10 things I stopped storing under the bathroom sink

Under the sink seems like an easy catch-all, but most things don’t actually belong there. Moisture, heat, and poor airflow make it one of the worst spots to store certain items—especially if you’ve got pipes that sweat or leak.

Once I cleared it out and rethought what actually made sense to keep there, the space became way more functional. Here’s what I pulled out—and what I stopped cramming in altogether.

Extra toilet paper

Toilet paper absorbs moisture easily, and under the sink is usually the dampest part of the bathroom. I used to keep big packs down there until I noticed rolls getting soft or musty before we even opened them.

Now I store extras in a closed bin elsewhere, like in the linen closet or above the toilet. It keeps them dry and keeps me from wasting money on TP that feels weird before anyone uses it.

Medication and vitamins

Heat and humidity can mess with how medications hold up—even over-the-counter stuff. I used to tuck extras under the sink for easy access, but it turns out that’s one of the worst places to keep them.

Now everything gets stored in a cool, dry cabinet outside the bathroom. I only keep what I actually need in a labeled bin up high where little hands can’t reach. It’s safer and more effective long-term.

Cleaning chemicals

Storing bleach sprays or strong cleaners under the sink felt convenient until I realized how risky it was with kids in the house. Even with cabinet locks, it’s not the most secure spot—especially in a rush.

I moved anything harsh or chemical-based out to the laundry room and only keep gentle cleaning wipes under the sink in a latch-top container. It gives me peace of mind and keeps the cabinet less crowded.

Extra makeup

Makeup doesn’t hold up well in warm, damp places. Foundations start to separate, powders get weird, and mascara tubes dry out faster than they should when stored under the sink.

Now I keep makeup in a drawer organizer or small tote I can move around as needed. It’s easier to find what I need, and I’m not tossing half-used products that went bad early because of poor storage.

Hair tools with cords

Curling irons and blow dryers under the sink tend to get tangled, knocked around, or even damaged by leaks or spills. It’s one of the first things I cleared out.

Now I hang them inside a cabinet door with a mounted holder or store them in a heat-safe basket in the closet. It keeps them dry, untangled, and easy to grab when I actually need them.

Nail polish

Bathroom moisture isn’t great for nail polish—it thickens it, causes separation, and shortens the shelf life. I used to toss it all under the sink in a bag, but most of it ended up getting tossed for being goopy or dried out.

Now I keep nail polish in a clear container in the bedroom, where temps are more stable. It lasts longer, stays smoother, and I’m not rebuying the same shades over and over.

Backup razors and blades

Razor blades are super sensitive to humidity. Even unopened packs can rust or dull early if they’re stored in a damp spot like under the sink. I didn’t realize how many I’d wasted until I checked.

Now I keep backup razors in a plastic bin in the linen closet or on a higher shelf. It protects the packaging and keeps everything dry and ready when I actually need it.

Cotton balls and swabs

Cotton absorbs moisture fast, and if it’s stored too close to plumbing, it can start to feel damp or even smell off over time. I used to keep full bags under the sink until I noticed that weird musty smell.

Now I use sealed containers and store them on an open shelf or in a drawer. They stay fresh longer, and it makes the space under the sink feel less cluttered and chaotic.

Towels and washcloths

Extra towels under the sink sound convenient until you grab one that feels damp or smells like mildew. That space gets too humid for fabrics to stay fresh, especially if airflow is poor.

Now all towels are stored in the hallway linen closet or a nearby shelf. It keeps them clean and dry, and frees up the cabinet for things that can actually handle being near a leaky pipe or warm air.

Flammable items like aerosol cans

Aerosol cans—like dry shampoo, shaving cream, or air freshener—shouldn’t be stored in high heat or enclosed spaces. Under-sink cabinets can get surprisingly warm and trap humidity, which isn’t a great combo for pressurized containers.

I keep those in a drawer or a higher cabinet with better airflow. It’s safer, easier to see what I’ve got, and cuts down on the risk of a random can leaking or going bad from the heat.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.