Safe Cleaning: What Parents with Young Children Should Know

Proper methods of cleaning and storage of cleaning supplies is one of the most important things new parents need to learn about. There are no classes required to become a parent. If there was, knowledge of this subject would be mandatory. There are more precautions to take concerning proper handling of any type of cleaning material that it's hard to know where to begin. A significant way to eliminate the problem is to eliminate access of young children to any type of cleaning material. This is something that is easy to say and somewhat easy to do if you are proactive. The problem is, you need the cleaning materials handy and handy is deadly for young children.

Some feel that putting locks on storage cabinets and closets sounds and seems a good idea. The problem is that locks can easily be forgotten and left unlocked. We are not looking for an UN solution. We need a guaranteed way to keep young children out of hazardous material areas. My sister did solve this problem several years ago. In her home on any cabinet or storage area that holds cleaning or toxic materials, including medicines, she has installed a hard plastic automatically engaging ratchet type hold tight lock system. For even an adult it takes stopping, thinking and concentration to reopen and door, drawer or cabinet that has been closed.

Yes it's a big of a pain but the piece of mind is worth it. From what I can tell there are two excellent results from using this system. The first is total removal of a child's ability to get into these dangerous storage areas. The second is a building of understanding on the part of the child that these ares contain things not safe. So much so the loving parent or grandparent has taken the time and spent the money to have them installed.

Beyond installation of such a system are the normal safety precautions.

Buy only products with child proof tops on containers.

Always completely and tightly close any cleaning material, even if it means transferring the remaining balance to a special storage container.