13 Things to Never Keep in the Bathroom

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A bathroom can be quite useful in storing all sorts of items; however, some of the things should not be stored in the bathroom at all. At times, depending on the fluctuation of humidity or temperature or lack of airflow, some of the products that you use daily may deteriorate in bathroom conditions.

Here are some everyday items that you should not store in the bathroom — and why.

Books and Magazines

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Who hasn’t seen those bathroom magazine racks? Well, paper and moisture don’t mix. Humidity causes pages to warp, curl, and discolor. If you want reading material in the bathroom, opt for e-books or digital readers. But if you love traditional books, keep them stored in a dry, well-ventilated room to avoid damage.

Razors

You might assume razors belong in the bathroom, but constant exposure to moisture causes them to rust or dull quickly. To extend their lifespan, store razors outside the bathroom. This small move can save you from buying replacements frequently.

Perfume and Cologne

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Heat and light are enemies of the delicate ingredients in perfumes and colognes. Storing them in the bathroom causes them to lose their scent or spoil faster than usual. Instead, keep them in a cool, dry place, away from windows and direct sunlight.

Medicine

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Real medicine should not be kept in the bathroom medicine cabinet. Showers produce steam, which can reduce the efficiency of pills, liquids, and vitamins. Drugs should be stored in a cool, dry area like a kitchen or a locked cupboard.

Skincare Products

Some skincare products are designed for bathroom use, but many aren’t suited to the humid environment. Moisture can cause certain creams, serums, or oils to separate or spoil. Store items like retinol or vitamin C products in a cooler location to maintain their potency.

Nail Polish

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While nail polish may seem harmless in the bathroom, heat and humidity can cause it to clump or separate, making it difficult to use before the bottle is finished. Keep your nail polish in a cool, dry place like a closet or bedroom drawer to avoid early spoilage.

Toothbrushes (Out in the Open)

Though toothbrushes are meant for the bathroom, storing them out in the open exposes them to bacteria from toilet flushes. Gross! Keep your toothbrush in a closed cabinet or use a toothbrush cover to keep things more sanitary.

Makeup

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One might decide to store makeup items in the bathroom, especially for application in the morning, but humidity is the enemy. When there is moisture, makeup breaks down faster and may even promote bacterial growth. To make your makeup products last longer, store them in a cool, dry place such as a bedroom or even in a makeup bag.

Jewelry

The bathroom is a bad place for jewelry. Steam and moisture can cause metals to tarnish and some gemstones to degrade. Don’t keep your jewelry in the bathroom because the humidity will accelerate tarnishing.

Towels

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Towels are bathroom essentials, but storing clean towels in a humid bathroom can lead to mildew and musty odors. Keep them in a linen closet or another dry place where they’ll stay fresh. Remember to rotate towels regularly and ensure they are fully dry before putting them away.

Electronics

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Whether it’s a hairdryer, electric razor, or Bluetooth speaker, the bathroom isn’t the place for electronics. Moisture can cause them to malfunction or even short-circuit. Keep these gadgets in a dry area and only bring them into the bathroom when necessary.

Wooden Items

From wooden-handled hairbrushes to wooden décor, the bathroom is a poor environment for wood. Humidity causes warping, swelling, and cracking, which will ruin your beautiful items. Store wooden items in a dry area and reserve plastic or metal alternatives for bathroom use.

Bath Toys

According to WebMD, bath toys can become breeding grounds for mold and mildew in the warm, moist bathroom environment. Water can get trapped inside, leading to hygiene issues. Make sure to dry bath toys after use and store them outside the bathroom.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.