​What your bathroom storage must NOT include

Johannes van Graan Johannes van Graan
Bathroom Renovation, Graham D Holland Graham D Holland Modern bathroom
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We all know how easy it can be to shove something into a bathroom cabinet simply because there’s no space for it anywhere else in the house. This list can be quite endless, from tea towels and cleaning products to children’s toys.

But which elements are meant for bathroom storage and which ones should not be kept anywhere near a place prone to humidity and wetness? 

These pieces, which must not form part of your bathroom storage (either for the sake of your health or your bathroom’s neat appearance), might surprise you…

1. Remove from bathroom storage: Your linens

Quite proud of your towels beautifully dangling from towel railings in your bathroom? Remove immediately! Since the bathroom is prone to mould and mildew, all linens (which are most susceptible to growth) need to be kept far away. 

Your options? A hall closet. But if you really can’t squeeze in those towels and washcloths anywhere else, then be sure to run your bathroom’s exhaust fan as much as possible to help air out the space. This’ll aid in drying damp towels after bathing or taking a shower. 

Old towels pas their heyday can be moved to the garage, where they can be recycled or used for odd jobs (like cleaning or becoming part of pet bedding).

2. Remove from bathroom storage: Children’s bath toys

Good luck trying label a bathroom as “neat and tidy” that’s overflowing with toys and goodies the little ones like to keep for company as soon as bath time rolls around. Instead of cluttering up your bathroom on a daily basis, stem the flow of toys and restrict the number of dolls, cars, plastic fishes and goodness-knows-what-else allowed at any one time. 

Choose a box or drawer outside the bathroom (where the little ones can’t rummage around when it’s time to cleanse) and devote these to toys.

3. Remove from bathroom storage: Old makeup

Bathrooms are prone to ever-changing temperatures, ranging from hot (when someone’s steaming up the shower) to cool (usually around early evening after it’s been left vacant for the entire day with an open window). And these fluctuating temperatures are not ideal for makeup, which should be stored at room temperature.  

Aside from the fact that those hot-to-cool-and-then-back-to-hot readings can affect your makeup, your bathroom’s dampness can also help increase bacteria. Rather devote a cubby or drawer in your bedroom to storing makeup, apart from the oldest ones. If you can’t remember when was the last time you used something, get rid of it!

4. Remove from bathroom storage: Travel-size toiletries

It might be tempting to collect small bottles of toiletries, free samples of moisturisers and hotel goodies, but those smaller items quickly add up – and in the end, you’re stuck with a cluttered bathroom. 

Instead of displaying a range of different shampoos and soaps in your bathroom, opt for just one. After all, why do you really need five different kinds of face scrubs? Bonus points if you keep your liquid soaps and shampoos in glass containers (which can add to your bathroom’s elegant appearance and keep its style consistent), or look for solid shampoo bars and soaps.

5. Remove from bathroom storage: Cleaning products

We understand that it’s useful and quicker to store floor cleaner and mildew-fighting agents underneath your bathroom sink, but it’s not where they belong. They only add to the clutter, even if you store them behind closed cabinet doors.

Rather devote a utility cupboard in the kitchen or washroom to all cleaning products, and only bring them into the bathroom when needed. This will definitely avoid bulky duplicates eating up precious storage space.

6. Remove from bathroom storage: Medication

Yes we are aware that it’s called a “medicine” cabinet, but your prescription meds should stay far away from moisture and humidity. Ideally, room temperature (between 15 to 25 degrees Celsius) is for storing medicine, otherwise the drugs could lose their effectiveness if not stored correctly. 

But while you’re cleaning out your bathroom, also take a look at which medication hasn’t been used in quite a while, and also which has been opened for a long time (like tubes of antiseptic). All out-of-date medicines should be safely disposed of, and the rest stored in a space out of reach from little ones.

7. Remove from bathroom storage: Surplus razors

Did you know that storing your brand new shaving razor in the bathroom is ruining it slowly but surely? When done using, keep your razors in a safe space free from humidity and dampness, as your bathroom’s steam can cause them to rust prematurely. 

Bonus points of you can keep those razors in a re-sealable plastic bag to further block out the moisture!

8. Remove from bathroom storage: Jewellery

Most of us remove our favourite necklaces and rings as we’re about to step into the shower or climb into the tub, but don’t get into the habit of storing jewellery pieces in the bathroom. Once again, humidity is the main culprit, as your steamy bathroom environment speeds up the oxidation process and causes jewellery to tarnish faster. 

A cool and dry room, like your bedroom or dressing room, is perfect!

Ever wondered Which is better: a bath or shower? Let’s take a look at the facts…

Any other elements that shouldn’t be stored in the bathroom? Share with us!

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