- Prevention Starts with Proper Storage and Smart Habits Around Cleaning Products
Many accidental exposures happen in the moments when a product is left out “just for a minute.” During National Poison Prevention Week (March 15–21, 2026), the American Cleaning Institute (ACI) is reminding families that taking an extra second to store products safely can help prevent accidental poisonings, especially among young children and vulnerable adults.
Cleaning products play an essential role in protecting public health and hygiene, but like all household products, they must be stored and used properly to help prevent accidental exposures, especially among young children and vulnerable adults.
“National Poison Prevention Week is an opportune time to remind parents and caregivers to always take an extra second for safety,” said Brian Sansoni, ACI Senior Vice President, Communications and Outreach. “Don’t leave cleaning products open on the counter. Seal it and store it.”
Simple Steps for Cleaning Product Safety
ACI encourages consumers to follow these everyday safety practices:
Use Safely
- Schedule routine cleaning with kids in mind. Choose times when small children aren’t around or when they’re napping.
- Read and follow product label directions. Don’t mix products - harmful gases can be released.
- Never remove product labels. The precautions, first-aid instructions and ingredients will be important if there’s an emergency.
- Take out only the amount of cleaning product needed. Put the rest away, so nothing’s left out to tempt curious toddlers or pets.
Store Safely
- Lock products up. This location should be away from children, pets or food.
- Store products in their original containers. If you put products in food or beverage containers, someone might eat or drink them by mistake.
- Close container caps securely. Products with more potential hazard, such as some oven or drain cleaners, come with child-resistant packaging. However, unintentional poisonings can still occur if the package isn’t closed properly.
Dispose Safely
- Carefully dispose of empty cleaning containers. To protect children, pets and garbage handlers, replace caps first, then discard in a sealed recycling bin or garbage container.
Save the Poison Help number (1-800-222-1222) on your phone and post it in a visible place at home.
A Shared Commitment to Prevention
ACI and its member companies are committed to advancing product safety through child-resistant packaging, clear labeling and consumer education initiatives. Campaigns such as #StoreNotDecor and #PacketsUp reinforce the importance of keeping liquid laundry packets and other cleaning products stored safely and securely.
For more information visit www.cleaninginstitute.org and join the conversation on social media using #PoisonPreventionWeek, #StoreNotDecor and #PacketsUp.
The American Cleaning Institute® (ACI – www.cleaninginstitute.org) is the Home of the U.S. Cleaning Products Industry® and represents the $60 billion U.S. cleaning product supply chain. ACI members include the manufacturers and formulators of soaps, detergents, and general cleaning products used in household, commercial, industrial and institutional settings; companies that supply ingredients and finished packaging for these products; and chemical distributors. ACI serves the growth and innovation of the U.S. cleaning products industry by advancing the health and quality of life of people and protecting our planet. ACI achieves this through a continuous commitment to sound science and being a credible voice for the cleaning products industry.