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Bathroom Items That Are Overdue for the Trash, According to Pros
Say goodbye to those abandoned toiletry products and expired medications.
Feb. 24, 2026 at 3:24am
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Professional organizers share the common bathroom items that are long overdue for the trash, including product packaging, free cosmetic samples, duplicates, abandoned toiletry products, expired medications and beauty products, old bath towels and washcloths, toothbrushes, and used razor blades.
Why it matters
Decluttering these often-overlooked bathroom items can help create a more organized and functional space, making it easier to find what you need. Properly disposing of expired or unused products also helps reduce waste and potential health risks.
The details
The professional organizers recommend removing bulky product packaging, getting rid of free cosmetic samples that won't be used, purging duplicates of toiletries and cleaning products, tossing half-used toiletry products, checking expiration dates on medications and beauty items, replacing old towels and washcloths, swapping toothbrushes every 3 months, and changing razor blades after about 7 uses.
- Toothbrushes should be replaced at least every 3 months.
- Razor blades should be swapped after about 7 uses.
- Bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths should be replaced every 2 years.
The players
Devin VonderHaar
Founder of The Modern Minimalist.
Violetta Elezovic
Owner of VS Organized Interiors.
Ashley
Founder of Thee Tailored Life.
Jackie Pittman
The expert behind Chez Nous Organizing.
Melissa Klug
Owner of Home By Eleven.
Jennifer Du Bois
Professional organizer and founder of Home With Jen D.
What they’re saying
“Decanting items in glass jars can make for a more spa-like environment, and encourage you to use them more frequently.”
— Devin VonderHaar, Founder of The Modern Minimalist
“These often end up sitting in cabinets or drawers far longer than intended, and chances are you won't end up using them.”
— Violetta Elezovic, Owner of VS Organized Interiors
“Instead of letting them sit around, consider a product swap with friends.”
— Ashley, Founder of Thee Tailored Life
“Expired medications can lose effectiveness or even become harmful, and old beauty products can irritate the skin or harbor bacteria.”
— Jackie Pittman, The expert behind Chez Nous Organizing
“Bacteria in the bathroom spreads more than we want to think about.”
— Melissa Klug, Owner of Home By Eleven
“When using a dull razor, you have to press harder to get a good shave and this increases your risk of getting skin nicks.”
— Jennifer Du Bois, Professional organizer and founder of Home With Jen D
The takeaway
Decluttering your bathroom of expired, unused, and unnecessary items can create a more organized and functional space, while also reducing waste and potential health risks. By following the professional organizers' advice, you can make the most of your bathroom storage and keep it clean and tidy.
