Expert Warns: Common Shed Items Pose Fire Risk and Attract Pests
Garden sheds are a beloved feature for many Brits, offering a space for tinkering and storing items that don't fit indoors. According to YourMove, a well-maintained shed can increase a property's value by up to 10%. However, cramming sheds with clutter can spell trouble, as some items pose significant risks, including fire hazards and pest infestations. With spring arriving, it's the perfect time to clear out your shed and ensure it's safe and functional.
Christopher Murphy, from garden building specialists Dunster House, highlights what should not be stored in sheds and provides safer alternatives. Sheds are typically uninsulated and draughty, making them unsuitable for certain items that can spoil, rust, or become dangerous.
1. Paints, Solvents, and Thinners
"Keeping paints, solvents and thinners in a shed is a common mistake as they are highly sensitive to temperature changes," says Murphy. Cold weather can cause paint to freeze and separate, while warm weather can make it unstable or unusable. Instead, store these items according to manufacturer instructions in a cool, dry, indoor location with a consistent temperature, ideally between 15 to 25°C, such as an understairs cupboard or utility room.
2. Fertiliser, Weed Killers, and Garden Chemicals
While it might seem logical to store garden essentials like fertiliser and weed killer in a shed, chemicals should be avoided. Damp conditions can cause clumping, leaks, or breakdown, and extreme temperatures can reduce effectiveness and make them unsafe. "Poorly stored chemicals can also release harmful fumes or pose a risk to pets and wildlife," Murphy explains. Keep these products in their original containers, sealed, and stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from living spaces and food. For compost and fertiliser bags, raise them off the floor using pallets, old boards, or bricks, and seal open bags in lidded containers to prevent moisture and pests.
3. Garden Kit and Batteries
Temperature swings and moisture can lead to corrosion, drastically shortening the lifespan of electronics and batteries. Garden tools also require regular maintenance to prevent rust. Store these items indoors in a dry space. Additionally, pests like rodents seek warmth in outbuildings during colder months and may chew through cables and chargers, causing costly damage to electrical equipment.
4. Flammable Waste, Petrol, Fuel, and Oily Rags
"Petrol, propane canisters, paints and some solvents are highly flammable, and even a small spark can pose a serious fire risk, particularly in wooden sheds," says Murphy. Oily rags and cloths can self-heat over time and spontaneously combust, especially in enclosed spaces. For safety, store these items in a container or structure designed for flammable materials, such as a ventilated metal unit positioned well away from the house or boundary.
5. Food for People, Pets, or Birds
Sheds are not designed to maintain stable, cool conditions, making them unsuitable for food storage. Even in plastic bins, the scent of kibble and bird feed can attract pests, and tins can swell and burst in summer heat. "Sheds are far better suited to non-perishable items, and even then, food storage should be kept to a minimum," Murphy advises.
6. Papers and Textiles
Photos, papers, and books are prone to warping, mould, and silverfish damage. Fabric can absorb a musty shed smell that is nearly impossible to remove, and mice and moths may target bags of throws and cushions. Always store vital documents, treasured photographs, and textiles indoors in a dry area, out of direct sunlight.
By following these expert tips, you can maximise your shed's benefits while minimising risks, ensuring it remains a valuable and safe addition to your property.
