Safely Storing Chemicals in Your Garage

Some things we keep in our garages include cars, tools, gardening equipment, and bicycles. But another common thing we keep there are special chemicals for our cars’ maintenance, including antifreeze and window washing fluid, pesticides and fertilizers used for gardening, and other chemicals. 

Garage owners will have numerous chemicals and substances to store in their garage. Some of these can be rather volatile and even explosive substances. There’s a lot of information on the internet that guides storage space requirements and storage containers. This post is here to give you some simple tips on how you can store chemicals in your garage safely.

The Dangers of Improperly Storing Chemicals

Improperly storing chemicals in your garage can have serious consequences.

Let’s take a look at some of the ways that improper storage can harm you and your family.

Chemicals are often flammable, so if they’re in an area where they might get too hot or come into contact with an open flame, they could explode. This could cause serious burns and damage to your property, as well as damage to anyone who is nearby when it happens.

Chemicals can also be toxic to humans—and small children are especially vulnerable. They could die if they come into contact with chemicals and swallow them. This can happen even if the child touches a container of chemicals without ingesting them!

If you store chemicals in your garage, ensure that you always keep them out of reach from children!

During any home renovation projects, make sure you safely store paints in your garage to keep contractorsa and residents safe.

The Importance of Storing Chemicals Safely 

It’s important to store chemicals safely inside your garage because they can be dangerous if not handled properly.

Chemicals are often used in the home for cleaning and other household tasks, but they must be stored safely so that children or pets can’t come into contact with them.

Some chemicals should never be stored in the garage, including chlorine bleach, drain cleaners, and acids. These chemicals can cause serious burns if they come into contact with skin or eyes.

Other chemicals typically stored in garages include paints, pesticides, and other lawn care products that may have an odor. These items should also be kept out of reach of children and pets to avoid accidental ingestion or exposure to fumes they produce while being used.

Best Ways to Keep Chemicals Safely in Your Garage

Storing chemicals in your garage can be dangerous. Some chemicals are a source of household accidents. Therefore, keeping them stored safely is a must. Properly storing chemicals in your garage will keep your family safe. Here are some precautions that you might want to consider in storing chemicals in your garage to keep your home and family safe:

Keep Chemicals in Their Original Containers

Chemical Containers

It is important to keep chemicals in their original containers. This is because it is important to know the chemicals used and how to use them. If we transfer chemicals to different containers, we might forget what they are for, if they are safe to use on certain surfaces, and if there’s a need to add other chemicals or water before using them.

In addition, manufacturers produce chemicals in different kinds of containers. The plastic in one container may differ from the plastic used in another, and it can become contaminated, or it might not handle certain chemicals well, resulting in melting.

Properly Label Chemicals

Labeling

When storing household chemicals, it is important to label each container properly. At the same time, it is also important to remember their contents, in case you need to use them. After all, you don’t want to create a dangerous situation by mixing different chemicals. If ever you come across an unlabeled container and do not remember what it is or what’s inside it, dispose of it immediately. Do not try to identify the contents by sniffing or tasting them because some chemicals can be harmful if ingested or inhaled.

Keep Chemicals Out of Reach of Children

Children

When you have children at home, it is a good idea to store chemicals in a higher spot in your garage that is out of their reach. It’s best not to leave the chemicals on the floor or near the workbench; even though you can put them there for convenience’s sake, you should also consider your children’s height in this regard. When choosing a location for these substances, please consider their climbing ability. Make sure they are not easily accessible because doing so will help ensure their safety.

Keep Chemicals in Lockable Cabinets

Cabinet

If you don’t have a high shelf in your garage for storing chemicals, it is better to put them in cabinets with locks. These cabinets are better than shelves because they can protect your children from reaching chemicals like antifreeze and parts cleaner. They will also be able to protect them from open flames because most cabinets for chemicals are fireproof.

If you’re thinking about the space a storage cabinet will take up in your garage; you don’t have to worry because there are many options. You can choose from small or large storage cabinets that can be affixed to your garage’s walls.

Protect Chemicals from Extreme Temperature

When chemicals get extremely hot, they can catch fire or explode. That’s why keeping them away from direct sunlight and extremely hot areas like garages are important. It would be best if you did not store chemical containers near your furnace or radiator. And the same goes for chemicals that could be at risk during winter. You should find a good spot in your garage where the temperature is just right to store chemicals.

Preventing Accidental Exposure to Chemicals in Your Garage

Are you worried about the safety of your family in your garage?

If so, you’re not alone. Many people are concerned that their garage is not a safe place for their children to play, but they don’t know how to make it safer.

Fortunately, many ways to prevent accidental exposure to chemicals in your garage. Here are some of them:

  • Keep all harmful chemicals out of reach of children by storing them on high shelves or in locked cabinets.
  • Don’t store anything flammable near an open flame or heater.
  • Please ensure all electrical devices are unplugged when not in use and that all batteries are removed from toys before storing them away for long periods (and never leave batteries lying around).
  • Wipe up any spills immediately and dispose of any hazardous materials responsibly.

Conclusion

Like many homeowners, you probably use your garage for storage. If you have any flammable chemicals in those storage bins, however, the issue of chemical safety becomes a significant concern. There are various ways to protect your family and home from these hazards, so we hope this post helps to learn how you can safely store hazardous products in the garage with minimal risk.