12 Things You Shouldn’t Store in the Bathroom (And Where to Put Them Instead)
It’s easy to assume the bathroom is the best place to store your daily essentials, but in reality, it’s one of the most damaging environments in your home. High humidity levels and constant temperature changes can affect everything from towels and toiletries to medicines and makeup.
Knowing what not to store in the bathroom is key to keeping your items in good condition. Just as importantly, choosing the right bathroom storage can help protect what you do keep in the space, keeping it organised, dry, and easy to access.
In this article, we’ll cover 12 common items you should avoid storing in the bathroom, along with practical storage solutions to help you keep your space clutter-free and functional.
Towels
Can you store towels in the bathroom?
It’s not ideal to store towels in the bathroom, especially if the space is poorly ventilated. Moisture in the air can cause towels to stay damp for longer, leading to musty smells and bacteria growth.
If you need to keep towels in the bathroom, using vanity units with built-in storage or bathroom cabinets can help keep them dry and protected from excess moisture.
Medicines
Should medicines be stored in the bathroom?
No, medicines should not be stored in the bathroom because heat and humidity can reduce their effectiveness over time. Temperature changes from showers and baths can cause ingredients to break down faster.
A better option is to store medicines in a cool, dry place, or inside a mirror cabinet that offers enclosed storage and added protection.
Makeup & Cosmetics
Is it bad to store makeup in the bathroom?
Yes, storing makeup in the bathroom can shorten its shelf life. Moisture and temperature changes can affect product consistency and increase the risk of contamination.
To protect your products, consider using vanity units with drawers or bathroom storage solutions that keep items enclosed and organised.
Jewellery
Can jewellery be kept in the bathroom?
Jewellery should generally be kept out of the bathroom, as moisture in the air can cause tarnishing and damage over time. This is especially true for silver and delicate materials.
If you prefer to keep jewellery nearby, storing it in a lined box inside a bathroom cabinet can help reduce exposure to damp conditions.
Electronics (e.g. razors, toothbrush chargers)
Is it safe to store electronics in the bathroom?
Electronics can be affected by condensation and moisture, which may reduce their lifespan or performance. Bathrooms are particularly risky due to frequent steam.
Where possible, store electronics outside the bathroom or in enclosed mirror cabinets that help limit exposure to moisture.
Books & Magazines
Can you keep books or magazines in the bathroom?
Paper items like books and magazines can absorb moisture, causing pages to warp, curl, or develop mould over time. Bathrooms are not ideal for long-term storage.
If you want to keep reading material nearby, placing it on bathroom shelves positioned away from direct steam can help minimise damage.
Spare Toilet Rolls
Should spare toilet rolls be stored in the bathroom?
Toilet rolls can absorb moisture from the air, making them soft or misshapen. This is more likely in bathrooms with poor ventilation.
Using a covered toilet roll holder or storing them inside a bathroom storage unit can help keep them dry and ready to use.
Skincare Products
Does humidity affect skincare products?
Yes, humidity and temperature changes can impact the stability of skincare products, particularly those with active ingredients. This may reduce their effectiveness over time.
Storing skincare in a mirror cabinet or vanity unit with enclosed storage can help maintain product quality.
Cleaning Products
Is it okay to store cleaning products in the bathroom?
While convenient, storing cleaning products in the bathroom can expose them to heat and moisture, which may affect their chemical stability.
If they must be kept in the bathroom, use under-sink cabinets or bathroom storage units to keep them sealed and organised.
Perfumes & Fragrances
Can perfumes be stored in the bathroom?
Perfumes should not be stored in the bathroom, as heat, light, and humidity can break down their composition and alter the scent.
For better preservation, store fragrances in a cool, dark place, or inside a closed bathroom cabinet away from direct heat and moisture.
Nail Polish
Does nail polish go bad in the bathroom?
Yes, nail polish can thicken or separate when exposed to fluctuating temperatures and humidity. Bathrooms can speed up this process.
Keeping nail products in a vanity unit drawer or organised storage unit can help maintain their consistency for longer.
Vitamins & Supplements
Can vitamins be stored in the bathroom?
Like medicines, vitamins and supplements can degrade when exposed to heat and moisture, reducing their effectiveness.
They’re best kept in a cool, dry cupboard, or inside a mirror cabinet with enclosed storage if bathroom storage is necessary.
Why Bathroom Storage Matters
Bathrooms don’t have to be a no-storage zone, you just need the right approach. Choosing enclosed, moisture-resistant storage helps protect your belongings while keeping your space organised and clutter-free.
Options like bathroom cabinets, vanity units, and mirror cabinets are designed to reduce exposure to humidity while keeping everyday essentials within easy reach.Explore Plumbworld’s full range of bathroom storage solutions to find practical, stylish ways to maximise your space and keep your bathroom working smarter.
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