Cincinnati Children's Blog
  • Y&H Podcast
  • Newsletter Subscribe
  • CincinnatiChildrens.org
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
  • Healthy Living
  • Rare and Complex Conditions
  • Safety and Prevention
  • Heart Conditions
  • Learning and Growing
  • Research and Discoveries
  • Blog
  • Healthy Living
  • Rare and Complex Conditions
  • Safety and Prevention
  • Heart Conditions
  • Learning and Growing
  • Research and Discoveries
  • Y&H Podcast
  • Newsletter Subscribe
  • CincinnatiChildrens.org
  • Contact Us
HOME/Safety and Prevention/Spring Cleaning? Keep These Safety Precautions In Mind

Spring Cleaning? Keep These Safety Precautions In Mind

Spring Cleaning? Keep These Safety Precautions In Mind
March 13, 2025
Sheila Goertemoeller, PharmD, D.ABAT
0 Comments

For many, spring cleaning is a time to open the windows and do a little scrubbing and organizing. For others, it’s time to get the yard in shape.

Whether you’re tackling inside or outside of your home, the first day of spring falls during National Poison Prevention Week (NPPW) this year, so it’s the perfect time to share some spring cleaning precautions. 

Poisonings are the third leading cause of death from injuries in the United States as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Keep these safety tips in mind when working around your house.

Spring Cleaning Safety Precautions

Read labels

Be sure to read all labels before you get started. Labels often tell you the ingredients, directions of proper use, and what the dangers are. Some products may require a mask, gloves, safety glasses or proper ventilation during use. Keep all products in the container they came in so you have this important safety information available.

Never mix chemicals or cleaners

Chemicals have their own set of properties and aren’t meant to be mixed. Mixing chemicals or cleaners could create a poisonous gas that could be harmful to the body. A good example of this is when bleach and toilet bowl cleaners containing acids are mixed — they make a harmful gas called chlorine gas.

Air it out

When you’re working in an enclosed space with strong chemicals and cleaners, it’s very important to ventilate the space. To do this, open the windows and turn on a fan. It’s also critical to read the warning labels on the package before starting. Some labels recommend wearing a mask or respirator.

Protect your skin and eyes

Some chemicals and cleaners — like drain openers, toilet cleaners, rust removers and oven cleaners — can burn the skin. Be sure to wear proper gloves.

If you’re using a spray bottle, wear a long sleeve shirt, pants, socks, shoes, safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from a stray stream. Direct the nozzle away from yourself and other people.

If you are accidentally exposed, begin flushing with lukewarm water right away, and call the Drug and Poison Information Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Lock it up

Many household cleaners and chemicals can be poisonous when swallowed. Lock them up out of the reach and sight of children, preferably in a high cabinet.

Liquids that are particularly dangerous include those made from petroleum, such as:

  • Gasoline
  • Kerosene
  • Charcoal lighter fluid
  • Paint thinner
  • Lamp oil (citronella lamp oils can look and taste like lemonade)
  • Furniture polish

Safely clear cabinets

If you’re going to clear out your medicine cabinet, keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of your kids while you’re working. There are programs that will dispose of your unused and expired medications for you. Contact your local pharmacy to find a drop-off site.

Be careful with pesticides

Some pesticides can be extremely poisonous. Before use, read the label and wear protective clothing, gloves, safety glasses and masks. Pesticides can be absorbed through the skin or by being inhaled. It’s a good idea to stay away from the area for at least an hour after you’ve sprayed.

If a pesticide accidentally gets on your skin, follow these steps:

  1. Rinse the affected area right away with running water for 15-20 minutes.
  2. Call the Drug and Poison Information Center at 1-800-222-1222.

If the pesticide comes in contact with your clothing, take if off before rinsing your skin. Thoroughly wash the soiled clothes through a couple of wash cycles to remove any residue.

If you have any concerns while you’re spring cleaning or any other time during the year, please call the Drug and Poison Information Center at 1-800-222-1222. We can learn more about the situation and the potentially harmful exposure, and experts are available 24/7/365 to walk you through what to do next.

Related Articles

Parents of Teens: 8 Facts To Know About Nicotine and E-Cigarettes
Parents of Teens: 8 Facts To Know About Nicotine and E-Cigarettes
Parents: Know the Dangers of Water Beads
Parents: Know the Dangers of Water Beads
Edible Mushroom Products: What Parents Should Know
Edible Mushroom Products: What Parents Should Know
Accidental Exposure to Substances at School: Keeping Safety Top of Mind
Accidental Exposure to Substances at School: Keeping Safety Top of Mind
TAGS:
  • DPIC
  • drug and poison control
  • Drug and Poison Information Center
  • Home

About the author: Sheila Goertemoeller, PharmD, D.ABAT

Sheila Goertemoeller, PharmD, DABAT, ICPS, is a pharmacist and clinical toxicologist. She has more than 20 years of experience at the Drug and Poison Information Center Hotline at Cincinnati Children’s.

Write A Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

No Comments Yet

Topics

  • Cancer and Blood Diseases
  • Child Development and Behavior
  • Childhood Obesity
  • Chronic Care Networks
  • Cincinnati Walks for Kids
  • Featured Faces
  • Fetal Conditions
  • Fitness and Nutrition
  • Food Allergies
  • Ghana 2012
  • Health Care Public Policy
  • Health Care Quality
  • Health Care Reform
  • Healthy Living
  • Heart Conditions
  • Hospital Operations
  • Learning and Growing
  • Nurses Week 2012
  • Patient Family Experience
  • Patient Flow
  • Patient Safety
  • Pin of the Week
  • Rare and Complex Conditions
  • Research and Discoveries
  • Safety and Prevention
  • Share Your Story
  • Technology
  • The Young & Healthy Podcast
  • Uncategorized
  • Vaccines
  • Volunteerism
  • What's New
See All Topics
See Less Topics

Subscribe

Subscribe today to our family newsletter for tips, blog posts, podcasts and more.

Subscribe Now

Popular Posts

  • 6 Questions to Ask When Your Child Complains of Chest Pain 781 views

  • Lean, Purple Drank, Sizzurp: A Dangerous Teenage Drink 581 views

  • Stuttering In Young Kids: When To Be Concerned 481 views

  • Family Finds Heart Care Needed for Complex Condition 266 views

  • How To Increase Calories In Your Underweight Child’s Diet 257 views

  • Tips for Helping Babies Transition to Cow’s Milk 206 views

About

The Cincinnati Children’s blog features thoughts and perspectives from our experts on all things pediatric health. This blog does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Learn More »

Contact Us
  • 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229-3026
  • 1-513-636-4200 | 1-800-344-2462
  • TTY: 1-513-636-4900
  • socialmedia@cchmc.org
Connect With Us
  • Newsletter Subscribe
  • CincinnatiChildrens.org
  • Contact Us

© 2009-2025 Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center