The laundry room often becomes a catch-all storage space. If there’s an empty shelf or cabinet, it’s tempting to fill it with extra household supplies, food, clothing, or anything else that needs a place to go.
The problem is that laundry rooms aren’t always the stable environment people assume they are. Heat from the dryer, moisture from the washer, and changing temperatures can affect certain items over time. What seems like a convenient storage spot can end up damaging things without you realizing it.
A few items can spoil faster, lose their effectiveness, develop mold, or wear out sooner when stored in a laundry room. Knowing what belongs somewhere else can help protect your belongings and keep the space safer and more organized.
Here are 13 items you should never store in your laundry room and why they’re better kept elsewhere.
Cleaning Supplies
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It might seem like a no-brainer to keep cleaning products in the laundry room, but think again. The temperature and humidity rollercoaster in there can sap the effectiveness of these products. Imagine grabbing your trusty cleaner only to find it’s leaked or lost its punch. It is better to keep them in a cool, dry cupboard far from the heat and moisture.
Flammable Materials
Gasoline, kerosene, and certain oils should not be stored near your washer and dryer. The risk of something going boom is just too high. Store these in a safe zone far from any heat sources to keep your home and family safe.
Medications
Your laundry room isn’t exactly a pharmacy. The fluctuating climate can mess with your meds, potentially causing pills to dissolve or lose potency. Instead, find a spot in your house where the temperature is steady, like a bathroom cabinet or a bedroom drawer.
Paper Products
Do you know how humid days can make paper feel limp and mushy? That happens to toilet paper and paper towels in a humid laundry room. Stash these essentials in a dry, cool place to be ready when needed.
Electronics
Think about how much water and electricity you juggle in a laundry room. It’s a no-go zone for electronics that can short-circuit or malfunction from condensation. Keep your gadgets in a safe, controlled environment where they won’t get zapped.
Valuable Documents
Imagine your important papers getting ruined by a leaky washing machine or that sneaky humidity. Protect your birth certificates, contracts, and other critical docs by storing them in a waterproof container elsewhere in the house.
Paints and Solvents
These guys can release nasty fumes and become less effective when exposed to heat. To prevent any mishaps, keep your paints and solvents in a well-ventilated, stable-temperature area, like your garage or basement.
Photographs
You want your cherished memories to last, right? The laundry room’s temperature shifts can warp or fade photos. To preserve their quality, keep your treasured snapshots in albums or boxes in a dry, controlled space.
Wine and Alcohol
Wine lovers know that temperature shifts can spoil the flavor of their beloved bottles. Don’t risk it! Store your wine and spirits on a wine rack or in a cellar where they can age gracefully.
Cosmetics
Your makeup doesn’t stand a chance in the harsh laundry room conditions—it can separate or spoil, rendering it useless. Store your beauty products in a bedroom or bathroom with a kinder climate.
Canned Foods
Cans are rigid but not indestructible. The laundry room’s heat and moisture can lead to rust or spoilage. Keep your canned goods in a pantry to ensure they remain safe and edible.
Batteries
Humidity is a battery’s worst enemy. It can cause corrosion and leakage, reducing their shelf life. Store them in a dry, stable environment like a desk drawer or a kitchen cabinet.
Musical Instruments
Your guitar or violin deserves better than a laundry room sauna. Temperature and humidity changes can warp or crack instruments. Keep your musical treasures in a stable environment where they can stay in tune.
