Consider discarding these 14 bathroom items for enhanced safety and hygiene:
For numerous individuals, the bathroom turns into a space where you pack (or jam) your personal care items into any vacant area. However, this isn't always the best option, as clutter in there—similar to any area—can diminish your overall sense of well-being and cause unnecessary stress.
It's likely you're saving items that genuinely shouldn't (and shouldn't) be saved elsewhere. According to Monica Friel, chief executive organizer with Chaos to Order in Chicago, "You should store items based on what you use most and what works best for your routine." Regularly assessing what you have is the best way to ensure the space in your bathroom is being utilized efficiently for your specific needs. Here are three experts' suggestions on what to eliminate from your bathroom.
Hotel Amenities
Why do we take these from our hotel rooms, though? "Perhaps we think we'll use them at home, pack them for another trip, or just like the brand and want a reminder to buy a full-sized version of the product," says Nicole Anzia, owner of Neatnik, a Washington, D.C.-based organizing company. "But for numerous reasons, none of these scenarios usually happen." Save yourself time and space by not bringing them home in the first place.
Clothes
Don't leave dirty clothes on the floor or on hooks in the bathroom, advises Friel. Not only is it untidy, but it can pose a potential risk for slipping if the items pile up. Develop the practice of tidying up promptly, or just assign a space outside the bathroom for dirty clothing.
Used Toothbrushes
Toothbrushes should be replaced every three or four months, according to the American Dental Association, or sooner if the bristles are worn out. If you've been sick with the flu or another illness, it's also a great time to discard your toothbrush, suggests Ruthann Betz-Essinger, a certified professional organizer with Just Organized, LLC in Birmingham, Alabama.
Overabundance of Towels
Keep only the towels you're using in the bathroom in the bathroom—there's no need to store an abundance of towels—especially large bath towels—says Friel. Beyond those you're currently using, store the rest in a linen closet. Then evaluate how many you actually need based on your family's habits. Pro tip: Repurpose some worn-out towels into rags if needed and donate the rest.
Kids' Bath Toys
"If your kids have grown out of their bath toys, it is time for them to be thrown away or donated," says Betz-Essinger. Only donate them if they are in good working order and have all the pieces. Make sure to wash them with warm soapy water and dry them thoroughly first!
Jewelry
It makes perfect sense that people keep jewelry in their bathrooms since we often take off or put on items before and after a shower, but consistent exposure to humidity damages jewelry, says Anzia. It's better to keep your rings, necklaces, earrings, and other jewelry somewhere dry—and away from bathroom drains.
Makeup and Creams
Technically, products like makeup and creams shouldn't be stored in the bathroom because of the high humidity—but almost everyone stores them there anyway, says Betz-Essinger. If you must keep them there, make sure to check for separation of ingredients and change in color, smell or consistency regularly. If things don't look or smell like they did when you bought them, let them go. You should also toss any products over one year old, she says.
Expired Medications
"Some argue that you shouldn't keep any medicine in your bathroom, but I think it's fine to keep them there," says Anzia. That said, she doesn't mean medicine that's past its expiration date. She suggests going through your supply at least twice a year to get rid of anything that's expired or that you no longer need. And if you find that your medicine cabinet is too cluttered with tiny bottles and first-aid supplies, lighten the load by storing things like Band-Aids and sunscreen elsewhere. By the way—did you know that even sunscreen can expire?
Reading Materials
It's alright if you enjoy reading in the bathroom, but your reading materials don't need to be stored there. "If there's a magazine you would like to read while taking a bath, by all means, bring it into the bathroom—but then take it out when you're finished," says Anzia. In addition to minimizing clutter, this will ensure your reading materials don't get damaged by water.
Old Hair Tools
Hair dryers and other hair appliances are fine to store in the bathroom. However, "What typically happens is that you buy a new one and you keep the old one," says Betz-Essinger. Instead, toss the old one, or if it is in working order, donate it. Also, if you're storing hair appliances that you don't like, that fry your hair, or that don't work with your current hairstyle, get rid of them.
Decor
The fewer unnecessary things you have in your bathroom, the less cleaning there is to do, says Anzia. In other words: Empty space on a vanity does not need to be filled. "Yes, it's nice to have a candle to light during a bath or to cover up odors, but that's really all you need," she says. Skip having a bunch of baskets, bins or plants collecting dust.
Harsh chemical cleaners have no business in bathrooms, according to Betz-Essinger. Instead, she suggests using a mix of baking soda, water, white vinegar, liquid castile soap, tea tree oil, and other essential oils to clean most bathroom surfaces. (Consider utilizing eco-friendly cleaning solutions crafted from common household items.)
Friel also advises against keeping cleaning products in the bathroom due to limited cabinet space and lack of daily use.
Makeup Containers
Some individuals own various toiletry or makeup bags, which can be handy for traveling. Yet, if you possess an excessive amount, avoid stacking them under the sink, suggests Anzia. Instead, store one or two in a drawer or bathroom cabinet, and keep the rest with your luggage or handbags.
Additional Items
Avoid storing excess bottles of shampoo, toothpaste, cosmetics, etc., in your bathroom, Friel advises. You don't need multiple tubes of toothpaste in a drawer, she says. "Maintain one in use, finish it completely, then replace. This will free up plenty of space in prime zones and make your bathroom appear less crowded." If you must stock up, she recommends storing any excess items in an "extra products box" in the linen closet or nearby storage space.
Following the advice of bathroom organization experts, regularly assessing your bathroom items can help in creating a more efficient and stress-free space. For instance, RealSimple suggests eliminating hotel amenities and used toothbrushes from your bathroom to save space. Monica Friel, the chief executive organizer at Chaos to Order, recommends discarding overabundant towels and keeping only the ones you're currently using in the bathroom. Furthermore, experts advise against storing harsh chemical cleaners and excessive bathroom products in the bathroom to free up space and ensure a healthier environment. Organizing your bathroom in this manner can significantly improve your overall sense of well-being.
