For an even cleaner look, consider models that attach to the inside of the sink wall with strong suction cups.

Materials Needed: Sink caddy suitable for your sink type.
Step-by-Step Directions:
1. Assess your sink configuration. Do you have a central divider that could support an over-the-sink caddy? Or is a freestanding model on the counter or a suction-cup model inside the sink a better fit for your space?
2. Choose a caddy with ample drainage holes or a slatted base. This is non-negotiable for ensuring your sponges and brushes can dry out completely between uses.
3. Look for designated compartments for different tools. This keeps everything upright, organized, and easy to grab when you need it.
4. Install or place the caddy and neatly arrange your dish soap, sponge, and brushes within its designated spots.

Pro-Tip: When in doubt, opt for a stainless steel caddy. In my experience, it’s far more durable than most plastic alternatives, less likely to stain from food residue, and often has a sleeker, more modern appearance that instantly elevates the entire sink area.

Call to Action: Find the perfect caddy for your sink! See our top picks.

4. Repurpose Vintage Containers for a Unique Touch

You can add immense character and personality to your sink area by repurposing vintage or antique containers as unique soap dispensers and holders. This approach is perfect for anyone who loves farmhouse, eclectic, or boho chic styles. Instead of buying a new dispenser, give a beautiful old Mason jar, a fancy glass bottle, or even an antique pitcher a new life. It’s a wonderfully creative, budget-friendly, and eco-friendly way to organize.

This method turns everyday items into a conversation piece. A small, antique English ironstone pot can become a charming holder for a scrub brush, or a vintage teacup can corral pot scrubbers. The possibilities are endless and allow you to infuse your kitchen with a sense of history and story.

Materials Needed: A vintage container (e.g., a Mason jar), a screw-on soap pump kit, or an antique vessel to use as a holder.
Step-by-Step Directions:
1. Thoroughly clean and sanitize your chosen vintage container, especially if it will hold soap.
2. If you’re creating a dispenser, purchase a soap pump kit that is designed to screw onto standard jar openings.
3. Assemble the pump, trimming the plastic tube with scissors to the correct length so it almost touches the bottom of your container without curling.
4. Fill the container with your favorite soap and screw on the new pump lid securely.
5. Alternatively, simply place a small antique pitcher or ironstone pot next to the sink and use it as a unique, open-top caddy for sponges and brushes.

Pro-Tip: Visit local thrift stores, antique shops, or flea markets to find one-of-a-kind bottles and containers. This is a wonderfully sustainable way to add a unique story and personal touch to your kitchen decor for just a few dollars.

Call to Action: Share your unique repurposed finds with us! #VintageSinkStyle

5. Maximize Counter Space with Wall-Mounted Dispensers

The ultimate solution for small kitchens or for those who crave a minimalist aesthetic is to install wall-mounted soap dispensers to completely free up counter space. By moving your soap dispensers off the counter and onto the backsplash or wall, you create an incredibly clean, uncluttered look. This makes wiping down the counters a breeze and can make a small kitchen appear larger and more open.

These dispensers are available in a wide range of styles, from sleek stainless steel and matte black for modern kitchens to chrome for a more traditional look. Many models are surprisingly easy to install, with high-strength waterproof adhesive options that eliminate the need for drilling.

Materials Needed: Wall-mounted soap dispenser kit, drill (if required), or high-strength waterproof adhesive.
Step-by-Step Directions:
1. Identify the optimal placement on the wall or backsplash next to your sink. Ensure it’s easy to reach for a quick pump of soap but won’t be in the way or accidentally knocked.
2. For adhesive models, the prep work is key. Thoroughly clean the surface with alcohol to remove any grease or residue, then dry it completely before application. Press the mounting plate firmly and allow it to cure for the manufacturer’s recommended time (often 24 hours) before filling and using the dispenser.
3. For screw-in models, use a level to ensure the bracket is straight and mark your drill holes. Drill appropriate pilot holes, install wall anchors for stability if you’re not drilling into a stud, and securely mount the bracket.
4. Attach the dispenser to the bracket, fill it with your favorite soap, and enjoy a completely clear and spacious countertop.

Lesson Learned: While “no-drill” adhesive options are incredibly convenient, it’s crucial to invest in a high-quality one specifically rated for wet environments. I once used a cheaper option, and it failed after a few months of steam and splashes, creating a huge, soapy mess. It pays to get the right one for the job.

Call to Action: Is this space-saving idea perfect for your kitchen? Save it to your “Small Kitchen Solutions” board!

6. Hide Sponges with a Tip-Out Sink Tray

One of the cleverest kitchen sink storage hacks is to install a tip-out sink tray in the false drawer front under your sink. This brilliant solution utilizes unused space to create a hidden storage spot for small, often unsightly items like sponges, scrubbers, and scrapers. The panel that looks like a shallow drawer front tips open on hinges, revealing a shallow tray where you can stash your cleaning tools, keeping them completely out of sight but always within easy reach.

This is an incredibly satisfying DIY project that makes a huge difference in reducing visual clutter. It’s the perfect way to maintain a minimalist look on your countertops without sacrificing convenience.

Materials Needed: Tip-out tray hardware kit, drill, screwdriver, measuring tape.
Step-by-Step Directions:
1. First, confirm that the panel directly in front of your sink is indeed a false front and not a functional drawer.
2. Purchase a tip-out tray kit that matches the width of your sink cabinet opening. They are available at most home improvement stores.
3. Carefully remove the false drawer front from the cabinet frame; it’s often held in place by a few clips or screws on the inside.
4. Following the kit’s specific instructions, attach the specialized hinges to the bottom edge of the drawer front and the corresponding inside edge of the cabinet frame.
5. Screw the plastic or metal tray onto the inside of the drawer front.
6. Re-attach the drawer front to the cabinet via the new hinges. You now have a secret storage compartment for your sponges.

Pro-Tip: When choosing a kit, look for one that includes a small polymer or plastic tray. These are easy to pop out and rinse in the sink or dishwasher, which is essential for preventing any grime or mildew buildup inside the hidden compartment over time.

Call to Action: The ultimate decluttering hack! Pin this brilliant idea now.

7. Get Strategic with Under-Sink Storage

A clear countertop is often the direct result of a highly organized under-sink cabinet. By creating a smart, accessible system for your cleaning supplies, bulk refills, and less-frequently used items under the sink, you eliminate the need to store them on the counter. This is a foundational step in kitchen organization that significantly contributes to a decluttered sink top.

The under-sink area, with its awkward pipes and garbage disposal, can be a challenge. However, with the right tools—like tiered shelving, stackable drawers, and clear bins—you can conquer this space and turn it into a powerhouse of functional storage.

Materials Needed: Tiered shelving unit, stackable drawers or clear bins, cleaning cloths.
Step-by-Step Directions:
1. Begin by emptying everything from under the sink. This is the perfect opportunity to discard old products and give the cabinet a thorough deep clean.
2. Sort your items into logical categories: daily use products, bulk refills, specialty cleaners, dishwasher pods, trash bags, etc.
3. Install a two-tiered shelf or a set of stackable drawers that are specifically designed to fit around pipes, allowing you to maximize the awkward vertical space.
4. Store bulk refills and less-used items in clearly labeled, stackable bins toward the back. This keeps them tidy and easy to find.
5. By creating a home for everything below, you can keep only the absolute daily essentials (like your stylish dish soap dispenser) on the countertop.

Pro-Tip: My favorite under-sink organization hack is to use a simple tension rod installed near the top of the cabinet. You can hang your spray bottles by their triggers on this rod, which frees up an incredible amount of shelf space below for bins and other supplies.

Call to Action: Ready for an organization overhaul? Save this for your weekend project!

8. Opt for Slim, Space-Saving Accessories

For small kitchens with limited counter space, the key is to choose slim, narrow, and vertical accessories that fit snugly into tight spots. Not every kitchen has a wide-open expanse around the sink. Sometimes, the most valuable real estate is the narrow strip of counter behind the faucet or the tiny corner against the wall. The good news is that many products are designed specifically for these challenging spaces.

Look for organizers that think vertically instead of horizontally. A tall, skinny caddy can hold a brush and sponge while taking up minimal countertop footprint. Likewise, small adhesive-backed holders can be placed inside the sink itself, keeping your sponge completely off the counter and out of the way.

Materials Needed: Slim-profile sink organizer or vertical caddy.
Step-by-Step Directions:
1. Take out a measuring tape and measure the exact dimensions of the narrow space you have available, whether it’s behind your faucet or along the side of your sink.
2. Use search terms like “slim sink tray” or “narrow sink caddy” to find products that are specifically designed to fit these dimensions.
3. Consider a vertical sponge holder that stores sponges upright, using height rather than width to save precious counter space.
4. For the ultimate space-saving solution, look for small, adhesive-backed stainless steel caddies that stick directly onto the inner wall of your sink, keeping sponges hidden and dry.

Pro-Tip: A game-changing move for saving space is to switch from a bulky liquid dishwasher detergent bottle to compact dishwasher sheets or pods. This simple swap can free up a surprising amount of valuable real estate, either on your counter or in your newly organized under-sink cabinet.

Call to Action: Make the most of your small space! Pin this smart solution.

9. Decant Supplies for a Cohesive Look

You can dramatically reduce visual clutter by decanting your cleaning supplies into uniform, stylish containers. Our brains perceive mismatched labels, logos, and colors as chaos. By transferring your most-used products—like dish soap, hand soap, and all-purpose cleaner—from their original branded packaging into a set of matching bottles, you create an immediate sense of calm and order.

This strategy is beloved by professional organizers because it transforms a jumble of utilitarian products into a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing collection. The result is a sink area that looks less like a messy workstation and more like a thoughtfully styled vignette. Clear or amber glass bottles with minimalist waterproof labels are a popular and timeless choice.

Materials Needed: A set of matching bottles (dispensers, spray bottles), funnel, custom labels.
Step-by-Step Directions:
1. Purchase a set of matching reusable bottles for your most-used sink-side supplies. Ensure you have the right type for each product (e.g., pump dispenser for soap, spray bottle for cleaner).
2. Using a funnel to prevent messes, carefully transfer the products from their original packaging into your new, uniform containers.
3. Apply minimalist, waterproof labels to each bottle for easy and safe identification.
4. Arrange your new matching bottles on a tray for a look that is cohesive, intentional, and incredibly satisfying.

Lesson Learned: Safety first. Always decant your cleaning supplies in a well-ventilated area, and never mix different cleaning chemicals. From personal experience, I can tell you it’s crucial to label everything immediately and accurately to avoid dangerous mix-ups down the line.

Call to Action: Transform your supplies from clutter to decor. Save this idea!

10. Blend Function and Beauty with Decorative Trays

Elevate your sink organization by using a beautiful decorative item, like a small cake stand or marble plate, as your soap tray. This is where organization meets interior design. Instead of limiting yourself to items explicitly sold as “soap trays,” think outside the box and look for pieces that are both functional and visually appealing. The goal is to choose items that feel less like clutter and more like intentional decor.

A small marble pastry slab, a shallow ceramic dish from a home goods store, or a mini wooden cake stand can all serve as a stylish base to corral your soaps and brushes while catching drips. Using a pedestal or cake stand is a particularly effective designer trick, as it adds height and dimension, turning your humble sink area into a beautifully styled vignette.

Materials Needed: A decorative item to use as a tray (e.g., small marble pastry slab, a shallow ceramic dish, or a mini cake stand).
Step-by-Step Directions:
1. Think beyond the kitchen aisle. Look for items in the decor section that match your kitchen’s style and are made of a waterproof or water-resistant material.
2. A small, flat piece of marble or a beautiful ceramic appetizer plate can elegantly corral your soap dispensers while protecting your counter.
3. For a more dynamic look, use a small cake stand or a wooden pedestal. This adds height, creates visual interest, and makes the whole setup feel more special.
4. Arrange your decanted soap bottle, a high-quality brush, and perhaps a very small succulent or candle on your chosen decorative tray to complete the stylish look.

Pro-Tip: This is the perfect opportunity to inject your unique personality into your kitchen. A vintage silver tray can add a touch of glamour, while a rustic wooden pedestal enhances farmhouse charm. Choose something that you genuinely love to look at every day.

Call to Action: Think outside the box! Pin this chic decor idea.

11. Maintain Order with a Quick Decluttering Routine

The most crucial step to a permanently tidy sink is to implement a consistent, quick decluttering habit. Even the most perfect organization system will eventually fail if it isn’t maintained. The key is not to wait for the clutter to build up but to integrate a simple, fast routine into your weekly schedule. This prevents the slow creep of empty bottles, worn-out sponges, and unused products from taking over again.

Consistency is far more effective than massive, infrequent cleaning sessions. Adopting a simple “one-in, one-out” rule for new purchases can also help manage your inventory and prevent the overflow of cleaning supplies.

Materials Needed: 5 minutes per week.
Step-by-Step Directions:
1. Schedule It: Dedicate a specific, recurring time for a “Sink Reset.” For many, the end of the day or Sunday evening works well. Put it on your calendar if you have to.
2. Quick Purge: During your reset time, take 60 seconds to throw away any nearly empty bottles, old sponges that are past their prime, or any products you haven’t used in months.
3. Wipe Down: Take another minute to quickly wipe down your soap tray, dispensers, and the countertop area to remove any soap scum, water spots, or crumbs.
4. Adopt the “One-In, One-Out” Rule: Whenever you buy a new bottle of all-purpose cleaner or a new type of sponge, make a commitment to either finish or discard an old one to prevent accumulation.

Lesson Learned: After years of trying different methods, I’ve found that the most beautiful and expensive organization system in the world will fail without a simple maintenance habit. A quick, 5-minute weekly reset is infinitely more effective than a massive, overwhelming decluttering session every six months.

Call to Action: Commit to a clutter-free sink! Save this reminder to your “Home Habits” board.

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to kitchen sink soap tray ideas

Contain the Mess: Use a dedicated tray (silicone, ceramic, marble) to corral all your sink-side items. This creates a single, organized unit and protects countertops from drips.
Ditch Original Bottles: Decant dish soap and hand soap into stylish, reusable dispensers. This instantly reduces visual clutter and creates a high-end, cohesive look.
Use Vertical & Hidden Space: Maximize your area with over-the-sink caddies, wall-mounted dispensers, or hidden tip-out trays to get items off the counter completely.
Think Decor, Not Just Storage: Choose trays, dispensers, and brushes that are beautiful as well as functional. Treat your sink area like a small, decorative vignette.
Consistency is Key: A 5-minute weekly tidying routine is essential to maintain your organized space and prevent clutter from returning.

Final Thoughts

Transforming your kitchen sink from a cluttered catch-all into a streamlined, beautiful space is a small project with a massive impact on your daily life. It’s about more than just aesthetics; it’s about creating a more functional, enjoyable, and peaceful environment for one of the most common tasks you do. By implementing even one of these ideas, you can bring a sense of calm and order to the heart of your home.

What’s the first change you’re going to make to your sink area? Share your plans in the comments below

11 Genius Kitchen Sink Soap Tray Ideas To Declutter Fast

Is Your Kitchen Sink Drowning in Clutter?