Cleaning and Organizing the Medicine Cabinet
Did you know that medicines shouldn't be stored in the medicine cabinet? Actually they shouldn't be in the bathroom at all.
Bathrooms get hot and steamy, and medicines may deteriorate quickly. It would be far better to find a cabinet or box with a lid that can be kept secure and out of the reach of youngsters.
Wherever you end up storing your medicines, here are some ideas for organizing the cabinet.
- First, clear everything off the shelves. Unload all items so that it's easier to start over.
- For cleaning glass shelves, use a little white vinegar and water on a soft cloth. Wipe and clean. For metal shelves, use a little baking soda and warm water, and wash with a soft cloth. Wooden shelves do well with a shelf liner or towel to protect the shelf surface.
- When you're ready to put everything back, first get rid of anything that has expired. If it doesn't have a date, get rid of it.
- If you can't read the label on something, get rid of it.
- Replace toothbrushes every three months.
- If you come across two or more bottles with the same medicine inside, never combine them. They may have different expiration dates. Always keep them separate.
- Subdivide shelves and drawers to make things easier to find and keep in order. Small baskets and plastic boxes are great organizers!
Don't throw expired medications in the trash or flush them down the toilet. There is a risk that they will get into the wrong hands or contaminate the environment. Some experts suggest mixing medications with something really unappealing, like used cat litter. That will discourage most people and animals from investigating any further! Another suggestion: wrap packages in newspaper and then put in a tightly sealed plastic bag before placing in the trash can.
Published 07/24/08
