Keeping your family healthy and safe relies in part on maintaining a clean home. Unfortunately, many cleaning products used to kill germs can be harmful if used improperly. This is especially true in homes with small children and pets who might unknowingly access or be exposed to hazardous chemicals. This is why it is every homeowner’s duty to use and store household cleaning products in the safest manner.

One of the most important steps you can take in safeguarding household chemicals is to make sure all containers are clearly labeled. Labels can fade or fall off over time, so it may be necessary to write the name and contents of the cleanser onto the bottle with a permanent marker or find another way to identify what is in it. This also makes it easier for you to keep all cleaning supplies out of the reach of children, which is another key to preventing accidental usage and exposure. And when the time comes to dispose of old chemicals, you should know where your town’s disposal facility is located and what household chemicals it will accept.

Keeping your family safe and healthy requires more than regularly cleaning your home. It also means knowing what to do with those cleansers once you’re done with them. For some important tips you can use to safely store and dispose of household chemicals, see the accompanying guide.

Author bio: Lynn Place is Vice President of Marketing for SolvChem Custom Packaging Division. She has 30 years of professional experience in the manufacturing industry and specializes in consumer packaged goods, new product development and strategic planning.