Tips that prevent children from gaining access to harmful cleaning products

Written By Diona Gorenkov

Ensuring that children cannot access harmful cleaning products is a critical aspect of maintaining a safe home environment. Poisoning from household cleaners is a common risk for young children, who are naturally curious and prone to exploring their surroundings. Here are several effective strategies to prevent such accidents: brought to you by Fresh Start Cleaners.

1. Use Child-Safe Locks and Latches

  • Install safety locks and latches on cabinets and drawers where cleaning products are stored. These devices are designed to be difficult for children to open, but easy for adults to operate.

2. Store Cleaning Products High Up

  • Keep all cleaning supplies in high cabinets or shelves that are out of reach for children. Even with child-safe locks, storing products at a height adds an extra layer of security.

3. Keep Products in Their Original Containers

  • Avoid transferring cleaning products into unlabeled containers or bottles that might look harmless or appealing to a child. Keeping them in their original packaging ensures that warning labels and usage instructions are always visible.

4. Educate Your Children

  • As they grow older, teach your children about the dangers of cleaning chemicals and why they must not touch or play with them. Education is a powerful tool in preventing accidents.

5. Secure the Laundry and Dishwashing Area

  • Laundry pods and dishwasher tablets are particularly attractive to children but can be extremely harmful if ingested. Ensure these items are also stored securely and out of reach.

6. Use Child-Resistant Closures

  • Opt for cleaning products that come with child-resistant caps or closures. While not completely child-proof, they can significantly reduce the risk of a child gaining access to harmful substances.

7. Keep Cleaning Products in Sight When in Use

  • Never leave cleaning products unattended when you are using them, even for a moment. Young children can move quickly and may seize the opportunity to explore.

8. Dispose of Empty Containers Properly

  • Immediately throw away empty cleaning product containers. Children might find discarded containers and play with them, risking exposure to harmful residue.

9. Consider Natural Alternatives

  • Whenever possible, use natural or less harmful cleaning alternatives that pose less risk to children. Vinegar, baking soda, and lemon can be effective for many cleaning tasks and are safer than chemical cleaners.

10. Emergency Preparation

  • Keep the number for the Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222 in the United States) readily available in case of accidental ingestion or exposure. Immediate action can be crucial.

Implementing these safety measures can significantly reduce the risk of accidental poisoning from cleaning products in homes with children. Remember, supervision and preventive strategies go hand in hand in creating a safe environment for the youngest members of the family.

Diona Gorenkov
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