Parents Beware - How the CleanTok Trend Puts Kids at Risk

Why decorative containers for laundry supplies can put kids at serious risk—and how to keep them safe.

Created with ChatGPT 4o AI graphic

While TikTok trends are not uncommon, there is a new hashtag that is sweeping the country called #CleanTok. Consumers opt to put everyday cleaning supplies into prettier containers that offer aesthetics to the home décor. This is a very dangerous thing to do.

Walk into any home and you may see a decorative container on a counter or shelf that might contain laundry pods, powders, and liquids. These containers can look very enticing to young children in the home, especially if they are in glass jars and the pods look like toys. Worse yet, some pods may look like food or candy.

“In 2023, the 55 U.S. poison control centers provided telephone guidance for nearly 2.1 million human poison exposures. That’s about 32.1 poison exposures in children younger than 6 years/1000 children.”

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other regulatory agencies put warnings on cleaning products for a good reason, but it’s up to the consumers to follow the warnings, especially when they are considering transferring contents into alternative storage.

A brief overview of the CleanTok trend

No concrete evidence has been attributed to how and why people started transferring products from their original containers into more decorative ones, but I found information that suggested the trend began during the COVID-19 pandemic when people were rearranging their laundry rooms and other rooms of the home.

In 2021, the American Cleaning Institute (ACI) became alarmed by the increase of social media platforms showcasing hundreds of trending images encouraging followers to display laundry packets and detergents as décor in glass or plastic jars.

As a result, the ACI started its #StoreNotDecor campaign to inform consumers of safe storage practices. Unfortunately, this is still cropping up on social media platforms like TikTok, but the ACI is doing its best to spread the word about the dangers.

Safe storage tips for cleaning supplies

Parents should be ever vigilant in ensuring their children are safe. The National Capital Poison Center (Poison Control) has a tip that all parents should follow.

“Container transfer invites DISASTER! Store bleach, cleaners, auto, and household products in their original containers. Never use beverage bottles to transport or store another product.”

Transferring cleaning supplies into more decorative containers is tempting with the holidays coming upon us. I’ve been tempted to do so, but it isn’t worth it. With that in mind, here are some great tips from Poison Control to safely store cleaning supplies.

1. Store products in their original containers.

2. Don’t remove original labels from containers.

3. If you must transfer cleaning products due to the original container being damaged, place a copy of the original label on the container and the number for Poison Control –

1-800-222-1222

30-Second Jingle for Poison Control Number

https://www.poison.org/-/media/files/jingles-for-poisondotorg/engver1-30.mp3

4. Keep the transferred container out of sight and away from children.

5. Do not store household cleaning products with foods or medications.

6. Store household cleaners in locked cabinets with child-resistant latches.

7. Never place non-food items in the refrigerator.

8. Don’t bring cleaners or chemicals from work into your home.

9. Be aware that food-scented cleaning supplies increase the risk of accidental ingestion.

10. Use dishes, glasses, and cups only for food and beverage consumption.

The following case highlights how easily accidents can occur when cleaning products are transferred into everyday containers.

Case Study: A 35-year-old woman transferred pine cleaner into a drinking glass because the original bottle was too heavy. Later, forgetting the cleaner was in the glass, she mistakenly thought it was tea, added more, and drank some. Realizing her mistake, she immediately called Poison Control, who advised her to sip fluids. She followed this advice and felt fine a few hours later.

Conclusion

The CleanTok trend may appear harmless fun, but it carries serious risks, especially for families with young children. Keeping cleaning products in their original containers and following the National Capital Poison Center’s guidelines can make a significant difference in preventing accidental ingestion and poisoning.

As we search for ways to beautify our homes, let’s also prioritize safety. By choosing safer storage methods and resisting the temptation to transfer products, we can protect our loved ones and keep our homes not only beautiful but also safe.

A small change in storage habits can make a big difference. Keep Poison Control’s contact information handy—whether on your fridge, saved in your phone, or pinned to your home bulletin board—so it’s always within reach in an emergency.

And how about you? What steps do you take to safely store your cleaning supplies? Share your tips and help spread awareness to keep all families safe.