How to safely store household cleaning products

We all love the feeling when your home is gleaming. Irish people spend up to five hours each day scrubbing, buffing, sweeping, washing and dusting their homes. Along with this incredible effort comes a collection of products and materials which help us to achieve this spotlessly clean feel. The downside is that often these products are filled with chemicals and other harmful ingredients that can agitate conditions, such as asthma, and pose a risk to pets and particularly to small children.

Yet many people keep these products under the kitchen sink or scattered throughout the home, where they can be accessed by anybody. Cleaning products such as bleach and oven cleaners are harmful as are paints, glues, oils and weed-killers.

Many years ago, we at McCreery Cleaning became concerned about the effects that chemicals in many off-the-shelf cleaning products are having on our clients and their home. That is why we have adopted our ‘GoGreen’ commitment to using products that are 100% chemical-free and environmentally friendly, as part of our house cleaning services. Using our ‘GoGreen’ products is kinder to your home and safer for your family.

Here is our guide to the safe storage of household cleaning products:

Learn about Labels

Labels help you identify the more hazardous chemicals and advise you on how to use them safely! It is really important to be able to recognize the symbols on the back of packaging. Here are some of the more common ones.

Do not Decant

Always keep cleaning products in their original container. This is important because the ingredients and safety information is on the packaging, which provides instructions should an accident occur. If it is necessary to decant cleaning chemicals ensure that the container is clearly labelled with the product type and what to do in the event of a spill or ingestion.

Out of Reach

Store chemicals on a high shelf that is out of reach of children and away from pets. This seems like an obvious tip but we know from visiting homes without house cleaning service that chemicals are routinely stored behind the loo, under sinks and in unlocked cupboards. Consider putting harmful chemicals in a sealed box. This will provide a double barrier to inquisitive little ones and help to avoid spills when reaching for a product.

Be cool!

Chemicals should be stored in a cool, dry cupboard. This will prevent potential accidents or harmful chemical reactions with heat. Ensure that the seal or packets are tightly closed.

Ventilation

When using chemicals in the home, only use as much of the product as you needed for the job at hand. Follow the instructions on the package and for stringent cleaning products open windows to ventilate the area and do not allow small children or pets into the area. Never leave chemicals unattended.

Know what to do in an emergency

If you or a member of your family have an accident with a dangerous chemical, read the safety information on the container and follow the instructions. If a dangerous chemical is ingested seek medical attention immediately. For more information visit the Health and Safety Authority on www.hsa.ie or calling 1890 289 389.

Chemical Free Cleaning Products

If you wish to learn more about our chemical free house cleaning service in Kilkenny and the South East of Ireland – give us a call today.

Get in touch!

To benefit of any of the services offered by McCreery Cleaning, just contact us for a no-obligation consultation today.