Figure source: Pixabay

Survey Finds Nearly a Third of Americans Have Seen Unsafe Storage on Social Media

On September 2022, as part of Baby Safety Month, the American Cleaning Institute (ACI) and Safe Kids Worldwide were raising awareness of popular, but dangerous and unsafe cleaning product storage trends seen on social media.

With home organization trends on the rise, one trend in particular, displaying laundry detergents and other cleaners in glass jars or clear containers, is growing in popularity. In fact, a recent ACI survey found 30% of Americans reported seeing social media posts where cleaning products or liquid laundry packets were stored outside of their original packaging. Of those who have seen these types of posts on social media, 68% said they have tried or considered trying a new storage idea for cleaning products that they saw online.

“While consumers may see this trend as a harmless décor display, it could attract the attention of young children and contribute to cases of accidental exposures,” said Brian Sansoni, ACI Senior Vice President, Communications and Outreach. “As part of our Packets Up campaign, we’ve launched the Store Not Décor challenge to combat unsafe storage trends across social media and educate parents and caregivers on safe storage.”

The safe storage practices ACI and SKW are sharing this Baby Safety Month include:

• Keep liquid laundry packets tightly secured in their original packaging, stored up and out of reach and sight of children.
• Never display liquid laundry packets in decorative bowls or glass jars for home décor purposes.
• Completely close and seal liquid laundry packet containers after each use.
• Always store liquid laundry packets in their original containers with the safety label intact. Liquid laundry product packaging and other detergent containers are designed with child resistant innovation and with safety standards in mind.

“Preventable injuries can happen throughout the entire home, but there are proven steps parents and caregivers can take to protect their children,” said Torine Creppy, President of Safe Kids Worldwide. “This Baby Safety Month we’re thrilled to join ACI and the cleaning product industry to raise awareness for the critical need for safe storage practices and remind all parents to put cleaning products out of reach and sight.”

Source: www.cleaninginstitute.org