When you go into your bathroom, you might wonder if there are some things that you have accumulated that you are not using anymore. In this article, you will learn about seven things that you don’t need to be storing in your bathroom. These are toiletries, cleaning products, bath toys, cosmetics, medicines, towels, and travel-size toiletries.

Too many towels

It is no secret that a bathroom is a bacteria magnet. With water, heat, and oxygen in close proximity, it is no wonder that bacteria thrive. Fortunately, there are ways to make your bathroom a bacteria free zone.

First, it helps to use a quality towel. Buying good quality towels isn’t just smarter, it’s good for the environment. Good quality towels can also be a nice self-care treat.

You should also wash your towels at regular intervals. A good rule of thumb is to replace your towels every two years. This helps to reduce overproduction.

Another thing to remember is that it is not too late to repurpose your old towels. You can use them to do other jobs around the house such as cleaning up after pets.

If you are hosting guests, you may want to consider what to do with the ones you don’t need. Guests should be given at least one bath and hand towel per person. Don’t overfill your storage space.

When you do have to wash your towels, the best way to do it is by using the proper technique. For example, it is no good to squeeze them on the floor, or place them in the dryer.

Children’s bath toys

If your child enjoys playing in the bathtub, it’s a good idea to invest in a few children’s bath toys that will make the experience more fun. But be sure to take some extra steps to prevent mold growth on the toys.

The first step is to make sure the toys are cleaned regularly. Some bath toys come apart so they’re easy to clean. It’s also important to get the toys completely dry after every use.

Mold can grow on anything wet, and it’s especially common on bath toys. In addition, the water inside these toys can promote the growth of bacteria.

Another way to protect your child from the dangers of mold is to choose bath toys that are made of natural materials. These types of toys should be free of toxic chemicals and paints.

If you want to avoid plastic, try looking for toys made from natural rubber. Rubber is a plant-based resin that is biodegradable and free of chemicals.

Alternatively, you can choose toys that are dishwasher safe. However, this is not recommended for squirting toys.

You can also check for toys that are made from solid plastic. These will be able to be opened for drying.

Travel-size toiletries

You may already be familiar with the many travel-sized toiletries on offer at your local drugstore, but what are the best options for you? The answer is a little complicated, and it depends on your destination and your budget. It’s worth your while to test the waters before you buy.

In particular, you’ll want to consider how much space you’ll have to work with. If you’re traveling by car, you’ll likely be able to pack away your slenderwares in a single compartment. But if you’re heading to the airport, you’ll need to choose between a dedicated toiletry bag and a smaller carry-on.

In fact, your options aren’t limited to the toilet, since you’ll also need to bring along a first aid kit, as well as a waterproof bag for your cosmetics. While you’re at it, you might as well stock up on the latest travel-sized toiletries to ensure you’re prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws your way. Alternatively, you could opt for a hotel-provided shampoo and conditioner.

Travel-sized toiletries don’t come cheap, but you’ll be rewarded with the convenience of a streamlined packing experience. And if you’re going overseas, it’s probably a good idea to stock up on bottled water.

Cleaning products

Many cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that are toxic to the lungs and the skin. In addition, some of these products can cause severe burns to the eyes and throat.

One of the most dangerous cleaning products is antibacterial soap. This soap has the ability to encourage the development of drug-resistant superbugs. It also can damage the esophagus, liver, and lungs.

Another product to avoid is rug cleaners. Rug cleaners can contain harmful chemicals such as perchloroethylene, naphthalene, and ammonium hydroxide. These fumes can lead to liver and lung damage, as well as cancer. If you do use a rug cleaner, try to make sure the space is properly ventilated.

You might also want to avoid chlorine bleach. Bleach is made up of highly reactive chemicals that react with other chemicals to produce new toxic substances. When you combine it with ammonia and chlorine, you can produce chloramine gas, which can be fatal if inhaled in large quantities.

For other essential cleaning supplies, consider using microfiber cloths. They won’t scratch stainless steel or glass, and they’re gentle on most surfaces. Also, they’re great for dealing with stains, grease, and grime. Using microfiber cloths can help you keep your bathroom as clean as possible.

Old make-up

Makeup is made from perishable elements that will eventually break down. When the makeup is no longer in good condition, it can be harmful to your health. It can also be a breeding ground for bacteria. This can affect your skin and cause breakouts, infections, and other issues.

If you aren’t using old make-up regularly, you might want to throw it out. You can donate the makeup to a women’s shelter or charity, or pass it on to a friend. Another option is to sell it for cash.

The Food and Drug Administration recommends throwing out mascara after three months. Expired lipstick can be smelly and start to lose its pigmentation. Lipsticks should be spritzed with isopropyl alcohol to prevent bacteria from forming.

Some cosmetics have a symbol to indicate when the product is no longer safe to use. In addition, you should use applicators to apply products instead of your fingers.

You should check all your makeup for expiration dates. Check the PAO (percentage of active ingredients) on all products. Many natural formulations don’t have long-term preservatives. To ensure that your makeup stays fresh, you should always store it in a cool, dry place.

Excess packaging and products

Excess packaging and products in the bathroom are not a new occurrence. But it is a problem that retailers are beginning to address. A new survey shows that 41% of Americans said they have seen excess packaging on a product, and 15% said they have actually encountered it. Moreover, the CARE TO RECYCLE campaign reminds us to recycle more bathroom items.

The CARE TO RECYCLE campaign isn’t the only attempt at curbing excess packaging. Some retailers are going above and beyond to make their products more sustainable. Other companies have created reusable versions of their goods, including refillable wine bottles and battery chargers. However, consumers need to keep up the pressure. Reusable items are a great way to reduce waste and help the environment.

While retailers like Amazon, Wal-Mart, and Target are attempting to take the helm on excess packaging, you may have to take the initiative yourself. A good place to start is your local council’s recycling centre. This will likely have a bin for recycling other household waste. Once you’ve picked up a few reusables, consider buying loose items from places like Bulk Barn. These companies have a wide array of bulk items for sale.

Out-of-date medicines

A common problem in modern homes is the presence of unused or expired medicines. These can include over the counter products and prescription medications. Failing to dispose of them can cause serious health problems and pose a risk to other people. Luckily, there are a few simple steps you can take to get rid of these unwanted meds.

Ensure that you have a secure, lockable cabinet for all your medicines. This will help keep them safe and prevent other people from abusing them.

Check the expiration date on all your medications and make sure you never use them past their expiry date. Expired medicines can become less potent and may not work as well. You can check with your pharmacist for specific storage instructions. Some medicines are required to be stored in a refrigerator.

Depending on the type of medicine, you may need to take it out of the refrigerator and store it in a cool, dry place. For example, aspirin tablets break down into salicylic acid when they’re exposed to heat or humidity.

Alternatively, some medicines don’t need to be kept cold. In these cases, a cotton plug can be used to draw moisture into the container.