Never Store These 8 Things In Plastic Containers
Plastic bins are the go-to solution for attic and closet organization, but they aren't always the best protectors for your valuables. While they're great for blocking out external spills, they often create an internal environment that's harmful to sensitive materials. Trapped moisture, static electricity, and chemical off-gassing can all ruin your goods. Let’s look at which household items need a different home to stay in peak condition for years to come.
Leather Goods
Leather is a natural, porous material that actually needs to breathe to maintain its integrity. When you seal leather boots, jackets, or handbags in plastic bins, you're trapping moisture inside. This leads to a nightmare of mold, mildew, and eventual cracking as the fibers break down. It’s far better to use breathable cotton dust bags or a well-ventilated closet shelf. This keeps the leather supple and prevents that unmistakable musty smell from taking over.
Photographs
Storing physical photos in plastic containers is a risk for your most cherished memories. Plastic can trap heat and humidity, which causes photos to warp or even stick together in a solid block. Some plastics also release acidic gases that cause colors to fade or turn yellow over time. You're much safer using acid-free archival boxes or paper sleeves. These allow for tiny amounts of airflow while protecting the images from light and dust damage.
Natural Fabrics
Wool, silk, and cashmere are highly susceptible to damage when they're locked away in plastic totes. These natural fibers hold onto trace amounts of moisture that can’t escape a sealed bin, creating the perfect breeding ground for mildew. Plastic also offers no protection against the gases that can yellow white fabrics over time. Instead of plastic, try canvas storage bags or cedar chests. These options provide a breathable space that keeps your favorite sweaters smelling fresh.
Important Paper Documents
Your birth certificates, social security cards, and property deeds don't belong in a plastic tub. If even a tiny amount of humidity gets inside, it can cause the paper to ripple or grow mold. Furthermore, the ink on some documents can actually transfer onto the plastic surface due to heat and pressure, making the text unreadable. A fireproof metal safe or a sturdy filing cabinet is a much more secure and stable environment for your essential paperwork.
Sensitive Electronic Gadgets
Electronics and plastic can be a dangerous combination due to static electricity. Sliding devices in and out of a plastic bin can generate a static charge that might fry delicate internal circuits. Additionally, if you store them in an unheated area like a garage, the plastic container will trap condensation during temperature changes, leading to internal corrosion. It's smarter to keep your gadgets in anti-static bags or their original cardboard boxes in a climate-controlled room.
Vintage Hardcover Books
If you're a book lover, keep your collection far away from plastic bins. Books are extremely sensitive to humidity, which causes the pages to swell and the bindings to warp. Once mold starts growing in the tight spaces between pages, it’s nearly impossible to remove without professional help. Cockroaches and silverfish are also attracted to the glues in book bindings and can thrive in the dark, stagnant air of a plastic tub. Use open bookshelves instead.
Wax Candles
Candles might seem sturdy, but a plastic bin can act like a greenhouse if it's left in a warm spot. Even a little bit of sunlight can raise the temperature inside the bin enough to soften or melt the wax, causing your candles to lose their shape. The fragrance oils in high-quality candles can also react with certain types of plastic, leading to a sticky mess. Storing them in cardboard boxes in a cool, dark closet is the best way.
Battery Powered Devices
Never store devices with the batteries still inside them in a plastic bin. If a battery leaks, the plastic container traps the corrosive chemicals and fumes, which can ruin everything else in the box. The lack of ventilation also means that if a battery overheats, the heat has nowhere to go, increasing the risk of a fire. It's best to remove batteries for long-term storage and keep them in a dedicated, cool organizer made of non-conductive material.
It's easy to assume that a sealed lid means total protection, but now you know that isn't always the case. Taking a few minutes to swap out those plastic bins for breathable alternatives will save you a lot of heartbreak later. Take a look through the bins you have and see what ought to be moved, then find some nice cardboard, wood, or metal boxes to house them in instead.