Clear Out These 6 Items from Your Bathroom Storage Area This Weekend
If your bathroom storage is a mess, now's the ideal time to arrange a much-needed overhaul. A thorough clean-out can provide ample space for restocking and make it easier to manage your inventory. However, there are additional advantages to consider. Medications, cleaning tools, and cosmetics can turn into safety hazards if used past their expiration date.
The lifespan of these items can be influenced by several factors, and it's not always just about the expiration date. This section provides an overview of the items you ought to prioritize when carrying out your annual bathroom cabinet clean-out. From small toiletries to worn-out loofahs, here's what needs to be eliminated right away.
Expired Medications
Regularly checking expiration dates in your refrigerator or pantry is probably part of your cleaning routine. Nevertheless, the medicine cabinet filled with miniature bottles may go unchecked for years. Similar to items in your kitchen, medications (including creams, ointments, pain relievers, and more) all come with their respective expiration dates. Disposing of unused or unwanted medications in a safe manner is crucial to guarantee the use of items that are both safe and effective.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advocates disposing of unused or unwanted medications through the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day or through your community's drug take-back program. The FDA also advises checking with your pharmacist for appropriate medication disposal guidelines.
Expired Cosmetics
Check every cosmetic product for a "Period After Opening" symbol. It resembles a little bottle icon with a number followed by an M. This symbol provides an estimate of how long the cosmetic product is safe to use after opening. Products like mascara and eyeliner have shorter life spans due to their susceptibility to bacteria. On the other hand, blush, foundation, and concealer may still be good for extended use. Just keep in mind that the period after the opening date is not a firm rule. Always examine the product for changes in texture, smell, or color to determine if it's still safe to use.
Worn-out Linens, Makeup Sponges, and Loofahs
Textiles are ideal breeding grounds for mold and bacteria. The makeup sponge you've been using for six months and the loofah that's seen better days can both pose health risks. If you must use a loofah (many dermatologists recommend against it due to bacteria), the Cleveland Clinic recommends replacing it every three weeks to two months. Natural sponges are on the shorter end of the replacement spectrum, while plastic loofahs are on the longer end.
Makeup sponges also require regular replacement. If it's been more than three months, it's likely time to toss your foundation blender. If your sponge has tears or nicks, it should be discarded immediately.
Lastly, towels displaying signs of discoloration, odors, or wear and tear need to be dispensed with. Whether you add them to your rag basket or throw them out entirely is your choice, but they must be discarded. Most towels will last between two and five years, but keep a close eye out for discoloration, strong odors, and tears.
Sunscreen
The Mayo Clinic suggests disposing of any sunscreen bottles that have reached or surpassed their expiration date. If you purchase sunscreen without an expiration date, be sure to write down the purchase date on the bottle and discard after three years, or if you notice changes in the formula's color, consistency, smell, or texture.
Hair Tools and Brushes
Regrettably, even your beloved hairbrush will need to be replaced eventually. Examine your hair tools before the end of the year to determine what needs to be discarded. For brushes and combs, inspect the brush bed for cracks or other issues and look for broken, melted, bent, or damaged bristles. If your hair is getting caught while using the brush or if it seems to be damaging your hair, it should be replaced. The same guidelines apply to hair tools featuring brush-like details. For heat tools, look for inconsistency with heating, odors, and discoloration or damage on the heating plates or barrel.
Hotel or Travel-Sized Toiletries
It's such a temptation to take all those miniature soaps, shampoos, and conditioners from hotels, but aside from pocket-friendly lotion options, many travel-sized toiletries end up in a forgotten bathroom cabinet graveyard that solely consumes valuable storage space. Before throwing them away, check with your local homeless shelter, food pantry, or other non-profit organizations as they often have a need for travel-sized toiletries.
Incorporating effective home organization into your bathroom routine can significantly improve your space. According to Southern Living, creating a dedicated area for extra loofahs, worn-out linens, and makeup sponges can keep your bathroom looking tidy and functional. Regularly checking expiration dates on cosmetics and medications, as advised by Southern Living Home, ensures the safety and effectiveness of these items.
