Alexei Volkov
Plastic containers are a cheap and durable storage solution, but they are not suitable for storing certain items. Plastic containers can trap moisture, creating an ideal environment for mould to grow and causing damage to their contents. They can also leach chemicals and microplastics into their contents, especially when exposed to heat. Therefore, it is important to know which items should be kept out of plastic containers.
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What You'll Learn
Food
Plastic containers are a common and inexpensive way to store food. However, there are certain types of food that should not be stored in plastic containers.
Firstly, hot food and liquids should not be stored in plastic containers. High temperatures can cause the plastic to warp or melt, and release harmful chemicals. It is best to let food cool before storing it in plastic containers. Even when using containers designed for hot food, such as microwavable containers, it is important to check that they are specifically designated as microwave-safe.
Secondly, foods with strong odours such as garlic, onions, and fish should be avoided as these can be absorbed by the plastic and are difficult to remove. This may then transfer to other foods stored in the container later, affecting their taste.
Thirdly, acidic foods such as tomato sauces, curries, citrus fruits, vinegar-based dressings, and pickled vegetables should not be stored in plastic containers. This is because they can react with the chemicals in the plastic, causing it to degrade and absorb odours. This can also cause chemical leaching, which can be harmful to health.
Fruits such as berries, avocados, and citrus fruits should also be avoided as they tend to go bad faster in plastic due to a lack of ventilation, which causes moisture buildup and mould.
Oily and fatty foods, such as butter, cheese, and meat, should also not be stored in plastic containers as they can absorb chemicals, especially when stored for long periods or at high temperatures.
Finally, it is important to only use food-grade plastic containers, as non-food grade containers may contaminate food. Plastics designed for single use should be used only once and washed by hand unless they have a dishwasher-safe label.
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Books
When storing books, it is important to keep them in a dry place, as moisture can damage them. Plastic containers with airtight lids are a good storage solution as they are sturdier than cardboard and provide better protection against humidity and water damage. However, plastic bins can be expensive and may not fit books perfectly.
If you are using plastic containers, it is important to store them in a cool, dry place with good air circulation. Keep the temperature stable at around 70 degrees Fahrenheit and maintain humidity levels between 30% and 50%. Avoid direct sunlight, as UV rays can cause book pages to turn yellow and the text to fade.
When placing books into the storage container, store them vertically with the paper edges facing upwards. This helps to protect the shape of the books by allowing them to support each other. Avoid jamming too many books into one box, as this can cause the spines to warp. Place heavy books at the bottom and lighter ones on top, and do not place heavy items on top of the boxes.
It is also important to keep the books themselves clean and free of food or drink residue, as this can attract insects, mice, or rats. You can also use silica gel packs to help keep your books in good condition by absorbing any excess moisture.
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Delicate fabrics
If you are storing delicate fabrics, consider using breathable materials like acid-free cardboard storage boxes or fabric cubes. Museum curators rely on acid-free paperboard to preserve historical textiles, flags, uniforms, and delicate accessories. Acid-free paper or acid-free newspaper can also be used to wrap fabrics before placing them in small boxes.
For leather items, consider wrapping them in protective wrapping paper to allow them to breathe and stay dry. Cotton dust covers are another option for storing leather clothing and accessories.
If you are set on using plastic containers for delicate fabrics, there are some precautions you can take to mitigate the risks. Firstly, choose thicker, BPA-free plastic bins made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene (PP). Avoid clear plastic, which can degrade fabrics through light exposure. Wash the containers thoroughly before use to decrease chemical residues that could later leach out. You can also place cedar wood inserts, such as cedar panels or loose cedar blocks, inside the bins to help stabilise humidity and repel moths and other insects. Finally, do not stack the bins in confined spaces. Allow for airflow around the containers to prevent the buildup of chemical off-gassing, high humidity, and mould growth.
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Batteries
Plastic containers are not ideal for storing batteries. Batteries should be stored in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Plastic containers can trap heat, which can be detrimental to batteries. Intense heat can cause the fluid in batteries to evaporate, leading to battery failure.
Additionally, loose batteries should not be stored in plastic bags or containers where they can move around freely and come into contact with each other. This can cause a short circuit, or cause the batteries to discharge and become drained. This is especially true if batteries of different sizes and shapes are stored together, as smaller batteries can become sandwiched between the poles of larger ones.
The best way to store loose batteries is side-by-side in a battery-specific organiser, which keeps them protected and prevents them from rubbing against each other. If you have a lot of batteries, a larger organiser with a built-in battery tester may be a good option.
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Important documents
Plastic containers are convenient and readily available, but they are prone to trapping moisture and absorbing smells. This makes them a poor choice for storing important documents.
Karina Toner, operations manager at Spekless Cleaning in Washington, DC, advises against storing important documents in plastic containers or totes long-term due to potential moisture issues. Plastic is also susceptible to disasters such as floods and fires, which can destroy important paperwork in seconds. Instead, Toner recommends storing important documents in a safe that is waterproof and fireproof. Additionally, it is always a good idea to have digital backups of important files.
Joshua Haley, the founder of Moving Astute, warns that plastic bins may not provide adequate protection against light exposure, temperature fluctuations, and humidity levels, which are critical factors in preserving important documents. He suggests storing items such as birth certificates in archival-quality materials, such as acid-free boxes or portfolios, to prevent deterioration and preserve their value over time.
Other recommendations for storing important documents include keeping them in a safe or locked filing cabinet, a safe deposit box, a thumb drive or external hard drive, or a three-ring binder for quick escape in case of an emergency. It is also important to consider the location of the storage, especially if you live in an area that could be evacuated due to a natural disaster.
In summary, while plastic containers may seem like a convenient option, they are not ideal for storing important documents due to their propensity for trapping moisture and their lack of protection against light, temperature, and humidity. Alternative storage solutions, such as safes, acid-free boxes, digital backups, and waterproof and fireproof containers, are more suitable for preserving the integrity and security of important documents.
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Frequently asked questions
Foods with strong odours such as onions, garlic, and cheese can penetrate the plastic, leaving it stained with the smell. Raw meat is also best avoided due to the risk of cross-contamination. Pet food stored in plastic containers could contain trace amounts of plastic in the food. Fruits such as berries, avocados, and citrus fruits should be avoided as they require ventilation to prevent moisture buildup and mould.
Delicate fabrics such as cashmere, wool, and lace are prone to capturing excess moisture, musty odours, and damage. Leather items should also be avoided as they can develop mould or mildew and crack.
Batteries should not be stored in plastic containers as they can roll around and come into contact with each other, causing a short circuit. Old electronic devices should also be avoided as plastic containers can generate static electricity, which could damage the devices.
Plastic containers should be avoided for important documents or photographs as fluctuating temperatures can cause them to fade or discolour.
Glass, stainless steel, and ceramic containers are popular alternatives to plastic containers. These materials are less likely to leach chemicals into food and are more environmentally friendly.
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