A steamy bathroom may feel luxurious, but it’s wreaking havoc on your belongings. A National Institute of Health study found bathroom humidity can spike over 100% during a hot shower, staying elevated for hours. This damp, hot environment silently ruins items, breeds mold, and risks your health.
Here are 15 everyday items you should never store in your bathroom. Are you making these costly mistakes without even realizing it?
1. Medications
Storing medications in areas with fluctuating temperatures and high humidity significantly accelerates their degradation. (ref) Even common over-the-counter medicines can lose their potency when exposed to bathroom conditions.
Prescription medications are particularly vulnerable and should be kept in a cool, dry place away from the bathroom. This includes birth control pills, insulin, nitroglycerin, and EpiPens, which can become less effective when exposed to moisture.
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2. Toothbrushes
Research found that 60% of toothbrushes left in bathrooms contain fecal matter and dangerous bacteria, including E. coli, Giardia, and Salmonella. (ref) These bacteria spread through the air when toilets are flushed.
The American Dental Association recommends storing toothbrushes in a cool place outside the bathroom, keeping them vertical and allowing them to dry naturally. Avoid storing them in closed containers, which can create a breeding ground for microorganisms.
Most people keep their toothbrushes in the bathroom for convenience. If you do, try to store it at least six feet away from the toilet to minimize exposure to airborne particles from flushing.
3. Jewelry
Bathroom humidity can cause metals to tarnish rapidly and potentially damage precious stones. The combination of chlorine from tap water and moisture in the air accelerates corrosion.
Exposure to bathroom conditions can significantly reduce the lifespan of your jewelry and cause permanent damage. Instead, store jewelry in a cool, dry place using airtight containers with silica gel packets to control moisture.
4. Electronics
Bathroom moisture poses serious risks to electronic devices, creating potential electrical hazards and damaging equipment. The combination of water and electricity can be particularly dangerous.
Keep hair dryers, electric razors, and other electrical appliances stored outside the bathroom when not in use. If you must use them in the bathroom, ensure your hands are completely dry and unplug devices immediately after use.
5. Towels & Linens
While it might seem logical to store towels in the bathroom, the high moisture content can lead to mildew and bacterial growth. Fresh towels absorb ambient moisture each time someone showers.
Only keep towels in the bathroom if you have a heated towel rail. Otherwise, store clean towels in a linen closet and remove used ones promptly for washing.
6. Makeup
Bathroom humidity can significantly reduce the shelf life of cosmetics and create an environment where bacteria thrive. Temperature fluctuations can alter the composition of makeup products.
Store makeup in a cool, dry place, preferably in airtight containers. Consider setting up a vanity area in your bedroom instead of keeping cosmetics in the bathroom.
7. Extra Razors
Unused razors stored in the bathroom can rust quickly due to constant exposure to moisture and steam. This not only wastes money but can also pose safety risks when used.
Keep spare razors in their original packaging in a dry location outside the bathroom. Only bring in what you’re currently using to maintain their quality and extend their lifespan.
8. Books & Magazines
The bathroom’s humidity can cause pages to stick together and promote mold growth between pages. This can quickly destroy reading materials and create unhygienic conditions.
If you enjoy reading in the bathroom, bring materials in and out rather than storing them there permanently. Consider using a water-resistant e-reader instead.
9. Perfume
Fluctuating temperatures and humidity can alter the chemical composition of fragrances. This can cause expensive perfumes to lose their scent or change their character entirely.
Store perfumes in a cool, dark place away from the bathroom to maintain their intended fragrance and extend their shelf life.
10. Clothing
Bathroom moisture can lead to mildew growth on fabrics and create musty odors. Even temporary storage of clothes in the bathroom can lead to damage.
Keep clothing, including bathrobes, in bedroom closets or dressers. If you must hang items in the bathroom, remove them promptly after use.
11. First Aid Supplies
Adhesive bandages, gauze, antibiotic ointments, and other first aid materials can deteriorate quickly in bathroom conditions. The moisture can compromise the adhesive on bandages and create an environment where bacteria can contaminate sterile supplies.
Store your first aid kit in a cool, dry location like a hallway closet or kitchen cabinet where it remains easily accessible for emergencies. Consider using a waterproof container if you must keep some basic supplies in the bathroom temporarily.
12. Cleaning Supplies
Many cleaning products can become less effective when exposed to constant moisture. Additionally, bathroom storage of cleaning supplies can create dangerous chemical vapors in an enclosed space.
Store cleaning supplies in a well-ventilated area outside the bathroom, keeping them out of reach of children and pets.
13. Valuable Documents
Important papers and documents should never be stored in bathroom cabinets or drawers. The moisture can cause ink to run and paper to deteriorate.
Keep all important documents in a dry, secure location, preferably in a fireproof safe or filing cabinet in another room.
14. Nail Polish
Temperature fluctuations and humidity can affect nail polish consistency and cause separation. The moisture can also lead to bacterial growth in opened bottles.
Store nail polish in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain its quality and prevent premature thickening.
15. Jewelry Boxes
Wooden or fabric jewelry boxes can absorb moisture, leading to warping and mold growth. This can damage both the container and its contents.
Keep jewelry boxes in bedroom drawers or closets where temperature and humidity remain stable throughout the day.
While bathrooms are essential spaces in our homes, they’re far from ideal storage locations for many everyday items. The combination of humidity, temperature changes, and bacterial presence can compromise both the safety and longevity of your belongings.
By relocating these items to cooler, drier spaces in your home, you’ll not only extend their lifespan but also protect your investments and health.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.