Medications Storing your medications in the bathroom may feel convenient especially if you take your medications in the morning or before bed. But storing pills in a bathroom subject to changing temperatures and humidity can diminish their effectiveness and lifespan. Medications should be kept in a dry, cool place. Electronics It might be tempting to take your phone or tablet in the bathroom with you but that is not a great idea. A bathroom is by default wet and humid, so the devices can get damaged and deviate their lifespan. And of course, staying safe and not placing any electronics near water. Jewelry Your jewelry shoudn't be kept in bathrooms. Humid air can tarnish precious metal and cloud gemstones. Jewelry should be stored in a dry place like in a bedroom or a closet. Cosmetics Similar to medications, cosmetics also get spoiled by heat and humidity. Keeping them in a bathroom, would expose them to more moisture, making them lose their effectiveness quicker and risking skin irritation. Instead, store your makeup and skincare in a cool and dry place in your home.
Don't ever store toothbrushes in the bathroom. It can harbor bacteria, and keeping your toothbrushes in the bathroom near sinks or toilets increases the risk of contamination. Store them away from all contaminants in a clean, dry area. I used to think that keeping a razor by the sink was a good idea. But the high humidity and moisture in the air will cause the blades to rust and dull quicker than they would in dry conditions. This can shorten the life of the razor and also lead to skin irritation because the blade can become dull. It is a small detail, but does make a difference in how long the product will last. It is common practice to keep towels in bathrooms, but the re-use of damp towels in a bathroom allows mold and mildew to grow. Find a well-ventilated area to store towels. Leaving makeup brushes in bathrooms may be convenient, but it exposes them to bacteria and moisture that can shorten their life and cleanliness. Keep them in a dry and clean drawer or container. Humidity can warp the pages of books, while the glue holding them together can lose its sticking power. Even worse, every damp place is prime real estate for mold and mildew to grow, which can grow on the paper and can cause a musty odor. If you enjoy reading while bathing, bring one book with you rather than keeping your library in the bathroom.
Julia here, owner of Flowers & Flowers, Inc., a Toronto-based flower shop and trained interior designer. What I've learned is that bathrooms are trickier than they look—humidity and steam can quietly ruin things you'd never expect. Flowers may look pretty in a steamy bathroom, but they're not always ideal there. Humidity can be a real mood killer for blooms—only certain varieties like orchids or peace lilies survive it well, and even then, it's touch-and-go. For most arrangements, that spa-seeming vibe quickly turns wilted and sad once the steam and heat move in. Books and magazines may make the bathroom feel homey, but it isn't a coffee table. A lot of people like to keep a magazine nearby for, well, obvious reasons—but everyone knows that's counterintuitive. Bathrooms are one of the worst places for paper. Steam seeps into pages, causing them to warp and wrinkle, and over time you'll notice mildew or that telltale musty smell. Even framed photos aren't safe—the moisture can sneak in and damage both the picture and the frame.
I learned the hard way that bathrooms are not the best place to store things. It can quietly ruin your things and here is my list of things I won't store in it. 1. Medicines - Steam from the shower can destroy active ingredients that makes the medicine less effective. This is best stored in a cool dry cabinet or drawer in the bedroom and not in the bathroom. 2. Makeup - Most people probably disagree with this but bathroom humidity breeds bacteria. This means that germs and bacteria would get into your makeup kit. Now, I bought a vanity cabinet with mirror for my makeup. 3. Perfume - Heat from steam and light can change the scent of perfume. A dark space or shelf in the room is the best storage for perfume. 4. Razors (extras, unopened) - Blades can get dull due to moisture buildup in the bathroom. A cabinet away from moisture is the best for this. 5. Jewelry - Jewelry is prone to tarnishing due to damp air in the bathroom. I experienced this firsthand when I left my necklace in the bathroom for a period of time. 6. Books and magazines - Bathrooms can cause papers to curl and get mildew in no time. And obviously, it can get wet. Better to keep them on your bedside or somewhere else in your room.