The bathroom may seem like the most convenient place to keep anything you use while getting ready, but it isn’t always the best storage spot. Heat, steam, moisture, and poor airflow can damage certain products and shorten the life of things you’d rather not replace often.
A little extra storage space in a bedroom, hallway closet, or linen cabinet can make a big difference. Here are some everyday items that are better kept out of the bathroom.
Books and Magazines
Paper and bathroom humidity are a bad combination, since moisture can cause pages to curl, warp, or discolor. If you like reading while you relax, use a digital reader or keep your favorite books and magazines in a dry room.
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Razors
Leaving razors in a damp bathroom can cause the blades to rust and dull more quickly. Store spare, unused razors somewhere dry, and bring one into the bathroom when you need it.
Perfume and Cologne
Heat, humidity, and sunlight can affect the scent and quality of perfumes and colognes over time. Keep bottles in a cool, dry drawer or closet away from windows and direct sunlight.
Medicine
The steam and temperature changes from showers can be incompatible with many medications and vitamins. Check the storage instructions on the label and keep medicines in a cool, dry place that is also safely out of reach of children.
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Skincare Products
Some skincare products can break down faster when exposed to heat and humidity for long periods. Products containing ingredients such as retinol or vitamin C may be better stored in a cool place according to the manufacturer’s storage instructions.
Nail Polish
Heat and humidity can cause nail polish to thicken, separate, or become difficult to apply. Keep your bottles in a cool, dry drawer or closet instead of leaving them near the shower or sink.
Toothbrushes (Out in the Open)
Your toothbrush needs to dry between uses, but leaving it uncovered near a toilet can expose it to bathroom spray and other contaminants. Store it upright in a clean holder with plenty of airflow, and keep it away from the toilet when possible.
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Makeup
Bathroom humidity can affect makeup and may create more favorable conditions for bacterial growth, especially in products that are frequently touched. Keep makeup in a cool, dry location and close containers tightly after each use.
Jewelry
Moisture can cause some metals to tarnish, while certain gemstones may also be affected by repeated exposure to humidity. Keep jewelry in a dry bedroom drawer or jewelry box rather than leaving it beside the sink, as humidity can accelerate tarnishing.
Towels
Clean towels can pick up moisture and develop a musty smell if they’re stored in a constantly humid bathroom. Keep extra towels in a dry linen closet and make sure used towels are completely dry before folding them away.
Electronics
Hairdryers, electric razors, speakers, and other electronics can be damaged by moisture and should be kept away from water whenever possible. Store them in a dry area and bring them into the bathroom only when you need to use them.
Wooden Items
Wood can swell, warp, crack, or develop mildew after repeated exposure to moisture. Keep wooden brushes, containers, and decorative pieces in a dry place, and choose bathroom-friendly materials for items that need to stay near the sink or shower.
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Bath Toys
Bath toys can retain water, creating a damp environment where mold and mildew may grow, according to WebMD. Empty and dry toys thoroughly after each bath, and store them in a clean, dry place when possible.
