15 Things You Should Never Keep in Your Bathroom (and Why)

Bathrooms may seem like a convenient place to store all sorts of items, but it’s not always the best environment for everything. The combination of heat, moisture, and humidity can damage certain items and even make them unsafe to use. 

From medicines to electronics, there are several things that don’t belong in your bathroom. Here’s a list of 15 things you should never keep in your bathroom and the reasons why they should be stored elsewhere.

Medications

You might think the bathroom is the ideal spot to keep medications since it’s convenient for your daily routine, but the moisture and temperature fluctuations can cause them to degrade faster. Medicines need to be stored in a cool, dry place to remain effective. 

The constant exposure to humidity from showers can lead to mold growth on pill bottles and cause medications to lose potency. A bedroom drawer or kitchen cabinet is a better place for your medicine stash. This will help keep them fresh and effective for longer.

Makeup

Makeup, especially powder-based products, is sensitive to moisture. Storing your makeup in the bathroom exposes it to humidity, which can cause products to spoil faster or even lead to bacterial growth. 

Foundations and powders can clump, while creams can separate or grow mold. To keep your makeup safe and lasting longer, store it in a dry, cool area, like your bedroom vanity. This will also help prevent your brushes and applicators from getting damaged or dirty from the bathroom’s damp air.

Jewelry

The bathroom’s high humidity can cause certain metals, especially silver, to tarnish quickly. Gold, silver, and other metals can lose their shine or even develop rust if exposed to too much moisture. Similarly, gemstones can become dull over time if kept in a bathroom. 

Storing jewelry in a dry, cool area away from constant moisture will preserve its sparkle and prevent tarnishing. Keep your precious items in a jewelry box or bedroom drawer to ensure they stay in top condition.

Books and Magazines

While many people enjoy reading while in the bath, leaving books or magazines in the bathroom is not a good idea. The moisture and humidity can cause pages to warp, wrinkle, or even grow mold. 

Over time, the paper will degrade, and ink can start to blur. If you enjoy a good read in the tub, take your book with you when you’re done and store it somewhere dry afterward. This will help keep your reading material in good condition for longer.

Electronics

Many people like to bring their phones, tablets, or even Bluetooth speakers into the bathroom to enjoy music or podcasts while they get ready. However, electronics don’t mix well with moisture. Steam from showers can get inside the devices and cause damage, leading to short circuits or reduced functionality. 

Even if your device is water-resistant, constant exposure to humidity can still cause long-term damage. It’s best to keep your electronics in a dry space and bring them into the bathroom only when necessary, then remove them afterward.

Towels You Don’t Use Often

Storing spare towels in your bathroom may seem like a practical idea, but keeping them in a damp environment can lead to mold and mildew. The constant moisture can make them musty, even if they aren’t used regularly. 

If you don’t rotate towels frequently, they can absorb moisture from the air and develop a bad odor. It’s better to store extra towels in a linen closet or another dry area. This way, they’ll stay fresh and ready when you need them.

Perfume and Cologne

Heat and humidity can break down the chemical composition of perfumes and colognes, causing their scents to fade or change over time. The bathroom’s fluctuating temperature is one of the worst places to keep your fragrance collection. 

If you want your perfumes to maintain their original scent, store them in a cool, dry location away from sunlight and heat. A bedroom vanity or closet shelf is a much better option for keeping your fragrances smelling fresh.

Nail Polish

Nail polish needs a stable temperature and environment to stay fresh and usable. The constant temperature changes in a bathroom can cause nail polish to thicken, separate, or change color. 

Extreme humidity can also affect the consistency of the polish, making it hard to apply smoothly. To extend the life of your nail polish, keep it in a cool, dry place like a drawer or makeup organizer outside the bathroom. This way, it will stay in good condition for your next manicure.

Razors (Not in Use)

Razors left in the bathroom, especially near the shower, are exposed to constant moisture. This can cause them to rust or dull quickly, making them less effective and more likely to cause cuts or irritation. 

Even if the razor is not in use, the bathroom’s humidity can cause corrosion on the blades. It’s best to store razors in a dry place between uses, like a drawer or cabinet outside of the bathroom. This will help them last longer and keep the blades sharp.

Skincare Products

Some skincare products, especially those with active ingredients like vitamin C, retinol, or AHAs, are sensitive to heat and humidity. Storing them in the bathroom can cause these ingredients to break down, reducing their effectiveness. 

Moisture can also lead to bacterial growth in open containers, compromising the safety of your skincare. For best results, keep your skincare products in a cool, dry place, such as a bedroom dresser or vanity. This will help preserve the potency of the ingredients and keep your skin looking its best.

Toothbrush

While the bathroom seems like the logical place to keep a toothbrush, leaving it out in the open exposes it to airborne bacteria, especially if it’s near the toilet. Every time you flush, particles can be dispersed into the air, landing on your toothbrush. 

This can lead to hygiene issues and increase the risk of germs. It’s better to store your toothbrush in a covered holder or in a drawer to keep it clean and dry. This helps reduce the risk of contamination and keeps your oral hygiene routine safe.

Loofahs

Loofahs are designed to exfoliate your skin, but they can quickly become breeding grounds for bacteria and mold if left in the damp environment of a bathroom. The constant moisture makes it hard for them to dry out properly, leading to the growth of harmful microbes.

It’s important to replace loofahs regularly and store them in a dry area when not in use. Consider switching to a silicone scrubber or washcloth, which dries more quickly and is easier to clean.

Cosmetic Brushes

Makeup brushes can easily collect bacteria in a moist bathroom environment. The humidity can also cause bristles to clump together or break down over time, affecting the performance of your brushes. 

Storing them in the bathroom increases the risk of contamination, which can lead to skin issues or infections. To keep your brushes clean and in good condition, store them in a dry area, like a drawer or vanity outside of the bathroom. Regularly washing your brushes will also help prevent bacteria buildup.

Hair Styling Tools

Curling irons, straighteners, and blow dryers are electrical devices that don’t mix well with the moisture in a bathroom. Storing them in a damp environment can lead to rust, electrical malfunctions, or reduced performance. 

Even if they’re not in use, the steam from showers can cause long-term damage. Keep your hair styling tools in a dry, cool place, such as a bedroom drawer or closet. This will help them last longer and perform better when you need them.

Cotton Swabs and Cotton Balls

Cotton swabs and cotton balls can absorb moisture from the bathroom, making them less effective when used. Over time, they can become damp, musty, or even grow mold. Storing these items in a bathroom also increases the risk of contamination from airborne bacteria. 

To keep them clean and dry, store them in a sealed container outside of the bathroom, such as a bedroom or linen closet. This ensures they stay fresh and ready to use when needed.

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