Medicines and Vitamins

Heat and humidity can actually ruin medications faster than you think. According to the U.S.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA), storing medicines in a bathroom can cause them to lose their potency well before the expiration date. Bathrooms often reach 100% humidity after showers, and that moisture breaks down pills and capsules.

Studies from 2024 show that up to 30% of people report medication changes when stored in the bathroom, from odd smells to crumbling tablets. If you want your medicine to work as it should, keep it in a cool, dry place instead, like a bedroom drawer or kitchen cabinet out of direct sunlight.

Makeup and Cosmetic Products

Leaving makeup in the bathroom is a surprisingly bad idea. Cosmetic scientists warn that high humidity and temperature swings can break down preservatives in makeup, leading to faster spoilage and risk of bacterial growth.

A study published in 2023 found that mascara and foundation stored in damp bathrooms grew bacteria up to 70% faster than those kept in dry rooms. This can cause skin irritation, breakouts, or even eye infections.

For fresher, safer makeup, store your products in a cool, dry spot outside the bathroom.

Perfume and Fragrances

Perfume bottles look gorgeous on a bathroom shelf, but that’s not where they belong. According to research by the International Fragrance Association, exposure to heat and moisture can alter the chemical structure of perfumes, causing changes in scent and color as quickly as within six months.

Fragrances are best kept in a dry, dark place because repeated exposure to humidity degrades their composition. If your favorite scent seems to fade fast, your bathroom might be the culprit.

Razors and Blades

It’s convenient to leave razors in the shower, but it’s also a recipe for rust and dullness. Dermatologists have pointed out that even “stainless” steel blades corrode in constant humidity, making them less effective and increasing the risk of nicks and infections.

In 2024, consumer tests revealed that razors stored in bathrooms were 50% more likely to rust compared to those kept dry. For a closer shave and fewer germs, store razors outside of the moist bathroom environment.

Jewelry

Many people set their earrings and rings on the bathroom counter, but moisture can speed up tarnishing and corrosion, especially for silver and costume jewelry. According to a 2023 report by the Gemological Institute of America, exposure to steam and cleaning products in bathrooms can damage not only metals but also delicate stones and settings.

If you want your jewelry to sparkle longer and avoid repairs, stow it in a jewelry box or drawer away from the bathroom.

Books and Magazines

Reading in the bath is tempting, but bathrooms are terrible places for paper products. High humidity causes pages to warp, curl, and even grow mold.

Data from the American Library Association in 2024 highlights that books kept in bathrooms are three times more likely to develop mildew spots. Mold spores can trigger allergies and ruin reading material quickly.

If you love your books, keep them in the living room or bedroom instead.

Extra Towels and Linens

It seems logical to store towels in the bathroom, but constant moisture makes them magnets for mildew and bacteria. According to a 2023 study by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), towels stored in humid bathrooms can harbor bacteria and mold, even when washed regularly.

Experts now recommend storing extra towels in a linen closet or a dry area, grabbing only what you need for immediate use. This simple change can keep your fabrics fresher and healthier.

Electronics and Appliances

Devices like electric toothbrushes, hair dryers, or radios might seem fine in the bathroom, but they’re at real risk from moisture. In 2025, safety organizations like the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warned that bathroom humidity can corrode electronic circuits, shorten device lifespans, and even cause safety hazards.

About 40% of bathroom electronics fail faster due to water exposure, and there’s a real risk of electric shock. Keeping electronics dry extends their life and keeps you safer.

Nail Polish and Remover

Most people store nail polish in the bathroom, but it’s not ideal. The constant temperature changes and humidity can make polish separate and thicken, making it hard to apply.

Chemists from nail care brands reported in 2024 that polish stored in bathrooms lost its quality twice as quickly as polish kept in stable, dry environments. Nail polish remover, which is highly flammable, is also best kept away from heat sources for safety.

For longer-lasting mani-pedis, stash your supplies elsewhere.