The cabinet under the kitchen sink is the most convenient storage spot in the house. It is also the first place a curious toddler, or a puppy, will check.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has warned for years against keeping poisons where small children can reach them. In an archived CPSC poison-prevention publication, the agency says not to store them in a crawling child’s reach, “such as below the kitchen sink,” unless the cabinet is locked or has child safety latches.
Here are 11 product types that CPSC, the National Safety Council and Safe Kids Worldwide say belong out of reach, locked up or latched, rather than loose under the sink.
Bleach Belongs Out Of Reach, Especially Under Sinks
The National Safety Council’s poison-prevention fact sheet lists bleaching agents among the products to store out of reach, especially under sinks. If they cannot be moved, it says to install safety latches on cabinet doors.
Safe Kids Worldwide also names bleach among the items to move from under kitchen and bathroom sinks.
Drain Cleaners Are On The Same Warning List
The National Safety Council lists drain cleaners in the same group of products to store out of reach.
It adds that products should stay in their original labeled containers, not in beverage bottles or cans. A bottle with no label is a risk for everyone in the house.
Ammonia Should Not Sit Where Children Can Reach It
Ammonia appears on the National Safety Council’s list of household chemicals to keep out of reach.
CPSC adds that household substances should be stored away from food and medications, and warns that “Death could be the result of a mistaken identity.”
Oven Cleaners Need A Safer Home
Oven cleaners are also on the National Safety Council’s list, along with the advice to cap cleaning products and not leave open containers unattended, even briefly, when toddlers are present.
Putting products away before you answer the phone or the door is a habit CPSC recommends.
Dishwasher Liquid And Detergents Count Too
Safe Kids Worldwide says cleaners, bleach, detergents and dishwasher liquid under kitchen and bathroom sinks should be moved to a new location, and that cabinets holding poisonous items should have child safety locks.
The National Safety Council lists detergents among the products to store out of reach.
Furniture Polish And Floor Wax Are Easy To Forget
The National Safety Council names furniture polish and floor wax, and CPSC lists some furniture polishes among its poisons to lock up.
These are products many families have used for years, which makes them easy to overlook.
Toilet Bowl, Wall And Floor Cleaners Should Be Kept Away
The National Safety Council lists wall, floor and toilet bowl cleaners among the products to store out of reach.
If the bottles are in a bathroom cabinet at toddler height, they need the same latches as the ones in the kitchen. Take a look in every room with a sink.
Rust Removers, Metal Polish And Wax Remover Need Protection
The National Safety Council also names rust removers, metal polish and wax remover among the household chemicals to keep out of reach.
CPSC includes products containing lye or acids on its list of poisons that need locking up.
Insect Sprays And Pesticides Do Not Belong Near Food Or Pets
CPSC lists insect sprays among the products to lock up, and Safe Kids Worldwide names pesticides as a common hazard.
The National Safety Council adds that cleaning or pesticide products should not be stored near pet food or water dishes.
Kerosene, Lighter Fluid And Turpentine Are Dangerous In The Wrong Container
CPSC lists kerosene, lighter fluid and turpentine among its poisons to keep locked up, and says never to put kerosene or similar liquids in cups, glasses or drink bottles.
It recommends original containers with child-resistant closures, and the NSC says child-resistant caps are meaningless if they are not properly fastened after each use.
Paint, Solvents And Antifreeze Round Out The List
CPSC lists paints and solvents among its poisons. The National Safety Council says to store antifreeze carefully and clean up spills right away, because it tastes sweet to dogs and cats.
If you suspect a poisoning, Safe Kids Worldwide says to call Poison Control at 800-222-1222, a free and confidential line available 24 hours a day, and to call 911 if a child has collapsed or is not breathing.
A few habits from these agencies apply to every item above. Safe Kids Worldwide says to keep products in their original containers, never in unlabeled containers like soda bottles, and to read product labels to learn which items are hazardous to children.
It also says not to leave poisonous products unattended while in use, even for a moment, and to throw away old cleaning supplies from the garage, basement and other storage areas. The National Safety Council adds that cleaning compounds and foods should not be stored together.
The simple fix is a locked cabinet or a set of safety latches, plus a spot higher up for the dangerous products. Keep the number on your phone and on the refrigerator for babysitters.
More Stories You May Like
- Stacking Unlabeled Boxes In A Hot Damp Garage Can Ruin What Is Inside, So Know What Never To Store In A Garage Or Attic And How To Protect The Rest
- Scammers Posing As The FTC Are Now Threatening To Deactivate Your Phone Number, Then Passing You To A Fake Cop Who Demands A Security Deposit
- Meeting A Stranger For A Local Pickup Is Riskier Than It Looks And Moms And Grandparents Should Never Give Out Their Address Early