Homeowners are being urged to rethink what they store in their garden sheds this summer.
Outbuilding experts at GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk have shared seven common household items that should be kept away from outdoor storage this summer.
Sheds can become very hot during summer in the UK, and surprisingly humid, with internal temperatures reaching up to 10 degrees hotter than outside. *
A lack of insulation or airflow means heat can quickly build up and stay trapped inside.
But while sheds provide excellent storage for many items such as bikes and garden equipment, there are some items that require more suitable storage.
The experts share that items such as electronics, aerosols, and gas canisters can pose potential fire risks in certain cases, while treasured memories in the form of photographs could suffer permanent damage if exposed to prolonged heat.
A spokesperson for GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk said: “It’s easy to think of your shed as a place for all storage, but many everyday items simply aren’t designed to withstand the heat and humidity that builds up inside over summer.
“Electronics, aerosols, and gas canisters are a major concern – not only can they get damaged, but they create a potential fire hazard for you as well.
“We’re encouraging homeowners to take stock of what’s in their shed now before the warm weather really kicks in.
“People don’t often realise something has spoiled or warped until it’s too late. A quick check now could save both money and memories later.”
Seven items you shouldn’t store in the shed during summer:
Electronics
Extreme heat inside a shed can damage internal components of various electronic items. While lithium-ion batteries – common in phones, laptops, and power tools – are sensitive to heat as well, causing batteries to swell, leak, or even catch fire in extreme cases.
Paint
It’s generally not recommended to store paint in a shed, especially during the summer months where extreme temperatures can damage it. High temperatures can cause paint to thicken or dry out and separate, making it unusable.
Aerosols and gas canisters
These should be kept out of the shed altogether during summer as they pose serious safety risks when exposed to high temperatures. Heat can increase the internal pressure inside the can which could cause canisters to rupture or even explode. While many aerosols contain flammable propellants, making them a potential fire hazard in the event of any leaks.
Candles and other wax items
Wax typically melts or warps in heat, and a typical UK shed in summer can easily exceed the temperature that candles and wax start to soften. Scented candles can also lose their fragrance strength when exposed to prolonged heat.
Food
Food should never be stored in a shed during summer, and that includes items such as canned foods or dried goods that often have longer shelf lives. High heat can spoil food faster, cause packaging to split, and encourage bacteria growth, even in sealed products.
Cardboard boxes
Humid conditions can weaken the structure of cardboard by absorbing moisture easily. This causes cardboard boxes to soften and grow mould or mildew, while it can also attract insects and rodents.
Photographs
Don’t allow memories to be ruined forever. Photographs exposed to heat and humidity can result in irreversible damage. High temperatures can cause photo paper to wrap or curl and colours to fade, while humidity encourages mould and mildew.
