The Items You Should Never Keep In Your Basement

Jul 2, 2023

Basements provide a valuable advantage for fortunate homeowners. They present a cooler environment with ample room, creating numerous possibilities for extended living areas or convenient storage solutions. Nevertheless, challenges such as increasing temperatures and elevated humidity levels may potentially harm your stored possessions or invite undesirable pests. To provide insight into this matter, we consulted experts in the field of home management.

Flammables Stuff 

Any item with the potential to emit light or heat should be kept out of the basement. Items such as propane tanks, paint, or kerosene should not find a home downstairs. The logic behind this caution is that basements often house water heaters, which act as a heat source and can become susceptible to combustion. For instance, storing paint in the basement can result in shifts in temperature that ultimately alter the paint's color over time. This could be problematic if you intend to use the paint for touch-ups, as its appearance may not remain consistent after dwelling in the basement for an extended period. This advice also extends to cleaning supplies. It's wiser to reserve a space in a pantry or beneath a bathroom cabinet for these items. This way, they are conveniently accessible for sprucing up the house when needed, while also being shielded from the influence of fluctuating temperatures. 

 

Fabrics 

The possibility of mold growth becomes a significant issue when it comes to storing items like clothing, rugs, and various other fabrics in the basement. This concern is compounded by the fact that fabric can serve as a hospitable habitat for an array of pests, ranging from insects to rodents. Natural fabrics, in particular, are highly vulnerable to deterioration when stored downstairs. 

To counter these challenges, specialists suggest a practical solution: store fabrics that must be kept in the basement within sealed plastic containers. This protective measure helps minimize the risk of mold development and shields the fabrics from potential pest infestations. 

 

 

Electronic Devices 

It's crucial to avoid storing record players and various types of electronic devices, whether they are modern or older models, in your basement. The presence of moisture and fluctuations in temperature can lead to the malfunctioning of electronics, a phenomenon familiar to anyone who has accidentally submerged their phone. If you have intentions of selling these items or utilizing them to enjoy classic albums or CDs, it's advisable to relocate them to an upper-level space or a controlled environment where the climate can be regulated. This precautionary measure helps safeguard the functionality and longevity of these electronic devices. 

Related Blog Posts

Blogs

Home Repair Tips & Tricks

The Smartest Organizing Tips For Your Basement


Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.