Although it can be an ideal place to keep many things, there are some that we should not keep in the bathroom since the humidity and fluctuating temperatures that a normal bathroom generally has could do more harm than good to what we keep there. However, either for comfort or as part of an acquired habit, many of us leave some essential items in the bathroom.
Thus, there are mainly those of personal care and beauty among them. But pay attention to the following: although some of these products were made to be used in the bathroom, it does not mean that they should be kept in the bathroom. Find out below what those things are that you are keeping in the bathroom that you should not.
Medicines and vitamins
These undoubtedly constitute one of the main things that we usually keep in the bathroom and that we should not. The reason is simple and straightforward: medicines are best kept in clean, cool and dry places, respecting the conditions established on the container. Therefore, if they are kept in spaces full of humidity such as the bathroom, they are likely to lose their effectiveness and produce unwanted effects.
As we mentioned at the beginning, it is also possible that they are damaged even much earlier than the expected expiration date. The best place to keep them is in a drawer in your room, and not only will you prevent them from being damaged, but you will also be able to keep them out of the reach of the little ones in the house.
Towels
We know that towels are an essential element in our bathroom routine and, therefore, we want to have them on hand at all times. But for nothing in the world should they be kept in the bathroom since by doing so, we are putting them in contact with fungi, bacteria and the mould that lives there, which will stay in the towel and later we will transfer to our skin when using them. In addition, they can be damp and will take on a bad smell.
The most advisable thing is to take a towel and take it to the bathroom when we go to bathe and then take it out after use and lay it out, always trying that it is in a place where it can be ventilated until it dries well. In the case of extra towels, you should also choose to keep them in a closet outside the bathroom. Likewise, it is considered ideal to wash the towels after 3 uses and allow them to dry completely before using them again.
Bathrobes
Like bath towels, they can also harbour all kinds of germs and bacteria caused by humidity, as well as bad odours. So we must give them the same treatment when it comes to washing, drying and keeping them before their next use.
Books
Many of us love to read a good book or magazine while using the bathroom; however, we must be honest about something: our reading material will not escape the relentless action of humidity. In fact, when books and magazines are kept in the bathroom, they will absorb the moisture present and it is possible that they will also be splashed with water, which will leave them with some wrinkled pages and some deteriorated binding.
Here the recommendation is obvious: if you want to use them especially in this place, when finished, keep them on a shelf outside the bathroom.
Jewels
One of the main enemies of our jewellery is humidity since it can accelerate the natural oxidation process of some metals and also cause some jewellery to tarnish quickly and lose its shine, unless it is pure gold, of course; something that is difficult to happen considering that even gold is not used in jewellery in its purest form.
Currently, the main types of precious metals used by jewellers are a mixture of various metals that provide hardness and other properties, therefore, most of our jewellery will react faster to humidity. Now maybe you understand why they should not be kept in the bathroom if we are not using them and why it is better to keep them in a jewellery box or in an airtight bag in your bedroom.
Toothbrush
This is one of the main mistakes we make with our toothbrush, as many of us have been taught that the toothbrush stays in the bathroom. But the truth is that it is the worst place to keep it, precisely because it is home to microorganisms that can be transferred to the brush during use and while it remains there, passing in this way to our mouth, teeth, gums and tongue.
In fact, several studies, including one carried out in 2012 by the University of Manchester in England, have found that our toothbrush can contain even more than 10 million bacteria, and a good part of them come from the faecal matter that is floating throughout the bathroom and that is sprayed when we go down the toilet.
These bacteria can be the cause of various stomach and intestinal diseases. Undoubtedly, they are compelling reasons not to keep our brush in the bathroom, but rather in a ventilated and cool place like our room.
Make-up
Even when you apply makeup in the bathroom, your precious makeup products should not stay there because, like a toothbrush, changes in temperature and humidity will spread mould and bacteria on them, which will also cause them to change their texture, reduce their effectiveness when applying, and get damaged more quickly. It is best to keep these kinds of products in a place like our bedroom, where the temperature remains more stable.
Perfumes
Displaying your favourite perfumes in the bathroom can be very common for many people. However, what is not taken into account, perhaps due to ignorance, is that it is a delicate product whose greatest enemies are light and humidity.
In this sense, experts warn that, due to changes in temperature and humidity in the bathroom, oils, fragrances and alcohols can be damaged and oxidized, thus destroying the molecular integrity of the fragrance and reducing its shelf life. If you want to avoid it, you should keep them in places away from moisture and light.
Nail polish
Most nail polishes last around two years, but leaving those jars in the bathroom can cause them to get damaged much faster. Again, heat and humidity are to blame. If you notice that your nail polish does not smudge, is too thick, or crumbles, throw it away.
Razor Blades
It’s okay to keep your current razor in the shower, but extra razor blades should be left out of the bathroom, otherwise, moisture can rust or dull them even before you start using them. Drying razors after each shave can help keep them more effective longer.
Non-waterproof electronic devices
Many of us love to sing in the shower and currently some of us like to use our Smartphone to do it. But what we seem to ignore is that humidity can seriously damage our phone. So in case you need to listen to or sing your favourite songs or listen to the morning news while showering, your best bet is to invest in a shower radio (if they still exist) or a waterproof speaker.
ALFA