10 Outdated Bathroom Products You Might Still Be Using
These old-school bathroom staples may still be lurking on your shelves, even though their time has long passed.
- Chris Graciano
- 2 min read
Bathroom cabinets often become time capsules of forgotten trends and once-trusted items. Many of us still cling to products that modern skincare, hygiene, or health advice has outgrown. Here’s a list of ten outdated bathroom products you might still be using — and why it’s time to finally let them go.
1. Bar Soap in a Dish
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Once a bathroom staple, bar soap can become grimy quickly and collect bacteria when left in a wet dish. Despite its classic charm, many have switched to sanitary pumps or foam dispensers.
2. Talcum Powder
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Used for everything from baby bottoms to sweaty feet, talcum powder has been linked to health concerns in recent years. Though once considered a freshening essential, lawsuits and medical studies have changed public perception.
3. Decorative Toilet Seat Covers
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Fuzzy toilet lid covers were once a sign of a “fancy” bathroom. Today, they’re considered unhygienic and outdated by most standards. They trap bacteria and are a pain to clean.
4. Roll-On Deodorant
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These glass-bottle roll-ons used to be the gold standard in odor control. Sticky and slow-drying, they’ve been replaced by sprays, gels, and solid sticks.
5. Mouthwash with Alcohol
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That burning sensation? Not a sign it’s working — just a harsh formula. Alcohol-based mouthwashes dry out your mouth and don’t offer lasting benefits.
6. Loofahs (Natural Ones)
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They were once the go-to for exfoliating in the shower. However, natural loofahs harbor bacteria quickly, especially when kept in damp spaces. Dermatologists now recommend silicone scrubbers or washcloths instead.
7. Barbershop-Style Aftershave
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Those splash-on, alcohol-heavy aftershaves are more nostalgia than necessity now. They sting, dry out skin, and smell like your grandpa’s medicine cabinet.
8. Bubble Bath for Adults
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Back in the day, a long soak with colorful bubbles was peak self-care. However, many classic bubble baths contain harsh ingredients that can irritate skin.
9. Old-School Razors with Replaceable Blades
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Those bulky plastic handles with snap-in cartridges are wasteful and often overpriced. Safety razors and electric models have made a serious comeback. But those multi-blade systems still line store shelves — and bathroom drawers.
10. Plastic Bathroom Tumblers
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Used for rinsing after brushing or storing combs, these cups are bacteria magnets. Often stained, cracked, and rarely cleaned, they’re more gross than useful. Many have been swapped for disposable cups or built-in rinsers.