Professional organizer Jamie Hord states, “An organized bathroom can set your morning off to a great start. By decluttering, streamlining what you have, and setting up a system where you know where to find everything, you can get out the door faster” Your bathroom might be a place to get ready for the day or unwind at the end of it, but it can quickly become a messy jumble of expired products, personal care items you won’t use again and neglected tools.
As well as improving hygiene and functionality, decluttering simplifies your routine. Here are 15 items hiding in your bathroom that you should toss to take back your space and your peace of mind.
Expired Medications
Not only are outdated pain relievers, cold medicines, and prescription drugs not effective, but they may also be harmful. Check your medicine cabinet for expiration dates on bottles or blister packs, and follow local guidelines about how to dispose of expired meds.
Pharmacies and law enforcement agencies have collection programs where you can safely get rid of those unused meds.
Old Razors
If you use a razor, it should need to be replaced after 5 to 10 uses, depending on how much you use it. An old, dull or rusty razor can irritate your skin or cause nicks and infection. If you’re keeping old razors “just in case,” it’s time to say goodbye and ensure your skincare routine remains safe.
Expired Sunscreen
Over time, sunscreen expires, and applying expired SPF will provide you with inadequate protection from harmful UV rays. Most sunscreens are good for three years after manufacture, so check the expiration date on your bottles. Toss it if you are unsure because it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Old Toothbrushes
Dentists say tooth brushes should be replaced every 3-4 months — or earlier if the bristles are frayed. Keeping your toothbrush pick fresh is better for your oral hygiene and guards against bacteria buildup.
Loofahs and Sponges
Loofahs and bath sponges are great for exfoliating, but they harbor bacteria once they’re past their lifespan. Replace them every month or opt for alternatives like silicone scrubbers, as they’re much easier to clean and last longer.
Frayed Hair Styling Tools
Cords on curling irons or blow dryers that are worn are not only ineffective, they are dangerous—presenting fire hazards or electrical shock risks. Ensure your tools are safe; dispose of worn tools right away.
Worn Washcloths and Towels
Ryen Toft, organizing expert and owner of Simply Luxe Organizing, notes: “Frayed or stained towels are less absorbent and hygienic.” Toss old, frayed towels from your hamper and donate gently used linens to animal shelters. You’ll almost instantly create more space and add to your bathroom aesthetic.
Unused Hotel Toiletries
While there is never anything wrong with hanging onto those mini shampoo and soap bars from hotels, consider donating them to local shelters if they’re lying around unused. Doing so helps those in need and clears cabinet space for you.
Expired Bath Products
Scrubs, oils, and bath salts all have a shelf life, too. Products that have gone bad can lose their effectiveness or even develop an unpleasant smell. If it’s been years since you’ve reached for them, it’s time to call it quits and just stick to fresh, high-quality bath items.
Erica Fecundo, tiny home expert at Hauslein, suggests: “Consider adding a trash bin to your bathroom design to help collect old product bottles and packaging as you use them up to prevent it from collecting on countertops or in the corner of your shower”
Unused Hair Products
Your half-used gels, sprays, or mousses all collecting in your cabinet are adding clutter. If a hair product doesn’t work for you, donate the unopened ones or throw out partially used bottles responsibly.
Old Makeup
Did you know makeup has an expiration date, and the average woman generates 527 items of cosmetic and hygiene waste a year? Expired products that are open can spoil from anywhere between 6 and 24 months and may be home to germs that lead to skin irritation or breakouts.
If your mascara, foundation, or other cosmetics start to look different in color, smell, or consistency, it’s time to throw them out. Pro tip: You can label new cosmetics with the date you opened them to keep track of usage.
Empty Containers
Valuable space is being used by half-empty shampoo bottles or skincare jars from months ago. Recycle bottles and containers as soon as you’ve used the last drop. This helps declutter your bathroom and does your part towards sustainability efforts.
According to a study from Tap Warehouse, bathroom waste is responsible for 30-40% of total landfill waste, and often recyclable items are unfortunately being sent to landfill.
Outdated Reading Materials
The stack of magazines by the toilet? It’s just collecting germs and cluttering your surface. If you need to have entertainment on hand, swap out paper reading materials for a Kindle or smartphone.
Pumice Stones or Other Worn Tools
After constant use, pumice stones, nail files and other tools no longer work. Replace them if they are dull or are beginning to wear down to maintain hygiene and better results in your self-care routine.
Dusty Bathroom Decor
Using decorative items such as artificial plants or fabric toilet seat covers provides personality to a space, but can collect a lot of dust and harbor moisture, which can encourage mold growth. Maintain cleanliness by sticking to easy-to-clean decor such as ceramic or glass.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
How to Fix a Leaky Bathtub Faucet – 7 Easy DIY Steps
How to Fix a Leaky Bathtub Faucet – 7 Easy DIY Steps
15 Unpopular Yet Incredibly Useful Items Making Their Way Onto Every Home Upgrade Wish List
15 Unpopular Yet Incredibly Useful Items Making Their Way Onto Every Home Upgrade Wish List
Creative Ways to Redecorate Your Home on a Budget
Redecorating your home can bring new energy and freshness to your living space. But when budgets are tight, creativity becomes your best tool. There are many innovative and cost-effective ways to redecorate your home on a budget, with resources like multi-niche platforms offering vast ideas and inspiration to kickstart your project.
Creative Ways to Redecorate Your Home on a Budget
