Your bathroom is meant to be a sanctuary— where you can unwind and freshen up. However, it’s often filled with items that don’t belong there, cluttering your space and potentially harming your health.
You’ll create a more organized, functional, and serene space by decluttering your bathroom and removing items that don’t belong. Experts recommend removing these 12 items from your bathroom to keep it clean, functional, and a true oasis.
Old Skincare and Bathing Products
Cosmetics and skincare products come with expiration dates for a reason. Over time, the active ingredients in these products break down, losing their effectiveness and potentially becoming harmful to your skin.
The degradation process accelerates when stored in a bathroom with frequent temperature changes and high humidity. To preserve your cosmetics, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight—preferably in a bedroom vanity or a dedicated storage drawer.
Prescription Medications
It might seem convenient to keep medications in the bathroom, where they are easily accessible. However, the National Library of Medicine advises against storing medicine in the bathroom due to the adverse effects of heat and humidity on pharmaceuticals.
Most medications are formulated to remain stable at room temperature (68–77°F) and in low humidity. The fluctuating conditions in a bathroom can cause pills to break down, lose their effectiveness, or even change their chemical composition.
Jewelry
Storing your jewelry in the bathroom might be convenient when getting ready, but it’s not the best practice. The metals used in jewelry, such as silver and gold, are prone to tarnishing when exposed to moisture.
Additionally, storing jewelry in the bathroom increases the risk of losing small pieces down the drain or accidentally damaging them. Jewelry should be stored in a dry, safe place, preferably in a jewelry box lined with anti-tarnish fabric.
Razors and Shaving Tools
Razors are common in the bathroom, but this can reduce their lifespan and effectiveness. When razors are exposed to moisture for extended periods, they can develop rust, which not only dulls the blade but can also cause cuts and skin infections.
To extend the life of your razors, rinse them thoroughly after each use, dry them, and store them in a dry area outside the shower. Remember to store your electric razors in a dry, well-ventilated area.
Cleaning Supplies
Storing cleaning supplies in the bathroom might seem practical, but it can pose health risks and reduce the effectiveness of the products. Cleaning products often contain chemicals that can release fumes, especially in a humid environment.
These fumes build up in a confined space like a bathroom, potentially causing respiratory issues or headaches. Store your cleaning supplies in a well-ventilated area, such as a laundry room, utility closet, or under the kitchen sink.
Extra Towels
Towels are essential in any bathroom, but keeping too many can lead to unintended consequences. Bathrooms are often the most humid rooms in the house, which can cause towels to retain moisture and develop a musty smell.
Too many towels in the bathroom can contribute to clutter. To maintain fresh, clean towels, limit the number of towels you keep in the bathroom to one or two per person. Store the rest in a linen closet or a well-ventilated area outside the bathroom.
Books and Magazines
For many, a relaxing bath is synonymous with reading a good book or magazine. However, the bathroom’s high humidity levels are not kind to paper products. Paper absorbs moisture, which can cause books and magazines to warp, curl, or develop mold and mildew.
If you enjoy reading in the bath, consider using waterproof e-readers or tablets resistant to moisture. If you prefer physical books, store them in a dry room and bring them into the bathroom only when you’re ready to read.
Toothbrushes Near the Toilet
Toothbrushes are a daily essential, but where you store them matters. When you flush the toilet, a “toilet plume” occurs, where tiny droplets containing bacteria and other particles are released into the air. These particles can travel several feet and land on your toothbrush.
This can introduce harmful bacteria to your mouth, increasing the chances of infections and other oral health issues. To protect your toothbrush from contamination, store it inside a cabinet or use a toothbrush cover with ventilation to keep it clean while allowing it to dry.
Perfume and Cologne
Perfumes and colognes are sensitive to environmental factors, and the bathroom’s fluctuating conditions can significantly affect their quality. Heat and humidity can alter the chemical composition of fragrances, causing them to smell differently or lose their scent altogether.
To preserve the integrity of your perfumes and perfumes and colognes, keep them in a cool, dry location out of direct sunlight.
A bedroom dresser, vanity, or a designated fragrance tray is ideal. Make sure the caps are secured properly to prevent evaporation.
Nail Polish
Nail polish, like perfume, is affected by the environment in which it’s stored. The bathroom’s humidity can cause your nail polish collection to degrade quickly. Humidity can cause nail polish to thicken, separate, and become difficult to apply evenly, even with nail polish thinner.
Store your nail polish in a cool, dry drawer or a dedicated beauty organizer outside of the bathroom. Ensure the bottles are tightly closed to avoid air from entering. Keeping your nail polish in a dry environment will preserve it and ensure smooth application.
Electronic Devices
Bringing electronic devices like phones, tablets, or speakers into the bathroom might seem convenient, but it can lead to serious damage. Moisture can penetrate the internal parts of your devices, leading to corrosion, short circuits, and irreversible damage.
To protect your devices, avoid bringing them into the bathroom altogether. If you must use electronics in the bathroom invest in waterproof devices or cases. Water-resistant Bluetooth speakers are a safer alternative for listening to music or podcasts while you shower.
Candles
Candles can create a soothing atmosphere in the bathroom but pose safety and cleanliness risks. Burning candles in a bathroom can lead to soot accumulation on walls and ceilings, especially if the space is poorly ventilated.
For a safer alternative, opt for flameless essential oil diffusers or LED candles to create a calming ambiance. If you prefer the warmth of a real candle, ensure that your bathroom is well-ventilated, and never leave a burning candle unattended.