Storing These 8 Things In Your Garage Could Cause A Fire
Garages are used like handy catch-alls for most people. Paint cans, propane tanks, firewood, it’s easy to just shove things in there and forget about them. But some of the stuff we store in garages can actually be dangerous, especially when it comes to fire. With heat, sparks, or even just poor ventilation, a few everyday items can quickly become hazards. If it’s been a while since you’ve given your garage a second look, now’s a good time to check if you have any of these things in there.
Firewood
You would think that firewood belongs near the garage, right? But storing logs inside can invite pests, mold, and yes, fire risks. Dry wood burns easily, and if it’s piled near chemicals, tools, or your car, it’s not hard to imagine how that could end badly. Try stacking firewood at least 30 feet from your house, under a tarp or cover. It’ll keep better out there anyway and won’t put your home in danger.
Rags Soaked in Oil or Stain
It’s easy to toss a used rag in the corner after staining the deck or oiling a tool, but oily cloths can spontaneously combust! That means they can catch fire without a flame or spark, just from a chemical reaction with the air. It sounds wild, but it’s true. Let those rags dry completely before you bring them inside by spreading them out flat before disposing of them. Tossing them into a pile in your garage is just asking for trouble.
Aerosol Cans
Hairspray, bug spray, spray paint, whatever the contents, aerosol cans can explode if they get too hot. And garages are known to get hot, especially if they’re not insulated or have bad ventilation. When pressurized cans overheat, they can burst without warning, and if they’re near anything flammable, you’ve got a dangerous situation on your hands. Instead, store aerosols in a space where the temperature stays more stable. A hallway closet is a better option than a steamy summer garage.
Paint and Paint Thinner
Most paints, but especially solvents like paint thinner, are flammable. On hot days, the temperature in your garage can climb higher than you think, and those fumes can really start to build. Plus, old paint cans have a bad habit of leaking or rusting without you noticing. It’s better to keep them in a cool, dry place that’s away from living areas, and to dispose of old ones properly if you aren’t going to use them again.
Batteries
We all have a drawer full of random batteries that we should probably get rid of, but some folks also keep backup car or tool batteries in the garage. Unfortunately, batteries can overheat, especially lithium-ion ones, and they’ve been known to catch fire if damaged or exposed to high temps. If you store batteries in your garage, keep them cool, dry, and away from flammable materials. It’s also smart to check for bulging, corrosion, or leaks every now and then.
Cardboard Boxes
You might not think of cardboard as dangerous, but in a garage, it can act like kindling for a fire. Combine dry boxes with flammable liquids or power tools that throw sparks, and it’s not a great mix. Cardboard also attracts pests, which is another headache altogether. If you need storage, switch to plastic bins with tight-fitting lids. They’re safer, neater, and a lot less likely to feed a fire if something goes wrong.
Propane Tanks
A propane tank sitting in a closed garage is like a ticking time bomb. It only takes a bit of heat or a small leak for things to get dangerous fast. Propane is highly flammable, and if there’s no ventilation, the fumes can build up without you realizing it. It’s safer to store tanks outdoors in a shaded spot where air can move freely around them. You don’t want your weekend BBQ fuel turning into a fire hazard.
Gasoline
It’s tempting to keep a gas can handy in your garage for your mower or snowblower, but gasoline vapors are no joke. They can ignite from something as simple as a spark from a power tool or even static electricity. Even sealed cans can leak fumes. If you do need to keep gas around, use approved containers and store them in a shed that isn’t attached to your house, if you have one. Your garage is one of the worst places for it.
Think Twice Before You Stash It In The Garage
It’s easy to treat the garage like a space for overflow storage. But because it's full of heat, tools, and electricity, it's also one of the more fire-prone areas of the house. Taking a little time to remove risky items or rethink your storage could actually prevent a fire down the line. A clean, safe garage doesn’t just look good, it also gives you peace of mind. And that’s something worth clearing out space for.