No matter the frequency at which your family’s home is cleaned, each cleanses requires coming into contact with household cleaning products that contain some hazardous chemicals. While these products might be extremely potent in disinfecting and killing the germs on many surfaces in the home, they should always be treated with caution when using and storing them. Carelessly storing household chemical products can pose a threat to both your children and pets. With this in mind, it’s imperative to establish a storage system that is both convenient and safe for your family.
For most families, a majority of these products don’t require maximum security. As such, the particular less dangerous products are safe to be stored in accessible locations that are most convenient. Products like dish soaps and garbage disposal tablets are perfectly acceptable candidates for storage under the kitchen sink or in a sink caddy. The same can be said for disinfectant wipes and disinfectant sprays nearest a bathroom or in a hallway linen closet. Products that deserve more specific storage attention are the more niche products. The bleaches, drain cleaners, maybe even paint thinner in some cases. These products will require a designated safe space away from the family’s tiny hands or paws.
Once your family has established which products belong where it’s important to reconsider the number of products stored in the home. For many families, household cleaning products have a way of stockpiling without them realizing. In most instances, families preemptively purchase more products prior to finishing their last set of products. It is best to avoid allowing excess to build up around the home as the more there are, the more possibilities for falling into the wrong hands increase.
As these storage habits are established, families should also take the time to become more educated with the proper ways to use these products. For families with younger children, this is particularly important. This process begins by fully reading each product’s label prior to use. Each label should include simple instructions that detail both the safest and simplest way to use the product. The label will likely include information regarding if the product is safe for children to use for parents that are unsure. As many of these products can be stored for some time, families should also be aware of the possibility of the labels fading. So, if you or any member of your family is unsure about the contents or implied use of a product with a faded label, air on the side of caution and don’t use it without first confirming what it is.
If your family is still struggling with how to safely store their household chemical products, check out the infographic below! You’ll find all the information you need to create a safe environment for you and your family.
Author bio: Lynn Place is Vice President of Marketing for SolvChem Custom Packaging Division. She has 30 years of professional experience in the manufacturing industry and specializes in consumer packaged goods, new product development, and strategic planning.