Cleaning & Organizing Bathroom Cleaning Tips 10 Bathroom Items to Throw Away ASAP, According to Experts Keep your bathroom tidy by tossing these items now. By Madeline Buiano Madeline Buiano Madeline Buiano is an editor at MarthaStewart.com, sharing her knowledge on a range of topics—from gardening and cleaning to home. Editorial Guidelines Published on November 8, 2024 Close Photo: Ryan Liebe If your bathroom cabinets are overflowing with unused hot tools, expired makeup products, and near-empty shampoo bottles, it's time to get this space organized once and for all. While it can be hard to part with items in your bathroom for fear that you may one day need them, there are a handful of things you should purge to create a less hectic space. Ahead, we're sharing the bathroom items cleaning and organizing experts say you should throw away now. Nikki Bell, professional organizer and founder of Just Us Organizing, a service that offers in-person and virtual organizing assistance. Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of AspenClean, a manufacturer of green cleaning supplies and provider of in-home cleaning services. 12 Things to Toss From Your Kitchen ASAP 01 of 10 Expired Products Expired products, be it old medicine or makeup, take up prime real estate in the bathroom. "Most items have an expiration date, but those that don’t may have several months listed in its place," says Nikki Bell, professional organizer and founder of Just Us Organizing. "For example, 12M stands for 12 months after opening." 02 of 10 Empty Containers While you may be holding on to empty soap bottles in the hopes of squeezing out a bit more product, it's best to just toss them. "Old empty bottles or containers can clutter your space, making it harder to find what you need," says Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of AspenClean. "You can also try to give them a new life by reusing them for another purpose in your home." 03 of 10 Unused Samples Samples are a great way to test out a new product without paying full price, but if you have a bunch of testers you don't use, it's time to toss them. "Little lotions, shampoo, and conditioners can take up a lot of space if you continue to collect them," says Bell. She recommends keeping a few for guests and donating the rest. 04 of 10 Old Sponges and Loofahs Get rid of old loofahs and sponges when they're past their prime. "Generally, loofahs and bathroom sponges can quickly become breeding grounds for mold and bacteria," says Sokolowski. "Therefore, it’s crucial to replace them every three to four weeks to ensure they are sanitary and safe for you to use for your body." Alternatively, you can use washcloths to cut down on waste. 05 of 10 Old Razors Have razors in your bathroom with rust? Our experts say to throw them away. "Old razors are less effective and pose a safety concern," says Sokolowski, adding that they can lead to more cuts during use. "Make sure you replace them regularly and dispose of any that are rusty or worn out," she says. 06 of 10 Worn Bathmats By design, bathmats absorb a lot of moisture, but this can lead to mold or mildew growth over time. "Wash your bathmats regularly, and if they show visible signs of wear and tear, make sure to replace them," says Sokolowski. 07 of 10 Old Toothbrushes Dispose of old toothbrushes stored in your toothbrush holder every three to four months, says Sokolowski. You may need to discard them earlier if you notice signs of wear and tear on the bristles. 08 of 10 Reading Materials Magazines and books are often used as bathroom décor, but you should consider finding a new home for these items. Reading materials can collect dust and bacteria when stored in the bathroom, says Sokolowski. What's more, the excess moisture can damage the pages over time. 09 of 10 Unused Hair Tools The blowdryer you've had since middle school that you never touch? It's time to donate it (or toss it if it no longer works). Unused hot tools can take up a lot of room in your bathroom cabinets that's best used for everyday essentials. 10 of 10 Worn Towels Hand and bath towels are essential, but if you have any that are torn or still smell mildewy after washing, it's time to toss them. Sometimes animal shelters take ripped or worn towels, so check with one in your area before getting rid of them altogether. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit Sources Martha Stewart is committed to using high-quality, reputable sources—including peer-reviewed studies—to support the facts in our articles. Read about our editorial policies and standards to learn more about how we fact check our content for accuracy. Toothbrushes. American Dental Association.