Long story short: Storing certain items in the bathroom can cause some of them to spoil, become ineffective or deteriorate. If you want to keep quality products for as long as possible – then consider storing them somewhere dry and free from bacteria. Here is a list of 12 things that should never be kept in the bathroom.
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Medicine
While you might keep your medicine there – many of us do, after all – if you’ve stored it in the bathroom (which has both moisture and heat) that could be sending it an early ticket to the trash can, too. Pharmaceuticals will start getting humidity-damaged or even temperature-damaged — or they’ll start breaking down because capsules might dissolve a little bit in a humid environment.
Makeup
Keeping makeup in the bathroom isn’t ideal because it faces constant temperature changes and high humidity. The humidity, additionally, may cause bacteria to grow on the makeup — not something you want when you’re handling powder or mascara and applying it directly to your eyes & face.
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Jewelry
Jewelry made of metal responds badly to humidity — so pieces in silver or in any of the cheaper metals will tarnish or rust, while stones can lose their polish. The best thing to do is store jewelry in a cool, dry place (ideally in a box or pouch to keep it away from moisture and air).
Razor Blades
Moisture from the bathroom can actually cause your razor blades to rust or dull quickly, resulting in an irritating and risky nick with a close shave. Keep spare razor blades in a drawer or cabinet until you’re ready to use them – that way they’ll stay sharper and safer when you unsheathe them.
Nail Polish
Heat and humidity are enemies of a nail polish formula: polish bonds differently when it’s exposed to heat and humidity, and exposure to either can cause it to thicken or separate — making it more difficult to apply smoothly. Keep polish cool and dry whenever possible to lengthen its life & keep its viscosity.
Books or Magazines
It is also a bad habit to leave written material into a moist bathroom. If you leave it long enough, the pages may warp and wrinkle, and grow mold on top. The paper absorbs moisture, and if it gets even slightly moist, it will be bad for the pages over time. Instead, put the books and magazines aside in a dry place, and pick them up when you need something to read.
Electronics
Exposure to moisture can cause damage to electronics, like hair dryers, straighteners and even speakers. Steam and water can trickle into electronic components, spurring faster breakdown than might otherwise occur. Keep such electronics outside the bathroom and bring them in only when needed, and then unplug and dry them off when not in use.
Towels
Putting a stash of spare towels under the bathroom sink might be convenient, but you also have a damp environment that can promote both mustiness and mold. Even if the towels aren’t dirty, the moisture can cause them to take on that dreaded, mildew smell. Extra towels should be kept in a dry linen closet and brought in only as needed.
Toothbrush
While it’s quick and easy to just leave your toothbrush lying out in the open on the bathroom countertop, that toothbrush is actually exposed to a lot more airborne microbes than it needs to be – especially if it’s close to the toilet. To keep your toothbrush as germ-free as possible between uses, store it in a closed cabinet or drawer, or at least use a toothbrush cover.
Hair Products
In hot, humid climates, many haircare products can really start breaking down. Sprays, serums, and even styling products can end up with altered hold or consistency or other wonky attributes just from sitting in a humid bathroom. Stash your hair products in a moist-free zone, like a bedroom vanity, and they’ll last far longer.
Skincare Products
Active ingredients, such as vitamin C or retinol creams, are susceptible to the effects of heat and steam. As a result, if they’re sitting in your bathroom, they’re likely degrading more quickly — shortening their active life and diminishing their efficacy. Try a cool, drier drawer or shelf out of the bathroom to keep them vital and your routine intact.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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