Let’s be honest: the bathroom is the workhorse of the home. It’s where we start our day, end our night, and—let’s face it—sometimes hide from the grandkids for a few precious minutes of peace.
But while it’s tempting to stash everything from towels to tablets in this steamy sanctuary, the truth is, your bathroom’s humid, ever-changing climate is a silent saboteur for many household items.
If you’ve ever wondered why your towels smell musty, your perfume doesn’t last, or your vitamins seem less effective, the culprit could be your bathroom’s less-than-ideal storage conditions.
So, before you squeeze another item onto that overcrowded shelf, let’s take a closer look at eight things you should never store in your bathroom—and why relocating them could save you money, time, and a whole lot of hassle.
1. Towels and linens: Mildew magnets in disguise
It might seem logical to keep towels and spare linens within arm’s reach of the shower, but bathrooms are notorious for poor ventilation and high humidity.
When towels are left to dry in this environment, they’re slow to dry and quick to develop that unmistakable ‘funky’ odour. Worse, they can become breeding grounds for mildew and bacteria.
Instead, try hanging your towel on a hook behind your bedroom door or in a well-ventilated hallway. As for spare linens, store them in a linen cupboard or wardrobe.
Not only will they stay fresher for longer, but you’ll also avoid that unpleasant musty smell that can linger long after laundry day.
2. Makeup: A recipe for bacteria
If you’re a makeup lover, you know how quickly a collection can grow—and how expensive it can be to replace.
Unfortunately, the bathroom’s heat and humidity are the enemy of your favourite products. Creams and liquids are especially vulnerable, as moisture encourages bacteria growth and can cause products to break down or separate. Even powders can become cakey and less effective.
If you use your makeup quickly, you might get away with bathroom storage. But for those prized palettes and rarely-used lipsticks, a cool, dry drawer in your bedroom is a much safer bet.
And don’t forget to regularly clean your brushes and sponges—damp tools are a bacteria’s best friend!
3. Extra toiletries: Bulk storage blunders
Buying in bulk is a great way to save money, but storing those extra rolls of toilet paper, cotton swabs, and soap bars in the bathroom can backfire.
Once opened, these items can absorb moisture, collect dust, and even develop mould. Metal items like razor blades and shaving cream cans are prone to rust, while certain skincare products (think vitamin C serums and retinol creams) can lose their potency in fluctuating temperatures.
Keep your bulk buys in a dry cupboard or linen closet, and only bring what you need into the bathroom. Your skin—and your wallet—will thank you.
4. Perfume and nail polish: Scent and shine sabotaged
Did you know that heat and humidity can alter the delicate balance of your favourite fragrance? Perfume stored in the bathroom can oxidise, changing its scent and reducing its longevity.
Nail polish fares no better; the solvents that keep it smooth and spreadable evaporate faster in warm, moist air, leaving you with thick, clumpy polish that’s a nightmare to apply.
For best results, store perfumes and nail polishes in a cool, dark place—like a bedroom drawer or wardrobe shelf. You’ll preserve their quality and get more bang for your buck.
5. Medicine: Potency problems
It’s a common sight: a medicine cabinet filled with everything from painkillers to vitamins. But most medications are labelled ‘store in a cool, dry place’ for a reason.
Moisture and heat can degrade active ingredients, reducing their effectiveness and shortening their shelf life.
Instead, keep your medicines in a dedicated container in your bedroom, pantry, or another dry spot away from direct sunlight. Not only will they last longer, but you’ll also avoid the risk of accidental exposure to children or pets.
6. Jewellery: Tarnish trouble
Humidity is the enemy of shiny things. Leaving your jewellery in the bathroom—even for a short time—can cause it to tarnish, lose its lustre, or even corrode.
While it’s fine to take off your daily pieces before a shower, make sure to store your special items in a jewellery box or organiser outside the bathroom.
If you’re short on space, consider a wall-mounted organiser in your bedroom or a small dish on your dresser. Your treasures will stay sparkling and ready for your next outing.
7. Electronics: Short circuits and safety risks
While some bathroom-friendly gadgets (like electric toothbrushes and waterproof speakers) are designed to withstand moisture, most electronics are not.
Hairdryers, straighteners, and shavers can short-circuit or even cause fires if exposed to water. And let’s not even talk about the fate of a dropped smartphone in the loo!
Always unplug and store these items in a dry drawer or cupboard when not in use. And if you must use electronics in the bathroom, make sure your hands are dry and outlets are protected by safety switches.
8. Books, magazines, and photos: Paper peril
We get it—reading in the loo is a time-honoured tradition. But storing books, magazines, or cherished photos in the bathroom is a recipe for disaster.
Paper absorbs moisture, leading to warped pages, mould, and mildew. Even framed photos and artwork aren’t safe; moisture can seep in and cause irreparable damage.
If you love a bit of bathroom reading, bring your book in with you and take it out when you’re done.
For décor, opt for moisture-resistant art, like metal or glass pieces, or inexpensive canvas prints that can be easily replaced.
Bonus tips: Making the most of your bathroom storage
If you’re short on space, don’t despair! Invest in airtight containers for essentials, use wall-mounted shelves for easy-to-clean items, and regularly declutter to keep your bathroom fresh and functional. And remember, a little organisation goes a long way—your future self will thank you.
Over to you!
Have you ever had a bathroom storage disaster? Maybe a favourite perfume lost its scent, or your towels developed a mysterious odour?
Share your stories, tips, and clever storage solutions in the comments below. Let’s help each other make our bathrooms safer, fresher, and more enjoyable for everyone!
Also read: Banish bathroom dust forever with this unbelievable cleaning hack
