We Always Need to Purge!
Purging Defined: deleting or getting rid of non-required items. Purge Process: freeing up space!
I find that we have 2 rooms (the bathroom and kitchen) that are the easiest and fastest to purge because you don’t have to really think about it when you have no emotions attached since the things we purge either get thrown out or donated.
Today, we’ll talk about the Bathroom.
Most bathrooms have the following elements:
- Drawers
- Cabinets
- Closet
The first step is to determine how much time you have for the task at hand. You can start with one element or do them all – whatever you allow for.
Throwing out empty boxes, tubes and containers and then expired medicine takes the least thought and can get done quickly.
I have researched when we should purge items we store in the bathroom:
Cosmetics
The United States does not mandate an expiration date on most cosmetics. They DO go bad and they DO cause skin and health problems if not disposed of.
- Foundation, primer, blush and eyeshadow can last up to 2 years
- Lipstick is good for one year after it’s opened
- Mascara & eyeliner should be replaced every 3 months
- Natural products preservative free cosmetics as food can be kept in your refrigerator and they’ll last longer. Otherwise it’s shelf life is 3-6 months.
- Most skin, hair and body products can last up to 2-3 years unopened
- Color cosmetics can have a shorter life span because the pigments cannot stay suspended for that length of time so estimated 1-1 ½ years
Toiletries
- Shampoo & Conditioner: A good rule of thumb is to keep an opened bottle for no more than 18 months and an unopened bottle no more than 3 years. At the very least, expired shampoos & conditioners won’t work the way they’re supposed to.
- Deodorant: typically expires 1-3 years after the purchase date. Opened it should be replaced every 6-12 months for best results.
- Tooth Brushes: Replace them every 3-4 months or when they appear to be worn out. When they loose their stiffness they are ready for the trash. Replace everyone at the same time – mark on the calendar the date of purchase.
- Hair Brush: depends on the quality of your brush, how often it is used and how much product is involved. General rule: 6 months – 1 year. If more than 10% of the bristles have come off your brush it’s time to buy a new one. Cleaning them with baking soda/vinegar and water and a toothbrush to dislodge caked on product. Then allow it to dry before using.
- Body Lotions: sealed and unopened should be good for 3 years. If it smells or doesn’t lock in moisture or hydrate as thoroughly – toss it!
- Perfumes & cologne: Do go bad! How long they last depends on the scents chemical composition. Many don’t have hard and fast expiration dates, however, 3-5 years is the average shelf life of fragrance.
- Bar Soap & Body Wash: according to mfcs. 3 years unopened for both bar and liquid. Natural soaps will expire before commercial ones.
You can download a helpful chart by clicking the link below:
Download the ChartI can certainly help you purge & organize your bathroom. Just contact me at Lisa Organizes.com Otherwise, I hope I’ve inspired you to purge and free up some space.
Contact Lisa Today!