For most things, plastic containers can appear as the ideal storage solution. They can be excellent for shielding your favorite items from dampness, flooding, and pests because they are fairly impermeable. However, some items are just not meant to be kept in plastic bins, and you most likely have some of those items in your possession right now.
Take a look at our list of things you should never store in plastic bins as well as our recommendations for alternative kinds of bins before you start packing everything into them.
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Things You Should Never Store In a Plastic Bin
Leather
Plastic should not be used to store leather since it might cause damage and stickiness. Cracking leather can also result from moisture seeping into your leather products.
Pictures
Photographs kept in plastic containers may become distorted, fade, or stick together due to heat and moisture. The best option for you would be to search for storage containers made specifically for storing images. Make sure the containers are marked “archival quality” because they won’t contain any acids or other chemicals that could damage your photos.
Technology
For delicate equipment, a plastic container in a well-ventilated space (like your bedroom closet) might be OK. However, keeping a plastic container in an area where there are variations in humidity and temperature, such as your basement or attic, could cause harm to your electrical devices. To lessen the possibility of moisture damage, including some silica gel packets in the plastic container if you do choose to store your gadgets there.
Clothes and Textiles
Although plastic storage boxes appear to be designed specifically for storing clothing that isn’t in style, they are not the best choice, particularly for delicate textiles like silk or cashmere. Again, the possibility of heat and moisture accumulation in the plastic bin means that mold, smells, or even stains could appear on your favorite clothes.
Important Documents
You don’t want to expose a crucial document stored in a clear plastic bin to the vagaries of moisture or possible fading from sunlight. Choose storage containers made of canvas, wood, or fabric if you want something more breathable.
Chemicals
Chemicals stored in plastic bins may cause problems if they leak or if the container is placed in a location where temperature swings are common, which could lead to a hazardous reaction.
Food
Reusing plastic takeaway containers or reheating leftovers in them are two situations where using plastic to keep food, whether leftovers or pantry stock, could provide problems. Particularly when the food is reheated, high temperatures might enable toxins in the plastic to seep into the meal.
Therefore, even if we’re not advocating against using plastic food storage containers, you should make sure the ones you choose are microwave-safe before using them. Additionally, make sure the plastic food containers you have are meant for repeated usage rather than one-time use.
Pet Food
Pet food kept in plastic containers may eventually include traces of the plastic, just like human food does. To reduce the risk, switch to a metal food-safe container
Anything Damp or Wet
You’re undoubtedly aware of our intended direction with this one. Stuff that is moist or wet should not be kept in a plastic container with a lid since this will retain moisture and lead to the growth of mold. Before storing, allow moist or damp things to dry out, or use a breathable storage bin material.
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