Why do some things literally “die” when left in the garage during the cold months? Some items change shape, lose functionality, or even become dangerous when exposed to low temperatures. What is not good to store in the garage during the winter?
Why it's important to know what not to store in garages in the winter? When temperatures drop below freezing, the garage often turn into a landfill everything that doesn't find a place in the house. But few people think that the cold, humidity and an unheated space can seriously damage items that at first glance seem safe to store.
Tools, car accessories, or household items may seem like logical choices for the garage, but winter can bend their durability and reliability in unexpected ways. So it's good to know, what simply doesn't belong there in winterto avoid breakdowns, additional costs or even dangerous situations.
8 things you shouldn't store in the garage in winter
1. Paints and varnishes
Low temperatures can change paints and varnishes more than you might think. When liquids thicken or separate into layers in a cold environment, the product loses its quality and is often no longer usable.
Many people think that sealed cans of paint are safe in the garage, but in the winter their chemical composition completely changes, leading to uneven application.
2. Electronic devices
Electronics and cold simply don't mix. Condensation from rapid temperature changes can damage internal components, and batteries can drain faster or even swell.
Storage computer equipment, speakers, cables and other devices in the garage causes degradation of materials and a shorter lifespan.
3. Bottled drinks
Many people store juices, wine, or even sodas in the garage without thinking about the consequences. When the liquid freezes, it expands, which can cause the bottles to crack or the contents to spill.
In addition to the danger of broken glass, there is also the risk of injury. carbonated drinks However, the pressure during freezing further increases the risk of explosion.
4. Seeds and fertilizers
Garden materials are more delicate than they seem. Seeds lose their germination capacity when exposed to moisture and cold air, and fertilizers can change their structure and effectiveness.
Frost affects nutrient composition, which reduces the results of spring planting and results in a poorer harvest.
5. Wooden objects
Wood absorbs moisture in low temperatures, which can lead to cracking, warping, or even mold. Tools with wooden handles, decorative pieces, or furniture can become humidity fluctuations They lose their shape and stability. When a garage door is opened and closed repeatedly, a temperature shock occurs, which puts even more strain on the wood.
6. Adhesives and sealants
The majority glue loses its adhesive strength at low temperatures. The chemical bonds that provide strength and elasticity break down in the cold. This means that the product will no longer perform the task for which it was intended after repeated use. The same applies to sealants, which lose their flexibility when frozen.
7. Power tools and all equipment with lithium-ion batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are extremely sensitive to cold. Low temperatures cause a drop in capacity, cell damage, increased risk of failure, and a shorter lifespan.
Power tools, cordless vacuum cleaners, portable batteries and other battery-powered devices should be stored in a warm and stable space.
8. Canned goods
While it may seem convenient to store pickles or sauces in the garage, low temperatures can ruin the packaging or change the texture and taste of the contents. Metal cans can rust and glass cans can crack.
