Things You Shouldn't Store in Your Garage Cabinets

Your garage does a great service by protecting your car against the elements. More people use their garage door as an entrance than their front door for the first time in history, thanks to the automation of garage doors. A garage has become a standard storage space for things we might want later.

By offering a selection of high quality cabinets and other storage solutions, we make it possible to have a garage which is suitable both as a place to park the car and as a place to store possessions. But, there are some things a garage should never be used to store. Today, we’re going to look at those things, and if you happen to have them stored in your garage, consider relocating them.

Flammables

Gasoline, propane, even cans of hairspray are all subject the the whims of intense heat. These are all dangerous as a vapor. If you must store flammable objects, please store the somewhere where they aren’t subject to sparks from pilot lights or aren’t attached to the house in the event they do cause a fire.

Refrigerator (or freezer)

It seems like a perfect spot to put a spare refrigerator, but, if you consider the extremes, possibly not. If it’s too hot, the refrigerator takes the cold from the freezer section and it sends the compressor into overdrive to cool the freezer. This rough cycle shortens the life of the refrigerator. But, if it’s too cold, the refrigerator and freezer both freeze.

In between, when it’s cold enough in the garage to keep the refrigerator food fresh, the thermometer thinks everything is fine and the compressor (which cools the freezer first) never goes on. Everything in the freezer melts.

The solution, if you insist on having a garage refrigerator, is to get one with a dual thermometer setup (fridge and freezer) or to insulate the garage, or even just an area for the refrigerator.

Food

In higher temperatures, food goes bad. This includes pet food, which always carries the admonition to store in a cool, dry place, and canned food, which can spoil in temperatures over 85 degrees. Dry food will also be the dinner bell for rodents and bugs, as a garage is generally sealed less tightly than a home.

Paper

Paper includes thing like books and journals. It may not seem possible, but paper is extremely delicate and subject to decay, either by moisture, which causes it to mold, or by dry air, which causes it to yellow and become brittle. In the spirit of preservation, a homeowner may use sealed tubs to store them, which will have the added benefit of keeping them safe from roaches, silverfish, and spiders. But, truly, if they’re of any value, keep them in the house.

Fabrics

Fabrics are similar to paper in that the heat will make them rot in short order. If they are clothing and have elastic, that will also rot. Pests, including mice, think of fabric as the perfect nesting spot. Cotton fabric needs to ‘breathe’, as well.

Anything which doesn’t handle wild temperature fluctuations

Furniture, paint, toys, and other materials which don’t handle heat well should remain in the house. It should also be noted that anything which can handle heat fluctuations, but isn’t stored in a tightly sealed container will be subject to the fumes of your car every time you start or run it in the car, so expect some residue film as a result.

If you find yourself in need of garage cabinets or other garage storage solutions, why not give us a call?

Quick Response Garage Cabinets provides excellent and secure storage solutions for your residential garage needs. 602-726-2211 or book an appointment online today!