What is the best way to store cleaning supplies?
Safe and Accessible Storage
The best location is a locked cabinet or a high shelf that children and pets can't reach. If you have a utility closet or a designated shelf in the garage, that works too. Keep supplies in their original containers with labels intact, and never transfer them to food or drink containers.
Consider a portable caddy for daily cleaning items, so you can carry them from room to room. For bulk supplies, store them in a bin or on a shelf, but keep them separated from food, pet food, and medications to avoid accidental ingestion or contamination.
- Locked cabinet: safest for homes with kids or pets.
- High shelf: if locking isn't possible, ensure it's well out of reach.
- Utility closet: keeps supplies contained and away from living areas.
- Portable caddy: convenient for carrying supplies while cleaning.
- Garage shelf: good for bulk items, but avoid extreme temperatures.
Organizing for Efficiency
Group similar items together: all-purpose cleaners, glass cleaners, bathroom cleaners, etc. Use a lazy Susan or small bins to keep bottles upright and prevent leaks. Keep a stain remover and microfiber cloths handy for quick cleanups.
Check expiration dates on products like bleach and disinfectants, as they can lose potency over time. Also, never mix cleaning products, especially bleach and ammonia, as it can create toxic fumes.
Common mistakes
- Storing cleaning supplies under the sink without a lock is a common hazard for young children.
- Keeping supplies in a hot garage can degrade some chemicals and make containers pressure build.
- Mixing different cleaners in the same bottle can cause dangerous chemical reactions.
