Hidden Issues To Consider Before Storing Extra Toilet Paper In Your Bathroom

Some things just make sense, like keeping your cleaning supplies in or near an area that requires regular upkeep, or placing your spare toilet paper in your bathroom, right? Surprisingly, that second option may not be the best one, as storing your excess toilet paper in the washroom could subject it to germs and moisture, as well as taking up more space than necessary. Storing it under the sink also puts it into close contact with the exposed pipes attached to the sink bowl. You never know when they can spring a leak, and if they do, your entire stash gets damp, which will force you to toss the whole thing in the trash. In addition to that, the bathroom is a place that constantly gets wet and humid, which creates a fair amount of condensation. Since the cabinet is a closed space without much ventilation, this can promote mildew growth on the paper itself, which will also make it unusable. 

While having a spare roll or two nearby is normal, keeping your replacement rolls elsewhere is better. Your washroom is consistently exposed to germs and bacteria, so you clean it regularly. However, the fibers on your toilet paper might hold onto these particles, building up unwanted detritus. TP is a necessity in the bathroom, but it's not exactly something you want to display on open shelving or allow to gather dust (and hair) on the floor. So where can you store it? We offer ideas below.

If your toilet paper resides anywhere near your toilet, keep in mind that every time you flush, enteric bacteria are released and can find purchase on anything from the sink to your extra toilet paper rolls. They can hold particles that have been ejected into the air. And while keeping your toilet paper under the sink might be convenient, it's also a risk. "Any excess moisture from your plumbing could impact the use of these items. The damage can cause mildew, which can then spread," professional organizer Shantae Duckworth told Real Homes. To avoid that, it's best to store your excess rolls in a dry, cool place outside of the bathroom. Place the surplus in a linen closet or laundry room, or even the kitchen pantry. 

These areas will protect the toilet roll from excess moisture and keep it out of the way so you can use your bath cabinets for other items. Hide your TP inside a spare hamper in your laundry room so no one knows it's there. If you have the space for another toilet paper storage solution that will look more organized and structured, stow toilet paper in a plastic bin or tub that has a lid and latches shut to keep it fresh and protected from bacteria. Consider something like the 3.5 quart bin from Amazon, which comes with a handle latch lid.

However, if you have a small space with little storage, as well as a small bathroom that can't accommodate a large holder, you might have no other choice than to keep the toilet paper there, whether hanging in a bag on a hook or underneath the sink. But you don't have to be doomed to damp rolls. You can place your entire stash in a holder that will protect them from pipe leaks, like the Lonbet Toilet Paper Basket on Amazon, which holds 12 rolls.

Or you can simply cover your surplus with plastic to protect it from a potential leak. "If your sink drain happens to break, they won't get ruined," Steve Evans of Memphis Maids told Southern Living. There are two ways to go about this. The first is to store it in a plastic bag. This can be as simple as leaving it in a plastic shopping bag and tying the top so it stays concealed, or as advanced as moving the pack to a plastic storage bag, such as the zippered bags you typically use to stash blankets or winter clothes. You can get those for as little as $7 on Amazon.