Saving Newspapers For Your Next DIY? This Storage Mishap May Make Them A Fire Hazard

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If you're a DIY enthusiast, you're probably familiar with at least some of the ways to repurpose old newspaper to use around the house and garden. These bundles of printed paper are arguably one of the most useful and affordable craft materials. They can be incorporated into just about any room in your home. You can, for example, make use of old newspaper for beautiful DIY floral wall décor or simply use a few sheets to line the inside of your kitchen cabinets. As a result, many crafters keep a stack of newspapers somewhere they think is safe. Did you know, however, that they can be a major fire hazard? Newsprint catches fire easily, especially if you store it near a heat source.

Newspaper is one of those materials that homeowners often don't think of as a fire hazard, making it more dangerous. Paper is, in fact, one of the most common causes of house fires. What makes that bundle of newspapers so unexpectedly problematic? The cellulose fibers each sheet is made of are highly flammable and ignite easily. All it takes is a tiny spark from a faulty electrical cord or prolonged exposure to high heat for newspaper to catch fire. Due to a lack of fire safety knowledge, it's easy to carelessly store them near a heat source without thinking twice. Moving your stash into a sealed storage bin in a safe location can save you thousands of dollars in potential damages. More importantly, keeping your newspaper away from heat sources keeps you and your family safe.

You should exercise just as much caution when storing newspaper as you would any other flammable material. Thankfully, there are plenty of safe options out there when it comes to storing newspapers. It's a good idea to place them in a designated airtight plastic bin or metal storage box, like one of these Citylife Plastic Storage Bins with Latching Lids or a Dalmbox Portable Metal Fire-Resistant Safe Box (you'll need to fold the newspaper into quarters to fit). If you're really concerned about safety, consider using a Flasld Large Fireproof Document Bag for your collection. Storage solutions like these don't just protect your newspapers from heat. They repel moisture and may also help keep silverfish at bay — or other paper-loving house pests like rats.

Once you've procured the ideal container for your newspaper collection, you need to consider where to keep it in your home. To avoid unintentionally causing a house fire, store your now-neatly packaged newspaper stash in a cool, dry area away from heat (including heat-generating electronics) and electrical sources. Specifically, a container full of newsprint should never be placed near space heaters, outlets, faulty wiring, or gas tanks. An easily accessible craftroom storage closet, dry garage shelf, or any other spot within your home that doesn't pose a fire risk is a good option for the bin, box, or bag. Regularly check the containers and their location for signs of deterioration or new potential fire starters.