Spruce up your house — safely — with these cleaning tips from the California Poison Control System

Most of the products we use to clean our homes and laundry with are generally safe to use, but they can sometimes be a hazard so it’s important to use and store them properly said the California Poison Control System.

A key finding of a research paper published in the May 2026 issue of Pediatrics found nearly 241,000 children 5 years old and younger were treated in U.S. emergency departments for injuries related to household cleaning products. The leading causes of these injuries were bleach and detergents, products that are commonly used in virtually every household.

“Common household cleaning products can be a major source of poisoning or harm in the home,” said Dr. Rais Vohra, Medical Director for the Fresno/Madera Division of CPCS. “We think they aren’t dangerous because they are in pretty packaging with appealing colors and shapes, and have pleasant scents. But they can be harmful if they get onto your skin, in your eyes, or are swallowed. Some cleaning products can make you sick within minutes or even be deadly.”

Five tips for product safety
• Before using cleaning products, carefully read labels and follow the directions.
• Use safety equipment, like glasses, gloves, and masks when using cleaning products.
• Make sure to ventilate the area you are using cleaning products in by opening a door or window, or using an exhaust fan.
• Never mix different cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting chemicals; be especially careful to never mix bleach with ammonia or vinegar as this can create a toxic gas.
• Many popular disinfectants contain bleach while other cleaning products contain ammonia — don’t use these at the same time either. To be safe, use one cleaning product at a time.

Four tips for storage safety
• Always store cleaning products in their original container — especially laundry pods, which children may easily mistake for candy or a toy — and store away from pets and food.
• Store cleaning products out of sight and reach from children, and make sure they are tightly sealed to prevent leaks and fumes.
¶ Avoid storing cleaning products above head height to prevent spills.
• Never put cleaning products into food or beverage containers, they might be mistaken for something to eat or drink.

“Remember that when used correctly, cleaning and laundry products are safe, but improper handling or storage can cause serious health risks,” adds Vohra. “Call Poison Control if any cleaning product splashes in your eyes, splashes on your skin, if you breathe in the fumes, or swallow it.”

About CPCS
Call Poison Control at (800) 222-1222 (number is the same in all states) for questions about poison encounters. Trained pharmacists, nurses and other providers are available to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The service is free, confidential and interpreters are available. Follow CPCS on Facebook, on YouTube @californiapoisoncontrol, and on X @poisoninfo. Sign up for The California Poison Safety Post, California Poison Control System’s quarterly electronic newsletter, by visiting calpoison.org/newsletters. CPCS is part of the University of California San Francisco School of Pharmacy and is responsible to the California Emergency Medical Services Authority.