You Should NEVER Store This Common Item in Your Garage
When you don't have room for something inside the house, chances are it's going in the garage. Garages often serve as a storage space for everything that doesn't fit in the closet, kitchen or bedroom (or anywhere else for that matter). While it's convenient to have a catchall space, it's important to note that not everything should be stored in the garage.
There are a few key factors to consider when it comes to garage storage — the inability to regulate temperature and the potential for pests to get in. Our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Improvement and Outdoor Lab are here to explain which things you should never store in the garage.
Paint
While it's not necessarily unsafe to store paint in the garage, high or low temperatures can affect the quality. "Paint shouldn’t go there, because temperature swings can degrade it," says Dan DiClerico, Director of the Home Improvement and Outdoor Lab in the Institute.
Firewood
The garage might seem like a good place to keep firewood safe from wet weather, but it can actually bring pests into your home if you don't thoroughly check it beforehand. Plus, without proper ventilation, mold and mildew could form on your firewood.
Gasoline
When stored in the garage, gasoline and propane tanks can become a potential fire hazard. "Gasoline is best kept in an outdoor shed. That’s because garages often have equipment with pilot lights, like a water heater. Vapors from stored fuel could react with the open flame and cause an explosion," says DiClerico.
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Electronics
Electronics should not be stored in a space that gets super cold in the winter or extremely hot in the summer. Because garages are not temperature controlled, they are not a safe space to store any sort of electronics.
Garbage
If you keep your garbage in your garage, you could be attracting pests and critters without even knowing. Your trash is a rodent and insect magnet, especially when not properly sealed. DiClerico especially warns against keeping garbage in your garage if you park your car inside: "Mice are known to nest under car hoods, especially in colder months, when the engine keeps them warm."
Books and Paper
Paper is affected by excess moisture, so if your garage experiences high humidity, it's best to keep all books and important papers inside the house. Not only could pages begin to curl, but they could also become moldy over time.
Pet Food
Pet food doesn't only attract your dogs or cats — it can also attract critters from outside. Keep pet food in the kitchen with the rest of your food to avoid welcoming in any pests.
Clothes and Other Linens
Avoid storing clothing, bedding, towels or any other fabrics in the garage. Insects like moths can actually eat through clothing, and humidity can cause mold to grow. Plus, you don't want any musty odors transferring onto your linens anyway.
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Photos and Art
Since most physical photos or pieces of artwork are one of a kind, you'll want to find a safe space for them. Like paper, photos and other artwork are susceptible to damage from pests and mildew.
All Food
Like your garbage and pet food, snacks and food of any kind will attract insects and rodents into your garage. And while you may assume canned goods are safe, they're actually susceptible to damage from extreme temperatures.
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Oily Rags
Refrain from leaving any oily rags in the garage — they could catch fire, according to DiClerico. "After working on the car in the garage or doing a DIY project that involves an oil-based wood finish, you might be tempted to leave behind a pile of oily rags. Don’t! The oxidation process can result in temperatures that are high enough for the oil to spontaneously combust, causing the risk of serious fire," he says.
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