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Three Factors that Influence What Not to Store in Your Garage

Garage storage can be incredibly versatile, but not all items are suited for this environment. Understanding what shouldn’t be stored in your garage is key to maintaining a safe and efficient space. 

In this post, we’ll explore three critical factors that influence what items are best kept out of your garage. By the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of how to make smarter storage choices.

Let’s delve into these factors and understand why certain items simply don’t thrive in a garage setting.

An organized indoor house garage storage

Are The Items Temperature Dependent?

Temperature has a direct impact on what items will be preserved in your garage and what items will not. High temperatures as well as low temperatures can negatively impact the physical appearance, the texture, and taste of the items that are stored in your garage.

Wine

Wine, for example, doesn’t fare well in a hot, humid garage. If wine is stored in fluctuating conditions for too long, it can spoil. 

This happens when the wine oxidizes, meaning the heat and moisture cause the cork to loosen, letting air in and contaminating the wine. One night in a garage won’t ruin wine, but five months might.

Beer

Beer also doesn’t do well in warm temperatures over extended periods. The quality of beer declines if it’s kept warm too long. A night in the garage won’t ruin a twelve-pack, but storing it there for months without refrigeration will affect its taste.

Paint

Paint isn’t suitable for garage storage either, as temperature changes can alter its consistency. If paint gets too hot or too cold, it can separate or thicken, becoming unusable.

Wood Furniture

Wood is sensitive to humid, moist environments like a garage. It’s better to find another place for wood furniture since garages often lack proper insulation and become very humid in summer, which can warp or crack the wood over time.

Are Any Of The Items Considered Hazardous?

There’s often confusion about storing hazardous materials in a garage. Some can be stored safely with precautions, while others should never be kept in an attached garage, which is directly connected to your home.

Propane Tanks

People often keep extra propane tanks in garages without considering safety guidelines. Propane is highly flammable and doesn’t handle heat well. In winter, you can store propane tanks outside on plywood or concrete, away from the house. 

In summer, keep them in a shaded, ventilated area, or in a detached garage, away from electrical or flammable items. For more on propane storage, visit Amerigas.com.

Gasoline Tanks

Gasoline is extremely dangerous and should not be stored near your home, including in an attached garage. It’s safer to store gasoline in a detached structure like a shed, which provides a stable temperature. For more information on gasoline storage, visit Exxon.com.

Cleaning Products

Most cleaning products can be stored in a garage if safety measures are followed. Always read the label for storage instructions. Products like bleach and ammonia should be kept in a separate storage unit within the garage to maintain the correct temperature. 

For more on storing cleaning products, visit Napaonline.com.

Do Any Of The Items Attract Vermin?

Any items that attract vermin are discouraged from being stored in a garage, as they will not be able to be consumed in the long term. Here are a few prime examples:

Canned Food

Storing food in a garage can attract pests, making it unsafe to eat long-term. For example, canned goods can draw insects and spoil in humid garage conditions. A pack of kidney beans stored for months might rust or spoil due to fluctuating temperatures or insect contamination.

Pet Food

Pet food, like canned food, attracts insects in damp, humid garages. Over time, pet food stored in a garage may spoil and become unsafe for pets due to possible contamination. A day in the garage is fine, but long-term storage is not advisable.

Clothing

Storing clothes in a garage is not recommended, even if sealed. Clothes in moist environments attract insects like moths, especially fabrics made from animal products. Additionally, car fumes can seep into fabrics, making them smell like motor oil.

Bedding

Bedding items, such as linens and comforters, shouldn’t be stored in garages due to the risk of mold from the humidity. The longer they’re stored, the higher the risk of damage.

Cardboard Products

Many of us store cardboard boxes in garages, but it’s not ideal. Animals can chew through boxes, damaging the contents, and cardboard absorbs moisture, leading to mold and mildew.

Final Thoughts

Considering the above factors when storing items in your garage will prevent you from making common garage storage errors. If you’re considering, for example, storing the spare bottle of wine in your garage, think about how temperature may impact the overall quality of the wine.

Additionally, reconsider storing hazardous materials in alternative locations, aside from your garage. Finally, locate alternative locations when storing items that may attract vermin.

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A garage wall with bike hooks and hanging bikes

FAQs

Ensure that cleaning products are stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Use a separate storage unit within the garage to maintain stable temperatures.
Yes, but they should be kept in well-sealed containers and stored separately to prevent any chemical reactions. It’s also important to avoid extreme temperature fluctuations.
It’s best to store cleaning supplies on sturdy shelves to prevent spills and leaks. Keeping them off the floor also reduces the risk of damage from moisture.
Avoid storing products that are highly sensitive to temperature changes or that are highly flammable without proper ventilation and safety measures.
Use clear, labeled containers and keep similar products together. Install shelves or cabinets to keep items organized and easily accessible.
Immediately clean up the spill with appropriate materials, such as absorbent cloths or cat litter. Ensure the area is well-ventilated and dispose of the waste according to the product’s disposal instructions.

Create a Safer, More Organized Garage with Creative Closets

At Creative Closets, we specialize in transforming garages into organized, efficient spaces. Our custom storage solutions ensure your items are stored safely and properly, whether you need shelves for cleaning supplies, cabinets for tools, or secure spaces for seasonal items.

If you’re ready to revamp your garage storage, contact us at (425) 428-5073 to schedule a free consultation.