8 Things to Toss From Your Bathroom Before Summer Ends

We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but summer is almost over. So, if you’re looking for a fresh start and a more organized home this fall, now is the time to get going. Why not begin by organizing your bathroom? After all, if those shelves are looking a little crammed with summer essentials, it’s a sign that you probably have a few things to get rid of. Here are eight things to declutter from your bathroom as the season comes to an end.

Sunscreen

While you hopefully finished most of your sunscreen by the end of summer (you can’t reapply too often!), it’s still important to check any partially used bottles. “I recommend reviewing your sunscreen collection and throwing away anything that is expired, didn’t prevent sunburn, or caused an allergic skin reaction,” Kris Hargrove, professional organizer and founder of Organized by Kris, says.

It’s also crucial to check the use time. “Many bathroom items have a use-by date well into the future, but that’s different from the use time,” says organizing strategist Brenda Prinzavalli. The use time indicates how long a product remains effective after being opened. Look for a graphic of an open jar on the back of your sunscreen (and other beauty or skincare products), showing the number of months it's good for. If you can’t recall when you first opened it, it’s probably time to toss it.

After-Sun Products

How often have you used that bottle of aloe that’s been under your bathroom sink for the past five years? After-sun products, as well as any skincare products, should be thrown out if they’re past their expiration date.

Expired Medication

Whether it’s a prescription you only use occasionally or an over-the-counter essential like cough syrup, it’s important to get rid of and replace anything that’s past its expiration date. Keep in mind that while expired medicine generally isn’t dangerous, it is often less effective.

Hydrogen Peroxide

You might not give much thought to the bottle of hydrogen peroxide sitting under your bathroom sink, but it actually starts losing its effectiveness within one to six months after being opened. So, if you haven’t used it since last summer, it’s probably time for a replacement.

First Aid Supplies

Don’t get stuck with expired or empty first aid supplies when you’re dealing with a minor emergency. If you haven’t replaced your kit in a while, it’s a good idea to pick up a new one. 

Expired and Unfinished Beauty Products

If that serum gave you a rash three months ago, why is it still on your bathroom countertop? Say goodbye to those products that didn’t live up to your expectations. Either throw them out or pass them on to a friend who might like them. Expired products should also be disposed of. 

Travel-Sized Bottles

Whether it’s those minis you pick up in line at Sephora or the hotel samples you take without much thought—most of us have a decent collection of travel-sized products. The problem is we rarely finish them, or we use them once and then they just sit there and go bad. Check your collection and toss those samples you know you won’t use. 

Old Towels and Linens

Do your washcloths have holes? Are those hand towels faded? Katie Dills, brand president of The Cleaning Authority, says it’s a good idea to replace worn-out towels and linens with fresh ones at the end of summer. Plus, it’s a great excuse to shop those Labor Day sales for a new set.