12 Unseen Hazards Lurking in Your Garage

This post may contain affiliate links.

The garage is more than just a place to park your car. It’s also the place you store stuff, work on projects, or keep everything you don’t have a place for. This space is really useful, but it can also hide dangers you might not know about. The truth is that we tend to neglect the risks that build up in our garages over time, whether it’s because we don’t do the needed maintenance or store things in the wrong way.

So, let’s take a look at some of the hidden dangers that could be awaiting you the next time you open that garage door.

Old Extension Cords

Power Strips & Extension Cords — Photo Credit: Pixabay

If you have the typical garage, then you probably have a few old extension cords lying around. You may not know that worn out cords fray and can be fire hazards. Make a habit of checking cords for any sign of wear and tear, and replace any that looks questionable. It’s one of those tiny things that can get ignored but end up being a big problem.

Pests and Rodents

Parts of Your House That Will Always Fail a Home Inspection — Photo Credit: Pixabay

Spiders, mice, and even snakes love to be where it’s warm and out of sight; garages are their favorite hideout. Chewing on wiring, spreading disease or leaving behind dangerous droppings, these critters are no friend. There’s more than the ick factor to consider however; having pests in your garage can present real safety concerns. As a final thought, if you can seal cracks and gaps, the space will be less inviting to unwanted visitors.

Improperly Stored Tools

Various instruments hanging on wooden board in garage — Photo Credit: Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels

A ladder resting against a wall or a hammer on the proverbial shelf edge surely doesn’t seem like an ordeal—until they fall. Loose tools may become trip hazards or cause injury if knocked over. Installing pegboards, racks or shelves to store tools safely in place will not only keep them secure, but you will be less likely to slip and have an accident with the misplaced tools.

Freezers or Refrigerators That Are Unused

10 Energy-Draining Devices You Must Ditch This Winter to Slash Your Electricity Bill! — Photo Credit: Juan de Vojníkov/Wikimedia Commons

Does your garage have an old fridge or freezer? Once these appliances have been removed from the kitchen, many people forget to regularly maintain them. Freezers or fridges that are old can break and also leak coolant, which could mean spoiled food, or worse, leaks of coolant that are dangerous if inhaled. Dispose of your old appliances safely or ensure the old appliances work fine.

Clutter That Blocks Exits

Piling up boxes and other items in front of the garage door may not seem like a big deal, but clutter can become a very real hazard in an emergency. Those stacks of holiday decorations or old furniture might become obstacles to help you exit quickly. Ensure you keep walkways clear, and make it a habit to reassess the flow of your garage so you don’t fall victim to this hidden danger.

Carbon Monoxide Buildup

If you work on cars in your garage or even warm up your car with the door closed, you could be poisoning yourself with carbon monoxide. This is an odorless gas that can build up in enclosed spaces quickly have invisible. Only turn on the engine when your garage door is open, and also look into getting a carbon monoxide alarm for more protection.

Overloaded Shelves

It’s no secret many have guilty pleasure of adding just one more thing to an already full shelf, but overfilled shelves can bend and break, leading to damage or injury. If you have metal shelves, they will rust over time, and the same goes for wood shelves, which warp if there is weight placed on them. Inspect your shelving units regularly and especially don’t stack heavy things on top of them to avoid accidents.

Faulty Garage Doors

The danger with garage doors is that they are heavy and need to be maintained. A suddenly dropping or failing to open door is a malfunctioning door. Check the door’s mechanisms, springs and tracks, periodically. If you don’t know how to keep it in shape, then it’s best to hire a professional, because it’s not worth getting crushed under a faulty door.

Poor Lighting

Discontinued Household Items We Still Mourn Today — Photo Credit: Pexels

Because garages tend to be dimly lit, it’s also hard to spot potential hazards—spills, sharp tools, or something else. One way to drastically reduce the chance of accidents is to install bright, energy efficient lighting. The next time you don’t have to fumble for a tool in your garage, you’ll be thanking yourself.

Slippery Floors

Garage Hall in House — Photo Credit: hi room/Pexels

From oil drips and paint spills to one from a wet car, your garage floor can become a slippery mess. With slippery floors, there’s enough of a condition to book an entire scary movie series, especially when you’re lugging heavy things or wielding sharp tools. You may also want to use absorbent mats or non slip floor treatments to lessen the risk of falls.

Old Paint Cans and Toxic Chemicals

Old, half used paint cans, cleaners and other chemicals are stored in many garages. But these items sit quietly for years, deteriorating. According to NEDT, the chemicals inside can go unstable, leaking harmful vapors or even a fire hazard. If you keep a list of what is in your garage and check dates you can prevent accidents down the road.

Flammable Liquids

While gasoline, oil or lighter fluid may not seem dangerous when stored away, they can be in a hot garage or if not sealed properly, as this Kendrick Oil article attests. A small spark from any appliance or power tool can start a fire. Store these types of liquids in proper containers, if possible in cooler, well ventilated areas.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.