Your spring cleaning checklist might be long, but don't neglect the bathroom. A cluttered medicine cabinet, overcrowded linen closet and chaotic under-the-sink storage can slow down your daily routine and cause unnecessary stress. You shouldn't have to sift through bottles of toiletries to find toothpaste every morning or risk using a moldy bath towel.
The first step to taming bathroom clutter is to throw away, recycle or donate items that are no longer useful. To help you get started, I spoke with six professional organizers, who urge you get rid of these items in your bathroom right now. Everything from stray product packaging and perfume samples to expired medications could be monopolizing your space.
Product packaging
Bulky packaging — think plastic wrap on toilet paper or cotton swab boxes — take up storage space. If you have a stock of skincare and body care essentials, remove bottles from boxes, then decant items like cotton rounds, floss picks and bath salts. "Decanting items in glass jars can make for a more spa-like environment, and encourage you to use them more frequently," says Devin VonderHaar, founder of The Modern Minimalist.
Free cosmetic samples
It's fun to receive free samples of makeup, skincare and perfume, as long as you actually intend to use them. "These often end up sitting in cabinets or drawers far longer than intended, and chances are you won't end up using them," says Violetta Elezovic, owner of VS Organized Interiors.
Keep in mind: You might be able to donate new samples and travel-size products (like hotel freebies) to a local charity or homeless shelter.
Duplicates of anything
Take stock of duplicates or items seldom used, from hot tools and toiletries to cleaning products. "Purge extra hand soap dispensers (you only need one), duplicates of shampoos, hair products and toiletries that all do the same thing," says VonderHaar. "Minimizing down to the essentials you use everyday, will save you counter space, time and money."
Before you toss anything: Most shelters accept unopened products and there are specific programs, like Project Glimmer, that will accept working hot tools.
Abandoned toiletry products
From toothpaste, shampoo and body wash to a new face serum, we've all tried a personal care product we didn't love. Don't let half-used bottles clutter your space. "Instead of letting them sit around, consider a product swap with friends," says Ashley, founder of Thee Tailored Life. Reminder: Check expiration dates and Period After Opening symbols before giving unloved products away.
Expired medications and beauty products
Check your bathroom for expired skincare, cosmetics, sunscreen and medications. "Expired medications can lose effectiveness or even become harmful, and old beauty products can irritate the skin or harbor bacteria," says Jackie Pittman, the expert behind Chez Nous Organizing. Some beauty and skincare products — especially eye products — have expirations as early as three months from opening. Hint: Look for the Period After Opening symbol.
Old bath towels and wash clothes
As a general guideline, bath towels, hand towels and wash clothes should be replaced every two years. "Towels lose their absorbency over time and, in humid bathrooms, can start to harbor bacteria and odors," says Pittman. "If your towels look frayed or feel less absorbent, consider donating them to an animal shelter or keeping them for rags and upgrading to new ones."
Most likely, your toothbrush
Think about it: When's the last time you replaced your toothbrush? Experts agree that you need a new toothbrush at least every three months — sooner if the bristles fray. "Bacteria in the bathroom spreads more than we want to think about," says Melissa Klug, owner of Home By Eleven.
Used razor blades
You probably aren't replacing your razor often enough. Jennifer Du Bois, professional organizer and founder of Home With Jen D, recommends swapping the blade after about seven uses — which is typically when the blade starts to dull. "When using a dull razor, you have to press harder to get a good shave and this increases your risk of getting skin nicks," she says. Not to mention, razors that are stored in the shower can develop rust and bacteria.
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
