Storing towels, washcloths, extra bathmats, and other linens in close proximity to plumbing fixtures under the sink increases the risk of contamination if there are leaks.
Open areas underneath vanity countertops are prime spots for bathroom towel storage. To keep the look more streamlined, use structured baskets to hold stacks of towels. Choose baskets in a contrasting color or texture for added visual interest.
As long as the bathroom is properly cleaned on a regular basis and the cabinets containing the linens is kept shut there's no issue and that's how most homes are organized-towels at a minimum. Linen closets and even the doors leading to main closets are often in bathrooms in the US and Canada, it's common practice.
Hooks. Let's start with a simple yet effective solution: hooks. Placed strategically near the shower, beside the washbasin or behind the door, hooks are a practical option to hang both towels and bathrobes. They are also ideal for small bathrooms with a limited amount of space.
Kitchen Towels and Paper Bags
While convenient, these items don't belong under the sink, says Suzanne Pollak, co-founder of the Charleston Academy of Domestic Pursuits. A leak would ruin them. Stash them in a nearby closet or another cabinet instead for easy access.
The best way to dry wet towels is to hang them on a heated towel rack, which is designed to dry your towels and provide them with some warmth before use. However, it is also important to hang them up in a well-ventilated area, even if you don't have a heated towel rack.
Never store prescription medications in the bathroom, advises FDB's So. According to health experts, most things people commonly keep in the bathroom should not be stored there at all because bathrooms tend to be breeding grounds for bacteria.
Add Dividers
You can opt to store neatly folded towels directly on the shelf (instead of a basket) and use dividers to prevent them from falling on each other. Everything will still be easily accessible and organized, and you may even save some money since the cost of multiple baskets can add up.
The best place to keep your dish cloth is within your sink because you don't want water from the cloth dripping down to anywhere else but your sink. Moreover, your cloth needs to be hung in a place, where air can go through and helps them to dry quickly.
Store your towels in a dry place neatly folded side-by-side rather than in stacks, to prevent the bottom towels from being crushed by the ones above. In case you're hanging towels from a rack, avoid hanging them on top of each other to prevent stiffness in the ones at the bottom.
The Ideal Number of Towels per Person
Our rule of three for stocking up on sheets also applies to towels. Keep three sets of towels for each individual who lives in your household—one in the wash, one in the closet, and one in use. This ensures there is always a towel in reserve for when you might need it.
Items not recommended to store under the sink
Harsh chemicals, bug spray, paper towels, waxes, carpet shampoo, drain cleaners, polishes and paints. Even some cleaning products, including dishwasher pods and colorful spray bottles, can be dangerous and entice curiosities for paws or tiny fingers.
Trap: A P-trap is a two-part pipe under your sink that allows waste and water to pass through. The bend in the pipe prevents sewer gasses from entering. Today, most models are two pieces joined together.
Towels. Try to avoid leaving towels in your bathroom when you're not using them. "Similar to books and magazines, fabric can pick up a musty smell with repeated exposure to moisture," says Darla DeMorrow, certified professional organizer and owner of HeartWork Organizing.
Use open shelving
If you're good at folding towels then open shelving could be the answer. They're ideal for families as you can have piles of different sized towels neatly stored, yet ready for use. Keep the kids' towels on a lower shelf for easy access.
When it comes to rolling versus folding towels, there is no wrong choice. Storing rolled bath towels takes up less space than folded towels—which is handy if you don't have a linen closet or if you need to maximize bathroom storage space. Some people prefer the appearance of a neat stack of folded towels.
“Shelves and decorative baskets are my favorite overall way to store both paper towels and toilet paper because you can grab them quickly and load them back up quickly when you buy more,” Mass says.
Trosclair advises against using your bathroom for closet overflow or for storing out-of-season clothes that won't be touched for months until the weather shifts.
Keeping the bath and hand towels you use and wash frequently in the bathroom is totally fine, but avoid storing any extra linens that you're reserving for guests or to display during the holidays.
Dead skin cells, bacteria, and even sweat can accumulate quickly on your towels, so using a fresh one about every three days is a simple rule of thumb—for all kinds of towels. You can of course change them more often.
Always use your towel rather than borrowing someone else's, and never leave a wet towel on the floor or draped over furniture. Instead, hang it up to dry on a towel rack or hook, ensuring that it's out of the way and can air out properly.