Between parking your car and storing a variety of chemicals and other toxic materials, it can sometimes be difficult to prevent the build-up of fumes inside your garage. While the air quality in your garage may not be as important as the air quality inside your home, it’s still an area you should try to keep clean for the health of your family and your property.

As well as being exposed to this air while you’re in the garage, toxic fumes can also seep into your home if you have an attached garage. Let’s look at some tips on how to keep the air inside your garage clean and healthy.

Run motors outside

If you have a lawnmower or other types of equipment, such as a chainsaw, that runs on gasoline, then you should always start these up and use them outside in the fresh air. Running these machines inside your garage will allow the fumes to build up in an enclosed space, particularly if you do so with the door open.

So, when you’re starting your car or another vehicle to drive it into or out of the garage, make sure you always have the garage door open. Then, switch the engine off as soon as you get in the garage, or only start it up when you’re ready to drive out of the garage. Don’t leave your engine running for any longer than you need to while inside.

Properly ventilate your garage

Some fumes are bound to be released in your garage, whether that’s from your car or cans of paint. So, ventilating your garage properly is important for keeping the air fresh and clean. You can achieve this in a number of ways, such as leaving your garage door open periodically, installing windows in your garage or garage door, or using fans and vents to circulate the air.

Safely store any chemicals

If you have cleaning products, paint cans, solvents, and gasoline in your garage, then make sure these are stored correctly and safely to keep the toxic fumes properly contained. They should be sealed and any spills should be thoroughly cleaned, and monitor the containers to ensure that they are not damaged or becoming degraded due to factors such as weather conditions.

Carbon monoxide detectors

In case carbon monoxide is being released in your garage, it’s important that you know if it is reaching dangerous levels. Carbon monoxide can be produced by your vehicles and any appliances that burn fuel, and breathing in this gas can be deadly. Installing carbon monoxide detectors inside your garage and your home helps to keep your family safe.

Could a new or upgraded garage door help to keep your home cleaner and safer? Contact Carolina Garage Door if you need garage door repair, maintenance, or installation around Winston Salem, Greensboro, Kernersville, and High Point, NC.