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You know that feeling when you’re tidying up your bathroom and just want to shove everything into those dreamy cabinets with doors that hide a thousand sins? Tempting, right? But here’s the catch: while those shelves seem like the perfect dumping ground, your bathroom’s ever-changing heat and humidity make it one of the worst places to stash certain things.
In fact, those dreamy little cabinets we love? They’re basically a hostile wasteland for some surprisingly common items. So, let’s give your essentials the VIP treatment they deserve by keeping them far away from the steamy bathroom zone.
Here are five things you should never store in your bathroom cabinets.
Medications
Photo by Anna Shvets
This might sound counterintuitive, as many people store their pills in the medicine cabinet (hence the name!). However, the fluctuating temperatures and humidity in a bathroom can degrade medications, making them less effective or even harmful. Heat and moisture can speed up the chemical breakdown of active ingredients. Instead, store your medications in a cool, dry place, like a kitchen cabinet (away from the stove) or a dresser drawer in your bedroom.
Perfume and Cologne
Photo by Valeria Boltneva
Your favorite scents might start off smelling divine, but their delicate chemical compounds are easily disrupted by heat and humidity. Exposure to these elements can alter the fragrance, making it smell different or even causing it to expire faster. To preserve your precious perfumes and colognes, keep them in a cool, dark place, such as a drawer in your bedroom or a closet.
Electronics
Razors, hair straighteners, and electric toothbrushes – while these might be used in the bathroom, storing them in a cabinet long-term can be problematic. Humidity can wreak havoc on electronics, leading to corrosion and potential malfunctions. Always ensure electronic devices are completely dry before storing them, and if possible, keep them in a drier environment when not in use, especially for prolonged periods.
Nail Polish
Ever wonder why your nail polish sometimes gets thick, clumpy, or separates? The culprit could be your bathroom cabinet! Extreme temperature changes, like those experienced during a hot shower, can cause the solvents in nail polish to evaporate, leading to a change in consistency and color. For a perfect manicure every time, store your nail polishes in a cool, dark place, like a drawer or a dedicated polish organizer.
Extra Towels and Linens
Photo by Jordan Bigelow on Unsplash
While it might seem convenient to store extra towels in the bathroom, the constant humidity can lead to mildew growth and a musty smell. Even if they feel dry, the air in the toilet retains moisture. To keep your towels fresh and fluffy, store them in a linen closet or a bedroom closet where they can remain dry and well-ventilated. Only bring out what you need for immediate use.By giving these items a more suitable home, you'll extend their lifespan, maintain their quality, and keep your bathroom cabinets free for things that actually thrive in that environment, like cotton balls, Q-tips, and cleaning supplies. Happy organizing!
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