Your garage often becomes the go-to spot for everything from tools to paint cans to cleaners, but have you ever stopped to consider how you’re storing those chemicals? It’s easy to overlook, but improper chemical storage can be a real safety hazard. From toxic fumes to fire risks, there are several common mistakes people make when tucking away chemicals in their garage.
Ready to make sure your garage stays safe? Let’s cover some things you need to avoid when storing chemicals, so you don’t put your home—or yourself—in danger.
Mistake #1: Unlabeled Containers
Picture this: you pour leftover chemicals into a random container, promising yourself you’ll remember what’s inside. Weeks later, you’ve completely forgotten. Bad move.
Transferring chemicals into unlabeled containers is a quick way to create confusion—and potential danger. If you or someone else stumbles across that container later on, there’s no way to know what’s in it or what kind of precautions to take when handling it.
How to Avoid This: To store chemicals safely, you need to always label any container that holds chemicals. Even if you think you’ll remember, it’s not worth the risk of guessing later. And make sure those labels are durable—cheap, smudged markers won’t do the trick.
Mistake #2: Ignoring Temperature Control
Most garages aren’t exactly climate-controlled, and that can be a problem. If your garage gets freezing in the winter or feels like a sauna in the summer, those temperature extremes can mess with the chemicals you’re storing.
Some chemicals can become unstable or lose effectiveness if exposed to extreme heat or cold. Worse, some might even become flammable or hazardous. For instance, flammable liquids like gasoline should be stored in cool, shaded areas—keeping them too close to heat sources like water heaters is a disaster waiting to happen.
How to Fix This: Check the labels on your chemicals. They often indicate the proper storage temperature range. If your garage doesn’t maintain a safe temperature year-round, you might need to relocate sensitive chemicals to a more controlled environment.
Mistake #3: Storing Incompatible Chemicals Together
Not all chemicals are meant to be neighbors. Storing certain chemicals together can lead to dangerous reactions. For example, mixing bleach and ammonia produces toxic gases. Acids and bases, when stored too close together, can create corrosive or even explosive results.
The Solution: Separate chemicals by category. Flammable liquids, corrosive materials, and acids should all have their designated spots in your garage. Don’t just toss everything on one shelf.
Mistake #4: Poor Ventilation
A stuffy garage is bad news if you’ve got chemicals sitting around. Many chemicals release fumes, even when they’re closed up, and poor ventilation increases the risk of fume buildup. A garage filled with fumes from things like paint thinners or gasoline is a serious fire hazard—and not something you want to mess with.
To avoid this, ensure your garage has adequate airflow. This might mean cracking a window or door, especially when working with or handling chemicals. If your garage lacks natural ventilation, consider installing a fan or ventilation system to keep air moving.
Mistake #5: Storing Chemicals in Damaged Containers
Those old, beat-up containers in your garage might seem harmless, but storing chemicals in damaged or deteriorating containers is a big no-no. Cracked or rusted containers can lead to leaks, which can damage surfaces and expose you to toxic chemicals.
Even worse, deteriorating containers might not seal properly, allowing dangerous fumes to escape into your garage.
Quick Fix: Regularly inspect the containers storing your chemicals. If you see any signs of wear and tear, transfer the contents into a new, appropriate container, and don’t forget to label it!
Mistake #6: Accumulating Too Many Chemicals
Garages tend to be the place where everything ends up. But accumulating too many chemicals can make it hard to keep track of what you have—and more importantly, how to store everything safely.
More chemicals equal more potential for accidents, especially when they’re tucked away haphazardly or forgotten about.
Take stock of what you actually need. Get rid of anything you no longer use, and be sure to dispose of chemicals properly—many local communities have hazardous waste collection sites where you can safely drop off unused chemicals.
Making Your Garage Safer
Storing chemicals in your garage isn’t inherently dangerous, but doing it wrong definitely is. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can help ensure that your garage remains a safe and functional space, rather than a potential hazard.
Take the time to review what’s sitting in your garage right now. Are those chemicals stored correctly? Are the labels clear? Is the ventilation adequate? Small changes in how you handle and store chemicals can make a big difference in keeping your garage safe for everyone.
