Plastic bins are great for storing many kinds of items, such as legos, markers, basic home improvement tools, and the like, but they’re by no means a one-size-fits-all solution. The fact is that many items simply are not meant to be stored inside these types of bins due to risks related to heat, odor, and more.

Below, three professional cleaning and organizing experts share their insights regarding seven types of items that you will not want to store inside of plastic bins by any means.

Important Documents and Photos

While most people make an effort to hold onto important documents and photos for safekeeping, they should be storing these items somewhere other than inside of a plastic storage bin, Joanna Wirick, the founder of Joanna Organize, warns.

“Paper items, including birth certificates, legal paperwork, and old photos, can deteriorate in plastic bins due to moisture buildup or temperature changes,” she says.

The best alternative storage option is a fireproof, archival-quality container, Wirick notes.

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Candles and Items That May Melt

If you’re a major candle lover, you’re going to want to take precautions when it comes to storing your extras. Wirick advises against keeping candles, crayons, or any other meltable items inside of plastic bins. Doing so, she says, can lead to a gooey mess, especially in attics or garages.

Instead, make room for any items of this nature inside of cool, climate-controlled space, Wirick suggests, and you won’t run the risk of them getting ruined (or damaging a bin).

Off-Season Clothing

Even if your closet is bursting at the seams, you’re not going to want to put those off-season items into a plastic storage bin. Karina Toner, a cleaning expert at Spekless, explains how this can lead to issues concerning moisture, must, and more.

Toner says that you’re better off opting for vacuum-sealed bags instead. Looking to keep things extra sanitary?

“Add silica gel packets or cedar blocks to help absorb moisture and deter pests,” Toner says.

Electronics and Batteries

Toner advises that it is important to not store electronics or batteries inside plastic bins for any reason due to issues including overheating, corrosion, and fire hazards. She notes that the less ventilated a space is, the more likely these types of issues are to arise.

As an alternative, make an effort to hold onto the original packaging your electronics came in and keep that to use when you’re in need of a storage solution, Toner suggests. As for batteries, she recommends storing those in their original packaging, too, noting that they should also be housed in a spot that does not receive direct sunlight.

Food Items

It may be tempting to place non-perishable food items into storage bins until you have additional cabinet space available, but Toner cautions against this practice, citing issues such as pests, mold, odors, and more. You are much better off keeping your canned goods inside of the pantry in a space that is not the basement, garage, or attic, she explains.

Athletic Sneakers

If you need a spot to store your athletic sneakers, you’re going to want to opt for something other than a plastic storage bin, Melanie Summers, the founder of I Speak Organized, says.

“Tossing extra sneakers in a bin seems harmless, but it’s actually a fast track to funky smells and breakdown,” she says, noting that moisture from sweat will get trapped in the bin.

Instead, Summers suggests using a shoe rack or open shelving to keep shoes nice and fresh and in good condition.

Medication Bottles

When it comes to things like prescription medication bottles, which you will likely need to open up a few times a week, if not daily, you want to make accessibility your main priority, Summers states.

“A clear, open display—like a tiered organizer on the counter—keeps them visible and makes routines actually stick,” she says. “If it goes in a bin, it might as well not exist.”