Don't leave these outside: 8 items you should not store exposed on your balcony
Having space available outdoors is not only great if you want to enjoy being outside during the summer, but it's also useful "asset" for storing items that you don't want to keep indoors.
Although you might think of storing objects intended for outdoor use outside, even these types items can be damaged by prolonged exposure to the elements and are best kept and stored in sheltered locations.
Below, we suggest 8 items that you should rather keep and store indoors:
1. Insect repellent accessories
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Candles, torches and mosquito coils are undoubtedly very useful for preventing insect pests from spoiling your evenings spent outdoors. But these items need to be stored away from humidity, mold and exposure to temperature changes. Frequent changes in temperature and exposure to sunlight can easily cause these items to deteriorate, crack and become ineffective. Rain can also cause candles, torches and mosquito coils to break up and become waterlogged. In short, the repellent action of these items can be lost by prolonged exposure to atmospheric polluntants and inclement weather.
For all these reasons, choose closed and sheltered places to store these accessories when they are not in use.
2. Fabrics and fabric-clad furnishings
Soft cushions, pillows, and other fabric-clad furnishings can last longer if you cover them when not in use and/or during the winter, even if they are designed for outdoor use. Place smaller items in waterproof boxes and bring them indoors; for larger pieces of fabric-clad furniture, you can use waterproof covers to protect them from adverse weather conditions.
3. Barbecue accessories
If you have an outdoor kitchenette or a portable/fixed barbecue, you will certainly also have barbecue accessories and tools, such as charcoal, fuel and metal accessories such as tongs and grills. All these items can be damaged if continuously exposed to the elements. Metal objects can rust very quickly and this rust can leech from the metal and stain nearby surfaces.
4. Potted plants that don't drain properly
Potted plants are great for decorating outdoor areas, including balconies. That said, you need to pay particular attention to the choice of pots that you use for your plants: it is important to choose pot types that have adequate drainage holes in them in order to prevent water from stagnating and causing your plants to develop root rot.
5. Pet food
If you have pets, you may want them with you when you're outside. But keeping your pets food bowls and food supplies on the balcony or outside somewhere is not a great idea, as it can easily attract "unwanted visitors" (like mice and rats, for example). Choose an indoor location for storing pet food and store it in airtight containers after opening.
6. Rattan or wicker furniture
Pieces of rattan and wicker furniture are a very popular choice when it comes to furnishing used for the outdoors. Notwithstanding this, rattan and wicker can be damaged by prolonged exposure to the elements. These pieces of furniture should also be stored indoors if you do not use them frequently; alternatively, use waterproof covers to protect them when you do not plan to use them for a while.
7. Electronics
Televisions, radios, laptops, tablets, music pods, smart phones and other hi-tec gizmos and gadgets accompany us everywhere in modern times. That said, these electrical item are very sensitive to humidity and should be stored indoors after use. Alternatively, if you have devices dedicated exclusively for outdoor use (like a TV or music system, for example), use furniture specifically designed to protect these devices from damage which can be caused by exposure to the elements.
8. Sports and garden equipment
There are many outdoor sports you can enjoy in the summertime, but storing your sports equipment outside may not be a great idea. Bikes, scooters, skateboards, rollerblades and other types of sports equipment can be permanently damaged by continued exposure to the elements. It's much better to store these items in the garage or use airtight, waterproof containers for smaller items of outdoor equipment (such as beach balls, water pistols, lawn tennis rackets, etc).
Don't forget your gardening tools either: typically made from wood and metal, these tools can be damaged by prolonged exposure to inclement weather conditions.
Apart from the foregoing, what other objects do you store outdoors?
