MADISON, Wis. – For many, spring cleaning is a popular tradition for decluttering, resetting and refreshing spaces.
A new survey by the American Cleaning Institute finds that 80% of Americans plan to spring clean this year, and while spring cleaning offers a fresh start to the warmer seasons, it is important to keep safety in mind, especially for children. Cleaning products, cleaning supplies, and pesticides can be dangerous if children ingest or inhale them, according to Dr. Megan Yanny, pediatrician, UW Health Kids.
Chemicals can cause serious skin burns or burns inside the body if swallowed, as well as poisoning, eye irritation or breathing problems if inhaled, she said.
“The biggest tip is to make sure chemicals and cleaning supplies are locked up and out of reach when not being used,” said Yanny, who is also an associate professor of pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. “When supplies are used with kids around there must be full supervision and education for the children.”
Families should not reuse empty containers or repackage cleaning products in other containers not marked as cleaning supplies because children can mistake them for food or drink containers, she said.
From 2007 to 2022, an estimated 240,800 visits to United States emergency departments were associated with household cleaning product-related injuries among children ages 5 years old and younger. That is one injury every 35 minutes, according to a Center for Injury Research and Policy study published in April 2026.
“This data is not surprising because everyone has these products at home, and it is easy to forget that kids might mistake them for other liquids or toys,” Yanny said. “It is developmentally normal for kids to explore their surroundings, so keeping things locked away is key.”
Symptoms for parents to watch for after a possible ingestion include drooling, difficulty swallowing, wheezing, gagging and vomiting, especially if any spilled or missing chemicals or substances are nearby. Inhaled substances could cause dizziness, weakness, difficulty breathing, fatigue, burns or skin changes around the mouth and nose, a chemical smell, or slurred speech.
Parents should call Wisconsin Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 right away if they suspect a child has been exposed to a dangerous substance, she said.
If kids want to help with spring cleaning, give them age-appropriate tasks under supervision. Younger kids can pick up their toys, sort their clothes for donation, fold laundry, pull weeds, take out the trash, do dishes and empty the dishwasher. Older kids can safely use cleaning supplies if supervised and taught properly first, and then be sure to store them safely when the task is completed.
“It is important to teach children responsibility and ownership of their living space and home, and to ensure spaces stay clean from germs and waste to optimize health,” Yanny said. “Having chores and responsibilities in the home builds self-esteem, allows them to earn privileges and sets them up for success in independent living and adulthood.”
