Well, you shouldn’t. A garden expert has come out and revealed that extremely common items typically found in sheds – we’re guilty, my nan is ESPECIALLY guilty – could actually be hazardous in the long run.
Of course, a little mess can’t hurt, but storing certain items inside can increase the risk of your shed catching fire or attracting pests like rats.
As cleaning-up season approaches, experts from Dunster House warn shed owners about which items should definitely be thrown out and how to dispose of them properly.
What are the things you shouldn’t keep in your shed?
Paints, solvents and thinners
Keeping paints, solvents and thinners in a shed is a common mistake as they are highly sensitive to temperature changes. If the shed is your go-to place for storing paints, you may have to throw them out as part of a spring clean, as cold weather can cause them to freeze and separate. During warm weather, heat can make them unstable or unusable.
Instead, paint should be stored according to the manufacturer’s instructions, which are typically in a cool, dry, indoor spot (such as a closet or utility room) with a consistent temperature, ideally between 15-25°C (60-80°F), avoiding extreme heat, direct sunlight, and freezing conditions.
Fertiliser, weed killers and garden chemicals
Although it makes sense to store garden essentials in a garden shed, that doesn’t include chemicals. These products can clump, leak or break down when it’s really damp, while extreme cold or heat can reduce their effectiveness or make them unsafe to handle.
Poorly stored chemicals can also release harmful fumes or pose a risk to pets and wildlife. These products are best kept in their original containers, sealed and stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from living spaces and food items.
If you’re storing bags of compost and fertiliser in the shed, they should be raised off the floor using pallets, old boards, or bricks. If you have any open bags, seal or transfer them into lidded containers to keep moisture and pests out.
Electronics and batteries
Electronics and batteries don’t fare well in shed conditions. Fluctuating temperatures and moisture can damage internal components, leading to corrosion and a shortened lifespan. It’s best to store them indoors in a dry space, ideally inside a sealed, moisture-resistant container.
Pests are another reason for keeping electronics out of sheds altogether. Rodents often seek warmth in outbuildings during colder months and may chew through cables and chargers, causing costly damage to electrical equipment.
All flammable waste, petrol, fuel and oily rags
Petrol, propane canisters, paints and some solvents are highly flammable, and even a small spark can pose a serious fire risk, particularly in wooden sheds.
It’s not just liquid fuels that are dangerous. Oily rags and cloths can self-heat over time and ignite without warning. When stored in enclosed spaces, especially during warmer weather, the risk of spontaneous combustion increases significantly.
For safety, these items should be stored in a container or structure designed specifically for flammable materials, such as a ventilated metal unit positioned well away from the house or boundary. Fire hazards often stem from small oversights, making this one risk homeowners shouldn’t take.
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Food, pet food or animal feed
Any food that can spoil, attract pests or be affected by heat and moisture should be kept out of the shed. Sheds aren’t designed to maintain stable, cool conditions, which makes them unsuitable for storing food safely.
Items such as dairy, meat and eggs require consistent temperatures to prevent spoilage and bacterial growth, conditions a shed simply can’t provide. The same applies to pet food, particularly opened bags or tins, as heat can cause fats to turn rancid and humidity can encourage mould or attract pests.
Sheds are far better suited to non-perishable items only, and even then, food storage should be kept to a minimum wherever possible.
Paper & Photos
Damp air, temperature fluctuations, and poor ventilation can cause documents, photographs and books to warp, fade or grow mould, potentially ruining them beyond repair. Mice and rats that may infiltrate the shed, including some insects, can also destroy paper, packaging and stored belongings without obvious signs until it’s too late
Important documents, photographs, artwork, cash and sentimental items should always be stored indoors in a dry, temperature-stable space. If items need to be archived, use sealed, moisture-resistant containers, and keep them well away from areas prone to condensation or leaks.
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