Most of us live in small apartments and houses. That's why we use non-standard places to store certain things. For example, detergents. When you think about how to hide cleaning supplies in the kitchen, the first place that comes to mind is under the sink. But don’t rush.
Content< /i>How to Hide Cleaning Supplies in the Kitchen: Don't Do It at AllWhere Should You Really Store Cleaning SuppliesAre Common Household Cleaning Products Really Dangerous?
Yes, it seems convenient to store cleaning supplies here so they are easily accessible and not on display, but it can be dangerous. Storing such items close to the floor poses a serious health risk to children and pets who can easily access them. This is what WomanEL wants to warn you about.
How to hide cleaning supplies in the kitchen: Don't do it at all
According to the US National Library of Medicine, household cleaning products are the second most common cause of unintentional poisoning of children under six years of age in the US.
While natural cleaners like vinegar and baking soda are non-toxic, most store-bought options are filled with harmful chemicals. Not to mention, most cleaning products need to be stored in a cool, dry place. Whereas the enclosed space under the sink can be quite damp due to limited ventilation and heat generated by the water pipes.
Moving essentials to a taller kitchen cabinet isn't ideal either. Due to the toxicity of many ingredients found in cleaning products, it is best to keep them away from areas where they may come into contact with food. In fact, the golden rule to follow is to remove the cleaning supplies from the kitchenand move them to a safer place.
Where should you actually store your cleaning supplies< /h2> Where to safely store detergents, Source: freepik.com
When choosing the best place to store cleaning supplies, first find a high place. This way, the most vulnerable members of your family will not have access to them. Next, you need to make sure the area is cool and dry and has good ventilation. This means no direct sunlight or sudden temperature changes. Any place that is damp or near an open flame or hot pipes is also completely unacceptable due to the flammable nature of most popular household cleaning products.
Speaking to MarthaStewart.com, Malaika Lubega, professional organizer, interior decorator and owner of Huza Home Concepts, offered. “Store these items on wall shelves or utilize vertical space in a utility room, laundry room or even garage.” Certified building biologist, environmental consultant, and co-founder of Branch Basics, Marilee Nelson, goes even further, recommending finding storage space as far away from your living space as possible.
“People don't realize that toxic cleaning products scattered around the house create a low-concentration chemical soup that every family member breathes and absorbs through their skin 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,” she explained. Another tip to keep in mind is that nothing fragrant should be stored in the kitchen. Not just cleaning products, but also scented trash bags because they aren't usually made from food-grade plastic. This means that the chemicals used to create a pleasant smell may be absorbed by food stored nearby. Which potentially makes them toxic to eat.
Are Common Household Cleaning Products Really Dangerous?
Unfortunately, most common household cleaning products contain harmful chemicals. They can irritate the eyes and throat, cause headaches, and even lead to chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma.
The American Lung Association warns about VOCs in particular, noting that hazardous chemicals found in popular cleaning products can evaporate at room temperature and release these harmful compounds into the air you breathe. A few common products that emit VOCs include dishwashing liquid, upholstery cleaners, floor polish, oven cleaners and chlorine bleach. And while some companies may claim that their products are “green,” they can’t be trusted either.
Manufacturers are not currently required by law to disclose every ingredient in a product. Of course, it would be ideal to eliminate them from your home completely. But this is not a realistic option for most families, especially those on a tight budget. Therefore, this is why storing them properly, that is, away from the kitchen, can at least help mitigate some of the potentially dangerous side effects.
If you need to get rid of limescale, what will help? Here we have listed the best chemical-free options.