6 Bathroom Décor Mistakes That Are Actually Unsanitary, According to Cleaning Experts

Avoid inviting unwanted germs into your bathroom.

Bathroom interior toilet with plush cover surrounded by wooden shelves and potted plants — Credit:
Liudmila Chernetska / Getty Images

Your bathroom should be a clean, calming respite, and adding décor is the perfect way to make this space more enjoyable. But not every design trend is suitable for your bathroom, as it can unknowingly invite bacteria and mold into what should be the cleanest room in your home. From plush details to wall art, certain bathroom styling choices are actually very unsanitary. To keep this space germ-free, we spoke to cleaning experts who revealed the bathroom décor they never keep in their own homes.

Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO at AspenClean
Becky Rapinchuk, founder of Clean Mama and author of Simply Clean and The Organically Clean Home

Towels Above the Toilet

Displaying hand or face towels above the toilet may seem like a nice touch in a guest bathroom, but it's not recommended. "When you flush with the lid up, it creates what's called the 'toilet plume' effect where bacteria gets aerosolized and lands on nearby surfaces, including towels. This means your hand towels are collecting germs every time someone flushes," says Becky Rapinchuk, founder of Clean Mama. Instead, install a towel bar next to the sink or away from the toilet.

Fabric Toilet Seat Covers

Fabric toilet seat covers trap moisture and warmth, creating the perfect environment for bacteria and mold growth, says Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO at AspenClean, adding that they are also very hard to clean thoroughly. She recommends sticking with smooth, non-porous toilet seats with a waterproof sealant, which are easier to disinfect.

Certain Bath Mats

A bath mat protects your floors from moisture damage when you step out of the shower or bathtub, but be careful about the type of material you choose. "Memory foam or thick bath mats trap moisture inside the material and can quickly develop mold and mildew," says Rapinchuk. "These are nearly impossible to fully dry out."

Also avoid materials that can't be laundered, such as wood or bamboo bath mats. "Mats that don’t go in the washing machine often retain moisture, soap residue, and dead skin cells, which can lead to mold and mildew," Sokolowski adds. When choosing a bath mat, opt for cotton or microfiber, which can be machine-washed to reduce germs.

Porous Décor

Porous décor, such as unsealed wood or clay figurines, absorb moisture and bacteria, making them a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Sokolowski recommends choosing bathroom décor made of glass, metal, sealed wood, or ceramic, which can be wiped down easily with a cleaner or disinfectant.

Art That Isn't Moisture-Resistant

Art is an effective way to upgrade your bathroom without renovating, but make sure you select pieces that can withstand high humidity. "Paper prints or canvas art can warp and grow mold in a humid bathroom environment," says Sokolowski. "These also easily trap dust and bacteria." Humidity can even get trapped behind glass or frames, causing mold growth. When furnishing your bathroom, select pieces that are waterproof and ensure frames are well-sealed to prevent moisture from getting inside.

Bar Soap on a Non-Draining Dish

The vintage dish you found at the thrift store may look beautiful displayed on your bathroom sink as a soap dish, but if it doesn't drain, it can become a haven for bacteria. "When bar soap sits in a pool of water, bacteria thrives in that wet environment," says Rapinchuk. "Use a soap dish with proper drainage holes or switch to a dispenser."