Although it may seem convenient to store items like towels, toilet rolls, and medication in the bathroom, a storage expert has warned that certain items should be removed for safety, cost savings, and mould prevention.
According to Karl Graham, a storage expert and spokesperson for Click Storage: “Your bathroom may seem like a good place to keep essentials close by, but the dampness and fluctuating temperatures caused by everyday functions like showering can have adverse effects on a surprising number of items. Improper bathroom storage can compromise both health and product quality.”
The experts advise against storing five common household items in the bathroom and provide alternative storage suggestions.
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Medications
Storing medications in a bathroom cabinet is a common practice, but it’s not ideal. Karl said: “The humidity and heat can cause medications to break down faster, making them less effective or even unsafe.”
This applies to both prescription and over-the-counter medications, such as pain relievers. To maintain their effectiveness, Karl recommends storing them in a cool, dry place like a kitchen cabinet or bedroom drawer.
Makeup
Humidity is detrimental to makeup, particularly powder-based products like eyeshadow and foundation, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Karl added: “When exposed to moisture, makeup can harbour bacteria, making it unsafe for use on your skin and potentially causing breakouts.”
To ensure your makeup stays fresh and uncontaminated, experts suggest storing it in a vanity outside the bathroom or on a bedroom dressing table with better temperature control.
Perfume
Perfume bottles might look chic in your bathroom, but according to Karl: “The heat causes the perfume’s chemical composition to break down, which weakens the scent and shortens its lifespan.”
To maintain the fragrance’s quality, keep perfumes in a cool, dry place, such as a bedroom closet or dresser, away from sunlight, thereby extending the life of pricey scents.
Electronics
Concerning electronics like hair dryers and electric toothbrushes, the risk is not only about water and electricity mix but also long-term moisture exposure can cause internal damage. Karl warns: “The combination of water and electricity is always a concern, but the long-term exposure to moisture can also lead to internal corrosion or malfunction.”
Batteries may even corrode to the point of explosion if sufficiently damaged. Opt to store these gadgets in a dry, airy space when not in use—perhaps on a linen closet shelf or in an area removed from the bathroom.
Towels
And for towels, while you’d naturally lean toward keeping them in the bathroom, doing so could actually encourage mildew growth and that unwelcome damp smell due to prolonged humidity.
Karl advised: “Storing towels in the bathroom makes them more susceptible to developing mould, which is not only a hygiene issue but can also damage the fabric and emit a terrible smell. I suggest keeping towels in a linen closet or hung on the back of your bedroom door.”