Laundry detergent, washing-up liquid, bleach, descaler: these everyday products work well, but they need to be used and stored carefully, especially with young children at home. Here are 7 simple habits based on the recommendations of the Belgian Poison Centre.
1. Read the label before use
Instructions and safety advice are on the packaging. Take a few seconds to read them, especially for a product you have never used before.
2. Store products high up, out of reach
Keep cleaning products out of reach of children and pets, ideally up high, and not under the sink if small children can get to it.
3. Take extra care with laundry pods
Their bright colours can make them look like sweets to a young child, and their casing dissolves on contact with water or wet hands. Test-Achats points out that EU rules have required harder-to-open packaging and a bitter taste on pods since 2015, but caution is still needed. Always close the box and handle pods with dry hands.
4. Close packaging properly after use
A loose cap or an open box is all it takes for an accident. Close every product straight after use.
5. Keep products in their original packaging
Never pour a cleaning product into a water or soft-drink bottle: a mix-up can have serious consequences.
6. Never mix two products
Some mixtures release dangerous gases. The Poison Centre specifically mentions bleach mixed with a descaler or vinegar. Use one product at a time and rinse in between.
7. Protect yourself with irritant or corrosive products
For products labelled as irritant or corrosive, wear gloves (and goggles if needed), ventilate the room and keep children and pets away while you use them.
In case of an accident
In Belgium, the Poison Centre answers 24/7 on 070 245 245. Keep the product packaging to hand so you can describe it. In a life-threatening emergency, call 112.
Find our cleaning products in the Laundry and Household cleaning aisles.
Sources
- Belgian Poison Centre, prevention leaflet on chemical products (French version): centreantipoisons.be
- Test-Achats, expert answer on laundry pods (French version): test-achats.be
This article gives general prevention advice and does not replace advice from a health professional.