Using plastic bins for storage is convenient. However, not everything belongs in them. Certain items can be damaged or degraded when stored in plastic, leading to unexpected issues. Knowing what not to store in plastic bins helps protect valuable belongings and ensures they remain in good condition.
Chemicals
Chemicals can react with plastic which causes degradation or leaching. Contamination can accumulate and lead to dangerous situations. Plastic bins might not withstand corrosive substances. Spills could lead to contamination of other stored items. Safety labels may become illegible over time and ventilation needs are not often met in these bins. Specialized containers made from certain compounds are necessary for proper storage of chemicals.
Food
Food typically has a shelf life of a few days to many years. Whether it is human or pet food, keeping them in plastic bins can trap moisture, promoting mold growth. Pests may be attracted to food odors seeping through. Temperature fluctuations in storage areas affect food quality. Plastic may transfer chemicals to edibles over time. Airtight seals on bins might not be sufficient for long-term food preservation. Plus, keeping several food products together raises the danger of cross-contamination.
Artwork or Photos
Plastic can release harmful chemicals, thereby damaging delicate artworks within a few weeks or months. Humidity trapped in bins may cause photos to stick together. UV light passing through clear bins fades over time. Temperature changes inside bins lead to condensation, risking water damage. Plasticizers deteriorate the bin quality, degrading the artwork or photo condition. Acid-free archival storage is preferable for preserving these items as plastic does not provide proper protection against physical damage.
Leather Products
Leather needs to breathe, which plastic bins prevent. Moisture buildup in sealed containers leads to mold growth. Changes in temperature affect leather, causing the substance to split. Plastic may transfer chemicals to the leather surface and lack of air circulation can cause leather items to develop an unpleasant odor. Proper leather storage requires breathable fabric covers or specialized boxes.
Batteries
Batteries can leak corrosive substances and damage the plastic bins within a few months. Short circuits may occur if batteries touch metal objects in storage. Temperature extremes in plastic containers affect battery performance and lifespan. Plastic does not provide proper protection against potential battery fires. Adequate battery storage requires specialized containers with ventilation or you can keep it in the original packages.
Wine
Wine bottles need consistent temperature and humidity levels. Plastic bins do not provide proper insulation against temperature fluctuations. Light exposure through clear bins can degrade the quality of the wine. Horizontal storage is crucial for cork preservation. It is challenging to maintain this in plastic bins. Wine labels also may stick to plastic surfaces in humid conditions. For this reason, specific racks or cellars are needed for storing wine.
Electronics
Electronic components that are sensitive can be harmed by static electricity accumulation in plastic. When using or charging the electronics, the lack of airflow might cause overheating. Moisture trapped in sealed bins risks water damage to devices. Plastic does not offer sufficient protection against physical impacts. Temperature extremes in storage areas affect battery life and overall device performance. Specialized anti-static containers are preferable for electronic storage.
Clothing and Delicate Fabric
Plastic bins trap moisture which can potentially lead to the growth of mildew on fabrics. A musty stench in clothing might arise from inadequate air circulation. Delicate fabrics may snag in rough plastic edges. Moreover, plastic containers do not deter months and other fabric pests effectively. Long-term storage in such bins can cause yellowing or discoloration of white fabrics. Breathable garment bags or cotton storage boxes are better alternatives.
Soap
Odors from scented soaps can seep into plastic and contaminate the bin along with other objects kept together. Moisture buildup in sealed containers may cause soap to become mushy. Essential oils in natural soaps can react with plastic over time. For soap bars to follow dry between applications, air is necessary. Soda ash accumulation on the surface of soaps can occur due to its storage in plastic. Breathable containers or open-air storage are preferable for soap.
Important Documents
Plastic bins do not provide adequate protection against water damage or fires. Humidity trapped inside can cause documents to stick together or develop mold. Plastic may react with inks or papers over time, causing degradation. Temperature fluctuations in storage areas can affect document integrity. Acid-free, archival-quality storage boxes are more suitable for important papers. Alternatively, fireproof safes offer better protection for crucial documents.
Shoes
Shoes need air circulation to prevent odor buildup. The development of mold on the fabric of the shoes. It can result from the moisture trapped in plastic bins. Lack of ventilation may cause glues and materials to break down faster. Plastic storage does not allow shoes to maintain their shapes properly. Acidic off-gassing from some shoes can react with plastic over time. Breathable shoe bags or open shelving systems are better storage options.
Metal Items
Metals can react with chemicals in plastic which can lead to corrosion. Rust development is accelerated by moisture contained in such sealed bins. Lack of air circulation may cause metal items to develop patina prematurely. Plastic does not offer sufficient protection against scratches or dents. Additionally, variations in storage temperature have an impact on the metal’s state. Proper metal storage requires climate-controlled environments or specialized containers with desiccants.
Anything Damp or Wet
Moisture trapped in plastic bins creates an environment for mold and mildew. Sealed bins cannot adequately dry wet things. Humidity buildup may damage other stored items. Plus, plastic does not allow for proper air circulation needed to prevent musty odors. Water can pool at the bottom of the bins, risking damage to container contents. For moist materials, drying them in the open air or keeping them in breathable storage is essential.
Collectible Items
Plastic bins do not provide stable protection against temperature and humidity changes. Inadequate cushioning increases the chances of breaking fragile items. Clear bins may expose the items to harmful UV light which can lead to fading. Plastic may react with certain materials used in collectibles. Specialized display cases or archival-quality storage boxes are ideal for preserving valuable collectibles.