While bathrooms are often considered convenient storage spaces, many everyday items can deteriorate or lose effectiveness when exposed to the room’s warm and humid environment. So, now is the best time to clear out your bathroom.

A humid bathroom can be the worst place to store powder-based products like makeup because bacteria can begin to grow in the warm, damp bathroom drawer, causing it to go bad.

Surprisingly, towels do not fare well in a humid environment either and should be stored elsewhere until needed or changed out frequently.

Karl Graham, a storage expert 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 experts have shared five common household items you should stop keeping in the bathroom, along with tips on where to store them instead.

Towels

While it seems logical to store towels where you use them, the bathroom’s humid environment can cause them to stay damp longer, leading to mildew and unpleasant odours.

“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,” says Graham. “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 widespread practice, but it’s not ideal. “The humidity and heat can cause medications to break down faster, making them less effective or even unsafe,” says Graham.

This applies to both prescription drugs and over-the-counter items like pain relievers. For optimal shelf life, Graham suggests storing them in a cool, dry place such as a kitchen cabinet or bedroom drawer.

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 closet 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”.