Spring cleaning usually means clearing out closets and deep cleaning your living spaces, but your medicine cabinet is one place that's often ignored. Out of sight, out of mind, agreed?
No, it's not that exciting, but it does make a real difference in your home’s safety and organization. It doesn’t take much time, and it’s a great way to keep your bathroom cleaner, clearer, and safer for everyone who uses it.
Start with a Simple Sort
Pull everything out of your medicine cabinet so you can see what you're working with. Toss anything empty, leaking, or unlabeled. Then take a close look at your medications.
If you’re not sure what to keep or toss, there are a few things to consider:
"Medications that have been discontinued by your healthcare provider should be discarded and OTC medications that have expired should be discarded," recommends Dr. Linnea Axman, Associate Dean of the College of Nursing at University of Phoenix. "Remember: medications that were safe for you might be harmful for someone else."
She adds, "You should keep medications that are currently prescribed for you. You may also keep over the counter medications that have not expired and that are safely stored to prevent accidental poisonings – check out further guidance from the EPA on how to safely store unused medications."
When sorting, make two piles—one to keep, and one to discard. This keeps the process simple and gives you a clear sense of what you’re dealing with.
Safe Cleaning for Your Medicine Cabinet
Before you put anything back in your bathroom cabinet, take a moment to clean it out properly. A quick wipe-down is all you need. Use a mild cleaner or soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals that can leave behind fumes, especially if you store inhalers or other sensitive products.
As you clean, check for signs of moisture or mold. If your bathroom tends to stay humid, it might be better to move your medications to a cooler, drier spot—like a bedroom closet.
At the end of the day, your goal is to keep everything dry, clearly labeled, and out of reach from the wrong hands.
While you’re at it, group like items together. This makes it easier to find what you need fast, especially when someone’s not feeling well:
- First aid supplies (bandages, ointments, etc.)
- Pain relievers and fever reducers
- Allergy medications
- Digestive aids (like antacids or laxatives)
- Cold, flu, and cough treatments
- Prescription medications you’re currently taking
Tossing Old Medications the Right Way
Throwing old pills in your household trash or flushing them isn’t always the safest option. It can be dangerous for pets, children, or even water systems.
"The best way to dispose of unneeded medications is through a drug take back program," notes Axman. The US Food & Drug Administration offers more guidance on safe disposal for unused medicine, and what you should know in general.
Many local pharmacies participate in take-back programs, and some areas have designated drop-off days to encourage the proper disposal of prescription drugs.
Is it okay to keep old prescription medicines... just in case?
No, it’s not recommended. If medicine was prescribed for a condition that’s no longer active, or if the medicine packaging shows its expired, keeping it around can lead to misuse. Focus on your current medications and general first aid products. As Dr. Axman highlights, “medications that were safe for you might be harmful for someone else.”
