Old Skincare? 10 Major Decluttering No-Nos to Never Make & 10 Proper Cleaning Methods
Clearing Out Your Skincare Clutter
Chances are, you have a dresser full of skincare bottles you don't use anymore. Maybe it's a serum that made you break out once, or a chapstick that feels too fancy to be used daily. Now, they sit on your table collecting dust. So, what's the right way to clean the clutter up? Here's one important piece of advice: don't just toss everything into the garbage bin and call it a day. Here's how to sweep out the old to make space for the new.
1. Pouring Everything Down the Drain
We get it: you're lazy, and sometimes, all you want to do is pour your skincare down the drain. But that's not a good default disposal method. Though it seems harmless, some formulas may contain ingredients that can contribute to contamination, and products with oils and thicker consistencies can even clog pipes.
2. Tossing Full Containers Into Recycling
Just because the bottle has the recycling symbol doesn't mean you can put it straight into the bin with product still inside. As tedious as it might be to clean them out, residual creams and oils can contaminate recyclable material, and some may contain mixed-material components that actually need to be separated.
3. Keeping Something Just Because It Was Expensive
Sure, that serum was costly, but if keeping it won't make you any more motivated to use it, you're better off getting rid of it and being more mindful of what you buy later on. Plus, if its texture, scent, color, or formula has noticeably changed, holding onto it won't recover what you already spent, and it'll only negatively affect your skin.
4. Assuming Unopened Means It Lasts Forever
Some skincare products may only start to deteriorate after they've been opened, but you still shouldn't assume that you can keep unopened bottles indefinitely. Over time, the active ingredients inside can start to degrade, especially if you're storing it somewhere warm or humid.
5. Ignoring the Period-After-Opening Symbol
You shouldn't be careless after opening your bottles, either—if you see a symbol such as "6M," "12M," or "24M," follow that period. That number indicates the manufacturer's recommended period of use after opening. If it helps, label when you've opened it in case you forget.
6. Giving Questionable Products to Someone Else
It's one thing to declutter on your own, but another thing entirely to gift away your old skincare products, even if they're unopened. Passing along something old simply transfers the problem to someone else's hands. Plus, light use can still introduce contamination and bacteria you probably wouldn't want to give your friends, anyway.
7. Trusting a Normal Smell Alone
The product might smell fine, but scent alone doesn't mean it's still in ideal condition. Minor changes in active ingredients may sometimes not be immediately detectable, so don't just keep it and continue using it if you know it's been sitting for a while.
8. Forgetting About Products Stored Elsewhere
Tend to keep skincare scattered everywhere, such as in your car, purse, or gym bags? Make sure you declutter these areas regularly, too. If you only clear out one spot, other forgotten products can still end up causing problems for your skin.
9. Opening Products Just to Test Them Before Tossing
Thinking of giving away products you know haven't been sitting around for long? That's fine—just don't open them to "test" them, even if it seems like the more responsible thing to do, or else you'd be breaking the seal and potentially contaminating them.
10. Treating Every Package the Same
Before you toss everything into the recycling bin, always make sure to double-check whether the packaging can be recycled in the first place. Depending on where you live, you may need to follow different laws as well. If you're unsure, search up the product on the manufacturer's website to see if there are any specific instructions.
Alright! Now that the expired, unwanted, and questionable products are out of the way, it's time to dive deeper: how to properly clean these products.
1. Wipe Down Bottles
If your products are pretty oily, you might see residue stuck to the exterior. Make sure to give it a good wipe with a clean, slightly damp cloth. Then, after the packaging is dry, toss it into the bin it's supposed to go in.
2. Clean Pumps and Dispensers Carefully
If you've ever used a bottle that comes with a pump, you're probably familiar with the buildup that appears around the opening that can harden over time. Not only should you remember to clean this properly before recycling, but you should also make sure to avoid adding water directly inside the product, especially if you intend to continue using it.
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3. Wash Reusable Spatulas Regularly
Did your moisturizer or mask come with a small spatula? Remember to keep that tool clean, too. When you're still using the product, you'll avoid introducing bacteria into the formula; when tossing it out, you ensure you're not leaving residue on your recyclable products.
4. Give Your Storage Shelves a Full Wipe
After you've decluttered your products, give your storage shelves or your dresser table a good wipe, especially if you plan to introduce new bottles into your collection. That way, everything stays clean, new, and organized.
5. Separate Everyday Products from Occasional Ones
It might also help your future self to be more orderly now. If you know you use some products more than others, sort the jars based on how often you actually reach for them instead of simply putting everything back like usual. Plus, better visibility makes it less likely you'll leave them untouched.
6. Mark the Date When You Open Something
As we've mentioned, it'll help you in the long run to label your skincare products as soon as you've opened them. That way, you'll eliminate the guesswork surrounding that period-after-opening symbol and won't have to rely on your memory alone the next time you need to declutter.
7. Keep Jar Rims Free of Residue
Not only can product collect around pumps, but also around the threads and rim of a jar. After each use, carefully wipe away buildup; this habit will ensure the product is easy to clean once you're ready to toss it out for good.
8. Clean Skincare Tools According to Their Instructions
Remember how we said you should regularly clean your skincare tools? Well, soap and warm water aren't always the best method. For facial rollers, brushes, and electronic accessories, they may require more specific care. You definitely don't want to accidentally damage them!
9. Store Products Away from Heat
Cleaning out your collection is also a good opportunity to reconsider where you're storing them. If they're on a shelf or dresser table that gets direct sunlight, constant heat can accelerate changes in some formulas and even make them unusable. Unless the label says otherwise, pick a cool, dry location.
10. Build Regular Mini-Declutters Into Your Routine
Decluttering can be extremely tedious, and if you have too many products to go through at once, you might be too lazy to start. So, don't wait until the cabinet is overflowing—build regular decluttering routines every few months. Regular maintenance will help keep your collection manageable, and getting into the habit will make the clearing-out process easier each time.
