Local and national departments offer Spring Cleaning safety tips
According to Lexington Fire Department: As you begin your spring cleaning be sure to follow these simple tips to keep you and your family safe:
Follow the instructions on the label when using and storing chemicals
Never mix products as this can cause deadly gases or fires
Store chemicals properly and ALWAYS keep away from children and pets
Dispose of chemicals in a safe and proper manner
FEMA says AWAYS FOLLOW CLEANING PRODUCT LABEL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.
Cleaning supplies can create nasty fumes, so make sure you get some fresh air by opening windows, turning on the exhaust fan, or placing a fan in the room.
Do not mix ammonia and bleach together, both of which are common household cleaners, because they create toxic fumes when combined.
When it doubt don't mix, just use one product to get the job done.
You should also wear rubber gloves to keep your hands from getting dry and cracked from the hot water and chemicals.
WEAR A MASK WHEN CLEANING DUSTY AREAS.
This may seem like overkill to some, but if you are at all allergic to dust this tip is very important.
DO NOT LEAVE BUCKETS FILLED WITH WATER AROUND YOUR HOME.
Even if you need to take a quick break, make sure you empty that cleaning bucket, or at least put it in an inaccessible area.
Even small amounts of water are a drowning hazard for small children.
PUT AWAY ALL YOUR CLEANING SUPPLIES WHEN YOU ARE DONE.
When you finally finish your spring cleaning tasks for the day it is easy to say to yourself, "I'll put these away later," or "I am just going to use these again tomorrow, so I'm keeping them out."
Cleaning supplies are an attractive nuisance for our children and pets, something inviting that they should definitely not be getting into.
Put the cleaning products away in a childproof cabinet for your children's safety and well-being as soon as you are done with them.
