14 Things Cluttering Your Bathroom Cabinets That You Should Toss

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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 – especially in the cabinets.

Decluttering your bathroom cabinets is a simple way to create a more organized, efficient, and inviting space. Identifying and letting go of things you don’t need will free up room for what truly matters. To help you get started, here are 14 items you can clear out today for a cleaner, more streamlined bathroom cabinet.

Expired & Aged Medication

Expired drugs, medications, or vitamins may not be safe to consume. 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.

Old Toothbrush

How likely are you to actually reuse that old toothbrush? Probably not very. Dental experts recommend replacing your toothbrush every three to four months to maintain proper oral hygiene. Unless you have plans to use it for cleaning grout or shining your shoes, it’s best to toss it and grab a fresh one.

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.

Soap Scraps

Soap scraps tend to pile up. Unless you can combine all those soap scraps into a functional soap bar, it’s best to toss them out.

Old Cosmetics and Makeup

Despite what many people think, beauty products aren’t meant to last forever. Over time, cosmetics like foundation, lipstick, eyeshadow, and mascara start to break down, losing their effectiveness and becoming a potential breeding ground for bacteria.

Since most makeup products don’t come with clear expiration dates, it can be tricky to know when to toss them. The best way to tell? Pay attention to changes in color, texture, or smell—these are clear signs that it’s time to replace them.

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.

Dried Up Wipes

It’s not uncommon for us to forget to seal the packaging of the flushable wipes, 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.

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.

Sunscreen

Sunscreen loses effectiveness over time, especially after its expiration date. Expired sunscreen won’t protect your skin the way it should, so it’s best to toss any old bottles that have been sitting in your cabinet for too long.

Hair Brushes and Combs

Using a worn-out brush can cause breakage and frizz. Inspect your brushes and combs for cracks, bent or melted bristles, and buildup that won’t wash away. If your brush is snagging your hair or making it look dull and frizzy, it’s time for a replacement.

Hair Tools

Heat styling tools don’t last forever; worn-out ones can do more harm than good. If your curling iron, straightener, or blow dryer isn’t heating evenly, has a strange odor, or shows discoloration or damage, it’s time to replace it.