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The bathroom is one place where you likely recharge and rejuvenate. Despite its significance in our daily routine, it’s not uncommon for clutter, disorder, and items that have overstayed their welcome to accumulate in this space.
These things take up valuable room, lurk in corners, and can even pose potential health concerns. It’s crucial to proactively spot and remove these items to maintain a tidy, safe, and well-organized bathroom.
Here are 14 useless items in your bathrooms that should be tossed out immediately.
Baby Toys
Baby toys have tendency to grow in your space and get a bit germy over time. If you’ve got younger kids, take a peek at their bath toys and figure out what’s still in use and what they’ve outgrown. For the keepers, give them a once-over to make sure there’s no mold creeping in. Get rid of those no longer in use.
Decor Items
Think about the artwork, figurines, and accessories you have in your bathroom. Question whether they’re enhancing the space or simply adding to the clutter. If they’re collecting dust, showing signs of mold, or beyond salvaging, it might be time to let them go. Hold onto the items you genuinely love, and consider donating or tossing anything that no longer aligns with your style.
Soap Scraps
Soap scraps have a tendency to pile up in the shower. Unless you’ve got a way to combine all those soap scraps scattered around your shower into a functional bar of soap, it’s best to toss them out.
Old Cosmetics and Makeup
Contrary to popular belief, your beauty products aren’t meant to stick around forever. When it comes to cosmetics like eyeshadow, foundation, lipstick, and mascara, these products start losing quality over time and can become a breeding ground for all sorts of bacteria.
Since most makeup items aren’t stamped with expiration dates, it is difficult to figure out when to let them go. However, the best thing to do is watch out for shifts in color, texture, or scent. These are the telltale signs that your makeup has run its course.
Aged Medication
Expired drugs, medications, or vitamins might not be safe for consumption. Adhere to the directions on the label to properly dispose of the medication. Take some time to clear out your medicine cabinet. Round up any expired pills, antacids, laxatives, and cold medicines you might have.
Hotel Sample Sizes
It’s likely that those product samples, such as shampoo, conditioner, perfume, and skincare items you’ve collected from hotels or giveaways, will go unused. Often, they’re just cluttering up space. Consider sorting through your stash to free up room for the full-size products you actually use.
Old Toothbrush
What’s the likelihood of you repurposing or reusing that old toothbrush? Probably small. Dental experts suggest swapping out your toothbrush every three to four months. Unless you have intentions of scrubbing grout or buffing your shoes with that old toothbrush, it’s probably best to part ways with it.
Worn Loofahs and Sponges
Sponges and loofahs tend to accumulate bacteria over time. It’s a good idea to swap them out every one to two months or even earlier if you spot mold or detect an off-putting odor. If you’re aiming for a more hygienic bathing routine, consider switching from sponges and poufs to a washcloth that you can wash after each use.
Worn Towels
It’s time to toss those worn-out towels. The towels have holes and major stains. A good way to gauge whether a towel is worth holding on to is if you’d feel comfortable (or embarrassed) handing it to a guest. If you feel uncomfortable, then it’s time to toss it.
Unused Hair Appliances
If you’ve got a hair appliance that’s worn or unused, it’s time to consider letting it go. Chances are, you won’t end up using it again, and it’s just occupying unnecessary space. Plus, if it’s broken with a frayed cord, it poses risks of electrical shock and fire hazards.
Bathroom Books and Magazines
Having magazines or books in the bathroom might seem convenient for a quick read. However, it’s worth noting that they can become a haven for germs and mildew. The moisture present in bathrooms can cause these reading materials to absorb moisture, leading to wrinkled pages and a decline in the binding quality.
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Expired First Aid Items
First aid items like rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide do have expiration dates. Once they’re expired, their effectiveness can decrease, and their potency might be compromised due to aging.
Open Feminine Hygiene Products
If a tampon, or feminine hygiene pad, is unwrapped, you might want to get rid of it. This opened product may have come into contact with bacteria, lint, and other undesirables you’d rather avoid down there. If that’s the situation, it’s best to dispose of them immediately. The potential risk of an infection just isn’t worth it.
Dried Up Wipes
Flushable wipes often find their way into our bathrooms, but it’s not uncommon for us to forget to properly seal the packaging, leading them to dry out. If this happens, it’s a sign that it’s time to dispose of them. Additionally, it’s important to note that despite their labeling, flushable wipes can cause issues for your toilets and drains.
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Tamara White is the creator and founder of The Thrifty Apartment, a home decor and DIY blog that focuses on affordable and budget-friendly home decorating ideas and projects. Tamara documents her home improvement journey, love of thrifting, tips for space optimization, and creating beautiful spaces.
