How to Spring Clean Your Medicine Cabinet

marthastewart.com · Feb 27, 2026 · Collected from GDELT

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A seasonal reset for your shelves. By Caroline Lubinsky Caroline is an esteemed writer and editor with expertise in topics like home décor, food trends, wellness, cleaning, and organizing. Her work has been featured in Forbes, Family Handyman, Reader's Digest, Taste of Home, Everyday Health, Women's Health, and more. Published on February 27, 2026 Credit: Glowimages / Getty Images When you picture spring cleaning, you probably think of closet resets and kitchen organization. But what about your medicine cabinet? Over time, a medicine cabinet can become cluttered with expired medication, half-used eye drops, and items you simply haven’t touched in years. A seasonal reset is just what the doctor ordered. Below, three professional organizers share their top strategies for eliminating clutter. Plus, they explain why spring is the perfect month for a medicine cabinet reset. Cathy Orr, professional organizer and co-founder of The Uncluttered Life Lauren Saltman, professional organizer and owner of Living. Simplified. LLC Jenny Dietsch, professional organizer and founder and CEO of Getting it Done Organizing Why Spring Is the Ideal Time for a Medicine Cabinet Clean-Out “Spring is a natural reset point,” shares Lauren Saltman, professional organizer. The task should be easier to remember if you add it to your annual checklist. "Small, consistent edits are what keep systems working long term." Plus, the timing aligns with an inherent habit shift. “As we transition out of winter, our routines shift. We’re spending more time outdoors, traveling, tackling home projects, and preparing for warmer-weather activities," Saltman explains. "That seasonal change often means different health and wellness needs. This typically means getting ready for spring allergy season, says Jenny Dietsch, founder and CEO of Getting it Done Organizing, as well as clearing out anything that is no longer safe to use. "No one wants to go to the store when they are under the weather," says Dietsch. How to Spring Clean Your Medicine Cabinet, Step by Step A seasonal re-organization of your medicine cabinet doesn’t have to be complicated or a huge time commitment. Here’s how to get the job done efficiently. Empty Your Medicine Cabinet Completely: This will help you see what you do (and don’t have). It’s important to edit before organizing, Saltman says. Give It a Clean: After the cabinet has been emptied, wipe down the interior to remove dust or caked-on product. An all-purpose spray and a clean microfiber cloth will get the job done quickly. Toss Items That are Expired or Unsafe: “Anything expired should be discarded properly, especially medications,” Saltman says. “Expired products can lose effectiveness and, in some cases, become unsafe. It’s also important to follow local guidelines for medication disposal rather than flushing or tossing certain items in the trash.” Focus on Essentials: As for your remaining items, evaluate through the lens of how often you use them. If you’re reaching for it daily (think your morning medicine or contact solution), it can stay. Professional organizer Cathy Orr recommends keeping practical essentials like antihistamines, nasal spray, saline solution, and anti-nausea medication. It’s best to limit the cabinet to what you use to make it easier to find what you need. Relocate What Doesn't Belong: Medicine cabinets work best when they stay health-focused, Orr says. That means your favorite perfume and makeup should be moved to another area. It's also not the place to store duplicates, adds Saltman. Too many items in a shallow medicine cabinet will cause frustration—and you won’t be able to see what you actually do have. Organize Items by Category: After editing your supplies, organize what's staying into clear categories. Grouping similar items (and labeling them accordingly) is one of Saltman’s favorite tips. She says it’s a helpful way for other members of the household to know where things go. Never organize without editing. Saltman calls this "essentially organizing clutter." Looks Great! Now, How to Keep It That Way First, consider tweaks that could make the space work better for you. Saltman recommends adjusting shelf heights if possible, so products stand upright and remain visible. Try using tiered risers or turntables to prevent small bottles from getting lost in the back. “Finally, build in a quick seasonal check-in," adds Saltman. "Even five minutes every few months to remove expired items and tidy categories will prevent clutter from creeping back in." Was this page helpful? Tell us why!