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Insight Horizon Media

How much gasoline can I store in my garage?

Author

Christopher Anderson

Published Feb 12, 2026

How much gasoline can I store in my garage?

Fire codes typically restrict gas storage to no more than 25 gallons. Store the gas in containers of 5 gallons or less that have been approved for gasoline.

Can a gas can explode in a garage?

ATLANTA — A simple item you probably have in your garage could be dangerous. Recent testing by the gas can industry confirmed how fumes inside your gas can could cause it to explode. A vacuum effect sucked volatile fumes back into the gas can, causing an explosion. It’s not common, but it is devastating.

How do you store gasoline in hot weather?

The best way to store gasoline is in a well ventilated area separate from the house. The location should have no electrical equipment, open flames or other sources of ignition present. In addition, the location should be protected from the heat of the summer sun to keep evaporation to a minimum.

What is the proper way to store gasoline?

Keep gasoline containers tightly closed and handle them gently to avoid spills. Gasoline is a flammable liquid and should be stored at room temperature, away from potential heat sources such as the sun, a hot water heater, space heater or a furnace, and a least 50 feet away from ignition sources, such as pilot lights.

Is it OK to store gasoline in a hot garage?

Don’t store gasoline in the house or garage! source of heat or sparks such as a water heater, electric motor or car engine. Never store more than one gallon of gas.

Can I store gas cans in a deck box?

The deck box would need to have cross ventilation provided (large holes drilled on both sides of the box). It just might be a great way to store 20-pound bottles of propane safely away from the home and protected from the elements. Propane is a better choice to store in a garage than gasoline or diesel fuel.

Can a gas can explode if left in the sun?

If you leave it in direct sunlight, it warms and heats up the gas to give off volatile vapors and if sealed well enough, it swells up and can blow up or explode.

Can you store gasoline in a hot garage?

Never store gasoline in your home. Storing gas in your home is not just a serious fire hazard, but a public health hazard as well. Exposure to the fumes is associated with certain health risks. Gasoline should always be kept in an outdoor structure such as a tool shed, storage barn, or separate garage.

Should stored gasoline be vented?

Yes, gas cans should be vented, as the fuel vapors expand and contract as temperature changes. With this being said, make sure to store gas away from any possible flame sources (heater, water heater, etc.) and keep away from sparks.

Is it bad to leave a gas can in the sun?

Store Your Gas Cans Safely It is extremely dangerous to leave a gasoline can in the trunk of your car. If the trunk heats up from the sun, vapors inside the gas can expand and the increasing pressure will allow the vapors to escape. As the vapors accumulate, an explosion could result.

Is it OK to store gasoline in the garage?

In general, approved gasoline containers are safe to store in the garage. That said, I would not store gas around a pilot light either, just a bad combination. You could use one of those large plastic storage bins from big box to keep it out of the weather under the deck.

How do you properly store gasoline?

The best way to store gasoline is in a well ventilated area separate from the house. The location should have no electrical equipment, open flames or other sources of ignition present. The location should be protected from the heat of the summer sun to keep evaporation to a minimum. Do not store gasoline in the utility room.

How much gasoline can you store at home?

No more than 60 gallons of gasoline can be stored in a cabinet. No more than three cabinets can be kept in one storage area. An OSHA-approved inside storage area must be constructed for more than 60 gallons of gasoline.

How do I get rid of gasoline smell in my garage?

Put enough baking soda into a bucket to cover the area where the spill was located and add enough warm water to make a paste. Spread the paste over the area and let it dry. Baking soda is an effective odor neutralizer, and you can sweep it into the garbage once it’s dry. Pour dish detergent onto the garage floor.