The bathroom is a convenient place to store everyday items, but experts say it is not the best place for them
Whilst bathrooms are frequently regarded as handy storage areas, however, numerous everyday items can degrade or lose their potency when subjected to the room’s steamy and moist conditions. Therefore, now is the perfect moment to declutter your bathroom.
A damp bathroom can be the absolute worst location to keep powder-based products, such as cosmetics, because it can be a hotbed for germs and it is where they can start to flourish in the warm, wet bathroom drawer, leading to spoilage. Remarkably, towels don’t perform well in a humid setting either and ought to be kept somewhere else until required or replaced regularly.
Karl Graham, a storage specialist at Click Storage, said: “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 specialists have revealed five typical household objects you should cease storing in the bathroom, alongside advice on where to keep them instead, reports the Express.
Towels
Whilst it appears sensible to keep towels where you use them, the bathroom’s moist atmosphere can cause them to remain wet for longer periods, resulting in mildew and foul smells.
Graham said: “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.”
Medications
Storing medications in a bathroom cabinet is a common habit, but it’s far from ideal.
Graham said: “The humidity and heat can cause medications to break down faster, making them less effective or even unsafe.”
This applies to both prescription drugs and over-the-counter items like pain relievers. For optimal shelf life, Graham advises storing them in a cool, dry place such as a kitchen cupboard or bedroom drawer.
Batteries
Batteries in these devices can corrode and even explode if they are damaged enough. To avoid this worst-case scenario, store devices in a dry, well-ventilated area when not in use, such as a linen cupboard or a shelf outside the bathroom.
Graham added: “Making small changes in where you store everyday items can have a big impact on their longevity and effectiveness.
“Smart storage choices not only protect your belongings but also ensure they stay in good condition for longer, which ultimately saves you time and money.
“Make sure to regularly monitor the items you store in your bathroom and look for signs of deterioration, especially in electronics that could have damaged batteries.
“Other items like bath towels, which most people store in their bathrooms, become breeding grounds for bacteria and should be stored in another room if possible.
“By finding a new home for items like medications, perfumes, makeup, electronics, and towels, you’ll find that your bathroom feels fresher and your products last longer”.