I ’ve made that mistake of leaving things outside overnight more times than I ’d like to admit . A lawn mower left out just once end up with a rusted blade . A forgotten can of paint turned into a clumpy mess . And do n’t even get me started on the fourth dimension I found a very alive spider hanging out in my boots .
Some things get ruined fast , some attract plague or thieves , and others can turn into a substantial safety issue . It ’s easy to block , but a petty effort before bed can save a lot of frustration later . Here ’s what should never be leave alone outside overnight .
Don’t Leave Kids’ Toys Out
Plastic toy do n’t treat atmospheric condition well . If they ’re leave out overnight , temperature swings can make them brittle , get sally and breaks that turn them into junk way sooner than they should . And if they get rained on ? Water seeps into little crevices , make the consummate fostering ground for mold and mildew .
Soft toys are even worse . They soak up moisture , get moldy , and before you sleep with it , you ’ve got a stuffed brute that smells like a wet sock . If the minor are done playacting , bring the toys in . It ’ll save you from tossing out moldy , busted playthings later .
Car Keys or Garage Openers Are an Easy Target
Leaving cable car key or a garage door opener out of doors is like roll out the red carpeting for thieves . All it takes is someone spotting them , and just like that , they ’ve got instant memory access to your car — or regretful , your house .
Even if you suppose you ’ve got them hidden under a doormat or in a plant life pot , stealer know all the common spots . It ’s just not worth the risk . Keep Francis Scott Key and openers inside , where they go .
Ladders Make It Easy for Burglars
leave a ravel outside overnight is basically giving burglars a footstep - by - step usher to breaking into your home . If you have 2nd - story windows , you might as well be handing them a unmediated itinerary inside .
Even if thievery is n’t an issue , conditions occupy a toll on ladders , particularly wooden ones . They can decompose , warp , or rusting depend on the material . Keep ladders engage up in a shed or garage . That way of life , they ’re only used when you necessitate them , not some random trespasser .
Grill Tools Will Get Nasty Fast
Leave your grill prick outdoors , and you ’ll regret it the next sentence you fire up the grillroom . wet leads to rust , and turd settles in fast , making them megascopic before you even get to use them again . Plus , hemipteran and other critters are n’t shy about crawl all over them while you sleep .
Even if they look fine in the morning , they ’ll be hard to make clean , and you do n’t need to cook with dick that have been sitting out amass who - have intercourse - what . Keep them within or in a covered computer memory spot to check that they ’re clean and ready when you want them .
Shoes and Boots Attract Unwanted Guests
Leaving shoes or thrill outside overnight is a peachy way to ruin them — or bad , find something living in them . Moisture will rob in , making them smell bad or even grow mildew . And if that ’s not bad enough , spiders , glitch , or even small critters might crawl inside looking for a cozy concealment maculation .
I ’ve seen people shake out their boots only to have a frog or even a snake in the grass degenerate out . Not a fun surprise . Keep your shoes inside , or at least knock them out really well before puzzle your fundament in .
Outdoor Cushions Don’t Handle Overnight Moisture Well
Even if your cushions are tag “ atmospheric condition - resistant , ” they ’re not made to handle sitting out all night . Moisture from dew or rainwater gets trapped inside , lead to mildew , mould , and a nasty odor . Over time , they ’ll start breaking down , and nobody want to sit down on a cushion that feels damp or smell funky .
The easiest fix ? Bring them at heart when you ’re done using them . If that ’s too much of a hassle , at least store them in a deck box or cover them up with something waterproof . It ’ll keep open you the headache of throw to substitute them sooner than you ’d like .
Extension Cords and Moisture Don’t Mix
Even if an extension cord is labeled for out-of-door use of goods and services , it ’s not meant to sit outside overnight . Condensation can cringe in and cause electrical takings , and if water seeps into the connection point , you could be dealing with a attack hazard the next time you plug away it in .
If you ’re using an extension electric cord outside , unplug it and take it in when you ’re done . It ’s a simple riding habit that can keep your cord in good shape and prevent unneeded risks . Leaving one out just is n’t worth the hassle .
Leaving Your Bike Is a Good Way to Lose It
If you leave your bike alfresco overnight , do n’t be surprised if it ’s start in the sunup . Even if you live in a quiet area , a bike is one of the easiest thing to steal . A quick snip of the curl , and it ’s gone . No alarm , no hassle — just free transportation for whoever takes it .
Even if no one abstract it , the atmospheric condition will do its own damage . Rain and dew will rust the chain , the gear , and any exposed metallic element . The tires can dry out rot faster , too . If you care about your bike , keep it inside or at least covered .
Pet Food Left Outside = Free Buffet for Pests
Leave pet solid food outside , and you ’re basically run a 24 - hour dining compartment for racoon , rats , and whatever else is thirsty . Once they know there ’s an easy repast , they ’ll be back — and they ’ll impart ally . I ’ve seen raccoons get bluff enough to climb up porches and stare through windows , just waiting for another snack .
Even if you do n’t have a pest problem yet , food sit out overnight can get moth-eaten or moldy , which is n’t great for your pets . If you feed them outside , pick up any leftovers before head in . Otherwise , you might be feeding more than just your own brute .
Your Lawn Mower Won’t Survive the Weather
will your lawn lawn mower out overnight , and you ’re asking for rust , locomotive engine trouble , and a headache the next time you need to use it . Even if it does n’t rain , dawning dew can get into the alloy role and start up corrosion . And if urine find its way into the fuel system ? in effect luck get that matter start .
If you do n’t have a shed or garage , at least shroud it with a waterproof tarp . But honestly , move it inside takes less effort than dealing with a eat - out mower that wo n’t scat when you need it .
Paint Won’t Stay Usable Outside
key is finicky about where it ’s stored . Too moth-eaten , and it thicken or even frost . Too hot , and it part or dries out . Either way , exit a can outside overnight , and you might as well toss it .
Rust is another problem . If wet commence to the can , you ’ll end up with hoary flake in your paint , which is the last affair you want on your wall or furniture . Keep paint deep down , somewhere wry and between 60 and 80 ° F , and make certain the hat is varnish mingy . That elbow room , it ’ll actually be usable when you want it .
- This article was make with the help of AI .