Cleaning Supply Storage Tips

No household is complete without products that brighten, whiten and disinfect all of the surfaces of a home. However, while cleaning products that can unclog a drain in seconds and easily remove stubborn grease and food stains certainly make life easier, they can also be harmful for children and pets. How and where you store your cleaning supplies can have a big impact on your family’s health, safety and budget. Follow these tips from the Phoenix home organization experts at Arizona Garage & Closet Design to safely store your cleaning supplies.

Know Your Chemicals

Stay up-to-date on poison control standards and be aware of ingredients in your cleaning products. Several household chemicals contain reactive agents that are harmful to children and pets when ingested or inhaled. These products include:

• Antibacterial kitchen and bathroom cleaners
• Glass cleaners
• Carpet and upholstery shampoos
• Drain cleaners
• Laundry detergents
• Furniture cleaners
• Dishwasher tablets (The American Association of Poison Control Centers found that children often confuse tablets for candy, causing nearly 12,000 incidents in 2014 involving children five and under)
• Toilet bowl cleaners

Always keep a close eye on chemicals when in use and store them in their original containers. If children visit your home often, make sure that all cleaning chemicals and other hazardous materials are kept out-of-sight and out-of-reach.

Choose a Storage Area

Cool, well-ventilated, dry areas work best for cleaning supply storage. Laundry room, kitchen or mudroom cabinets work well provided you are able to lock the cabinet doors securely to restrict access.

Have an Organization System Installed

If you don’t plan on keeping your cleaning supplies in your laundry room or closet organization system, consider having a new set of shelves or cabinets installed to keep cleaning supplies organized. Here are some ideas for cleaning product organization:

Organize the Area

Remove all contents from the cupboard or shelf where you will be storing your cleaning supplies and scrub all surface areas. After removing old liners, apply waterproof liners to protect the surface material. Wipe down each cleaning product and make sure the lid is on tight, disposing of any cleaning products that are past their expiration date or have damaged, bulging or lidless containers. Dispose of all old sponges and scouring pads, as these harbor germs and bacteria. Store the products you use most in a basket or near the front of the shelf.

Remove all items that are not directly related to cleaning the home, such as paint products, automotive products, hobby supplies, and pesticides. When shopping for cleaning products, only purchase the amount you need, as cleaning chemicals become less effective over time after they have been opened.

Keep the Area Organized

A built-in chalkboard or whiteboard can be helpful for noting which cleaning supplies should be used for which specific task, as well as reminding you of items needed on your next trip to the store. Remember to put items back in the correct spot after use, and you will find you rarely need to deep-clean the area going forward.

Arizona Garage & Closet Design provides high quality custom cabinetry and organization systems for the home. Whether you need a closet, pantry, home office, laundry room or other storage area, our professional design consultants will create a space that fits your unique style and budget. 

Contact us for an in-home quote today and see how Arizona Garage & Closet Design can help organize your garage and closet space! For more tips on organizing your home, be sure to subscribe to our blog!

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