10 Things You Should Never Store in the Bathroom

Use this list to learn what should stay far away from your bathroom and where to keep items instead.

Thanks to their tight quarters and poor ventilation, bathrooms are quick to harbor heat and humidity. Unfortunately, this makes them a prime breeding ground for mold and mildew to grow. So while some things—like the everyday items you use to get ready—seem logical to keep in the bathroom, the reality is that you should be mindful of what is stored there.

Safeguard your items from humidity damage and protect yourself from any potential health hazards by following these simple guidelines. It's a smart idea to avoid placing the following items anywhere in the bathroom. The upside of this is that you’ll also avoid overcrowding and make bathroom storage easier. Here are 10 things you should never store in the bathroom—and where to keep them instead.

Related: How to Fix Common Bathroom Storage Blunders and Maximize Space

1. Medicine

Avoid storing medication—along with any vitamins and supplements—in the bathroom. Most manufacturers’ instructions state that the bottles should be stored in a cool, dry location, which the bathroom isn’t known for. High heat and humidity are proven to reduce the efficacy of drugs, both over-the-counter and prescription, so by keeping them out of the bathroom, you’ll be extending their shelf life. Consider storing them in a hallway linen closet, your bedroom, or a cabinet in the kitchen near your water glasses where you'll remember to take them.

Related: 12 Medicine Cabinet Organization Ideas to Streamline Your Daily Routine

2. Extra Linens

Keeping the bath and hand towels you use and wash frequently in the bathroom is totally fine, but avoid storing any extra linens that you’re reserving for guests or to display during the holidays. This is because they’ll be prone to mildew if left folded in the bathroom for a long period, even behind a closet or cabinet door. The same goes for extra blankets, sheet sets, and pillows, so the general rule of thumb should be to store all fabric items in another space altogether. Instead, organize them in the linen closet, an armoire in the hallway, or a dresser in a spare bedroom. And, yes, this means you should be cleaning shower curtains, bath mats, and bathrobes regularly too.

Related: 9 Things You Should Never Store in the Garage

3. Backstock Toiletries

Depending on the size of your bathroom, you might not have room for bulk-bought products. But if you do, reconsider where you're storing them. Extra rolls of paper towels and toilet paper—especially if the packages are open—can not only mildew, but they’ll also be exposed to dust and bacteria. Bars of soap can begin to melt in a hot and humid environment, and metal cans, like the ones that hold shaving creams, can rust after a while. Razors and replacement blades will do the same or, at the very least, dull faster. Find an alternative spot in the house to store backstock items until you’re ready to use them.

4. Jewelry

Just like cans and razors, metal jewelry will tarnish quickly if left in a humid space. The pieces you wear daily can rest in a dish on the vanity since they’ll be on your body for most of the day, instead of lingering in the bathroom. Store all other jewelry in a box on the dresser top, in a drawer organizer, or displayed on your bedroom or closet wall.

Related: The 13 Best Jewelry Organizers of 2023 to Safeguard Your Trinkets and Treasures

5. Electronics

Because they're also commonly made with metal, electronics shouldn’t be stored in the bathroom—but that’s not the only reason. If they come in contact with water, they can short-circuit and be permanently broken. Or, worse, they can become a fire hazzard. If you must keep some things in the bathroom, such as an electric toothbrush or Bluetooth speaker, opt for waterproof versions. Tuck away hair tools in the linen closet and get creative with organizing all other electronics in the living room or office.

Related: 10 Things You Should Never Store in an Outdoor Shed

6. Special Occasion Makeup

Most people apply their makeup in the bathroom so keeping everyday products in it is acceptable, especially if it’s more convenient and they’re stored properly. That’s because humidity and changing temperatures not only affect the consistency of cosmetics (reducing their effectiveness and quality over time), the nearby toilet can easily spread bacteria you don't want to put on your face. So, stick products, including makeup brushes, in a bag or a drawer when you’re done using them. Additionally, always close the toilet bowl lid before flushing it to contain germs. Leave out the things that you only wear occasionally, like bold lipsticks, and organize them elsewhere, such as in a makeup vanity.

Related: 12 Makeup Storage Ideas for All Your Favorite Cosmetics

7. Perfume and Nail Polish

Heat and humidity will have a similar effect on nail polish and perfumes, fast-tracking their expiration dates. Fragrances, like perfume and cologne, will break down in a bathroom setting and lose their potency. You’ll also notice that bottles of nail polish will start to separate quicker if left in the bathroom as opposed to a drier area of the house. Instead, keep your at-home mani-pedi supplies in the linen closet and corral perfume bottles onto a tray and place it on a shelf in the closet or on top of your dresser.

8. Books, Magazines, or Photos

Rethink placing reading materials near the toilet because books or magazines can easily attract mildew and germs. The same goes for pictures, even if they’re framed and hung on a wall. Moisture can still seep into the frames and form mold, ruining your favorite photos. Rather, store books on a bookshelf in the living room or office space and use photo ledges throughout the house to display snapshots.

Related: 12 Things You Should Never Store in the Basement

9. Antiques or Art

Vintage decor finds and family heirlooms should never be stored in the bathroom if you want to maintain their integrity. Once again, heat and humidity will be responsible for damaging these pieces beyond repair. There’s a reason that museums must follow strict standards for temperature and moisture levels in the air to preserve fragile pieces, after all. For example, antique wood will warp and artwork will begin to yellow. Show off your sentimental or valuable things anywhere else in your home that’s climate-controlled so they last for generations to come.

Related: 20 Creative Ways to Display Art

10. Cleaning Products

Sliding a handful of bathroom cleaning products that you use routinely under the sink is generally fine, so long as little hands or paws aren’t able to access them. Most cleaners, however, are designed to be kept in a cool, dry location with plenty of air circulation so the bathroom is less than ideal. Instead, safely store cleaning supplies in a utility closet.

Related: 10 Things You Should Never Store in the Attic

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