8 Things You Should Never Store On Your Bathroom Counter
Some people treat their bathroom counters as a catch-all zone. Toothbrush here, lotion there, maybe even some jewelry sprinkled around. But, that surface deals with more germs and moisture than we often realize. If you’ve ever put something away on your bathroom counter and thought, “Eh, it’s fine,” it might be time to find a different spot. Let’s talk about eight things that really shouldn’t be stored on your bathroom counter, especially if you want to keep them clean and safe to use.
Makeup Brushes
It might be tempting to keep your makeup brushes out in a cute cup on the counter, but bathrooms are humid, and that moisture breeds bacteria fast. Every time you flush, tiny particles from the toilet go airborne, and your brushes are just sitting there, soaking it all in. The result? Dirty bristles that touch your face every day. It’s a better idea to stash them in a drawer or closed case or bag where they’re a little more protected.
Toothbrushes Without Covers
Yes, your toothbrush needs to breathe. But it also needs to be protected. If your toothbrush is sitting uncovered on your counter, it’s basically catching every germ that floats by. The worst offenders are open toilets and poor ventilation. A simple cover over the bristles or a covered toothbrush holder makes a big difference, and storing it on a shelf away from the toilet is even better. It’s a small swap that can keep your mouth a lot healthier.
Perfume Bottles
Sure, they look beautiful lined up, but perfume doesn’t love heat or humidity. Those pretty glass bottles can actually spoil faster when exposed to the constant moisture of the bathroom. Over time, the scent can change, or the color may turn, showing the perfume has started to spoil. If you’ve ever had a bottle start to smell “off,” this might be why. Store perfume in a cool, dry place like a dresser drawer or displayed on a bedroom shelf instead.
Cotton Balls and Swabs in Open Containers
Cotton products absorb moisture like a sponge. So, if you’re keeping them in an open dish or jar on the counter, they’re likely soaking up whatever’s in the air, including dust, bacteria, even the occasional water droplet. This can make them dirty and much less effective. It’s worth switching your cotton balls to a container with a lid or tucking them inside a cabinet so they stay clean and dry until you need them.
Medications
If you’ve ever kept a pill bottle on the counter so you won’t forget to take it, you’re not alone. But bathrooms are warm and steamy, and that can affect how well the medicine works. Most labels suggest storing medications in a “cool, dry place,” which is definitely not the bathroom. Try keeping medications that you take daily in a kitchen cabinet or bedroom drawer instead, somewhere away from too much humidity and direct sunlight.
Electronics
Hair straighteners, electric toothbrushes, and even Bluetooth speakers often end up finding their way onto the bathroom counter. The problem? Moisture and electronics don’t mix. Moisture in the bathroom can damage the device, reduce battery life, or cause corrosion over time. Even if something is labeled “water-resistant,” daily steam can still wear it down. It’s a good idea to unplug devices and store them away between uses if you want them to last longer.
Jewelry
Rings, earrings, and watches often land on the bathroom counter when you take them off before a shower or while washing up. But between moisture, soap residue, and the risk of them slipping down the drain, it’s not the safest spot to keep them in. Humidity can also tarnish certain metals or dull gemstones. A designated dish outside the bathroom, or a soft jewelry pouch in a drawer, will keep your pieces looking their best and help them last for a long time.
Fancy Skincare in Glass Jars
Those luxury creams and serums in heavy glass jars are beautiful, but they’re also fragile. One accidental elbow bump and you’ve got shattered glass and wasted product all over your bathroom floor. Also, heat and light can mess with ingredients in skincare, especially natural or organic products. If you love your skincare, consider keeping it in a drawer, cabinet, or even a mini skincare fridge if you’re feeling fancy.
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Your bathroom counter doesn’t need to be a minimalist masterpiece, but you should be a little more careful with the products you’re storing there. Most of these changes don’t require fancy organizers or a big decluttering, just a few swaps in where you store things. Think of it like protecting the things you use and love every day. A little effort now might save you from a whole lot of hassle later.
Bliss Donahue-Power
