Household Chemicals & Poison Prevention

Cleaners, pesticides, fuels, paint products and medicines cause many poisonings every year, especially among young children.

• Families

Never mix

• Bleach + ammonia (some glass and multi-surface cleaners) makes toxic chloramine gas.
• Bleach + acids (some toilet bowl, rust and drain cleaners, vinegar) makes chlorine gas.
• Different drain cleaners together, which can react violently.

Storage

• Keep products in their original labeled containers. Never put chemicals in drink bottles or food containers.
• Store up high and locked, away from children and pets, and away from food.
• Store gasoline and fuels in approved cans in a detached shed or garage, away from heaters and pilot lights.
• Keep laundry and dishwasher pods away from children.
• Dispose of old chemicals through household hazardous waste programs, not the trash or drain.

Using them

• Read and follow the label, including the PPE it lists (gloves, eye protection).
• Ventilate: open windows and use fans.
• Use one product at a time and rinse surfaces between products.

Last updated: October 1, 2026