It might seem like common sense to stash everyday items such as towels, loo rolls, and meds in your bathroom, but a top expert has now issued warnings on why this could be harmful, cost you money, or lead to mouldy nightmares.
Karl Graham, a storage expert and spokesperson for 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 team at the company offers sage advice on five household staples you should cease storing in your bathroom, also advising on better spots to keep them.
Medications
Items classified under medications are often relegated to the bathroom cabinet; however, this isn’t the most prudent choice. Karl explained: “The humidity and heat can cause medications to break down faster, making them less effective or even unsafe.”
That goes for all kinds of meds those prescribed by doctors as well as things like painkillers you can pick up off any old shelf. The best place, according to Karl, for their preservation is somewhere cool and arid, like a kitchen cupboard or a drawer in your bedroom, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Make up
When it comes to makeup, moisture is public enemy number one, especially in powdered products like eyeshadow and base. Karl said: “When exposed to moisture, makeup can harbour bacteria, making it unsafe for use on your skin and potentially causing breakouts.”
To keep makeup safe and ensure its quality, it’s recommended to store it in a vanity away from the bathroom or on a bedroom dresser where temperature fluctuations are minimal.
Perfume
Perfume can be an opulent addition to your bathroom’s aesthetic, however, Karl warns: “The heat causes the perfume’s chemical composition to break down, which weakens the scent and shortens its lifespan.”
To protect your precious fragrances, it is advisable to keep them in a cool, dry space, such as a bedroom closet or dresser, avoiding exposure to sunlight to prolong their longevity.
Electronics
Electronics should also be used with caution in the bathroom setting. According to Karl: “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 can corrode or even explode if significantly damaged, thus it’s safer to store electronic devices like hairdryers or electric toothbrushes in a dry area with good air circulation when they’re not being used.
Towels
Towels, although commonly kept in bathrooms for convenience, are better suited to a less humid environment. The moisture-heavy air of a bathroom can prevent towels from drying properly, causing mildew and bad smells.
Karl added: “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.”