Plastic containers are a convenient option for storing many items around your home. They’re lightweight, easy to use, and often affordable, making them a common choice for organizing and keeping things fresh.
However, not everything is safe or suitable for plastic storage, and knowing what to avoid can protect your belongings and health. Understanding which items don’t belong in plastic containers helps you make better decisions for safe and effective storage.
Old photos and negatives
You should avoid storing old photos and negatives in plastic containers. Plastic can trap moisture, which may cause your photos to stick together or develop mold.
If the air inside the container gets too dry, your photos might become brittle or shrink.
Using archival storage boxes made for photos is a better choice. These boxes help protect your memories without risking damage from humidity or chemicals in plastic.
Leather goods
You should avoid storing leather goods in plastic containers or bags. Plastic traps moisture, which can cause your leather to develop mold, mildew, or even cracks over time.
Leather needs to breathe, so it’s better to use breathable fabric bags or boxes. This helps keep your jackets, shoes, and handbags fresh and in good shape.
By choosing the right storage, you protect your leather items and help them last longer.
Fresh produce like tomatoes and potatoes
You should avoid storing tomatoes in plastic because it traps moisture, making them spoil faster. Keeping them at room temperature, unwrapped, helps maintain their flavor and texture.
Potatoes don’t do well in plastic either. They need air circulation to stay fresh and avoid sprouting or rotting.
Instead, store potatoes in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated place, like a basket or paper bag. This way, they stay firm longer and don’t develop unwanted moisture.
Silver jewelry
You might think plastic bags are okay for storing silver jewelry, but they can trap moisture, which speeds up tarnishing.
If you want to use plastic, make sure the bags are completely dry and airtight to limit exposure to air.
A better way is to store silver in velvet-lined boxes or breathable cloth pouches. These options protect your jewelry while allowing it to stay dry and scratch-free.
Adding anti-tarnish strips inside the storage can also help keep your silver looking shiny longer.
Avoid plastic containers that seal in humidity, as this can dull and damage your silver pieces over time.
Fine fabrics such as silk and wool
You should avoid storing delicate fabrics like silk and wool in plastic containers. These materials need airflow to stay fresh and prevent moisture buildup.
Plastic bins can trap humidity, which encourages mold and mildew on your fine fabrics. Instead, use breathable fabric bags or cotton storage boxes.
Keeping your silk and wool in these conditions helps preserve their texture and color. This way, your clothes will stay soft and beautiful for a long time.