Why Spring is the Perfect Time to Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet

by Steven Litas

As the weather warms up and spring cleaning gets underway, it’s not just your wardrobe or pantry that deserves a refresh, your medicine cabinet does too. Over time, medicines and health essentials can expire, get misplaced, or simply pile up. A seasonal clear-out can help keep your household safe, organised and prepared.

What to Look For When Spring Cleaning Your Medicines

When going through your medicine cabinet, check carefully for:

  • Expired medications – Always check the expiry date. Medicines past their use-by date may not work as effectively and can sometimes be harmful.

  • Broken seals or damaged packaging – If the packaging is broken, or the medicine looks or smells unusual, it’s best to dispose of it safely.

  • Medications you no longer take – Holding onto old prescriptions can cause confusion and risks. If you’ve stopped taking something, it’s best to clear it out.

  • Duplicates or unnecessary extras – You may find you’ve stocked up on more than you need of the same item.

💡 Tip: In Australia, the correct way to dispose of medication is to return it to a participating community pharmacy for safe disposal through the National Return and Disposal of Unwanted Medicines (NatRUM) Program. All medicines collected are incinerated, ensuring they do not end up harming people, pets, or the environment. You should never flush medicines or put them in your household bin. Simply bring them back to Padbury Pharmacy and we’ll take care of the rest.

Organising Your Medicine Cabinet

Once you’ve cleared out the old, it’s time to tidy up what’s left. A well-organised cabinet makes it easier to find what you need in a hurry. Try these simple tips:

  • Group by category – Keep pain relief, allergy medicines, cold and flu products, and first aid supplies in separate sections.

  • Use containers or baskets – Small storage boxes help keep everything neat and visible.

  • Label clearly – Especially useful for family homes where multiple people may be reaching into the cabinet.

  • Keep out of reach – Store medicines up high or in a locked box if you have young children.

Everyday Essentials You Might Forget

During spring cleaning, many people realise they’re missing some over-the-counter heroes that are handy to have on standby. Make sure your cabinet is stocked with:

  • Pain relief (paracetamol, ibuprofen)

  • Allergy relief (antihistamines, nasal sprays)

  • Cold & flu remedies

  • First aid basics (bandages, antiseptic cream, thermometers)

  • Digestive health (antacids, rehydration salts)

  • Sun protection (sunscreen – check it’s still in date!)

We’re Here to Help

Spring is the perfect time to make sure your family’s health essentials are safe, effective, and up to date. If you need advice on what to keep, what to replace, or which over-the-counter products suit your needs, our friendly team at Padbury Pharmacy is here to help.

Pop in today and let us help you restock your medicine cabinet so you’re prepared for every season

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