Garage is worst place for cleaning supplies

The location where cleaning supplies are stored can have a significant impact on their usage and longevity. According to professional organizers and experts, such as Noah Pinsonnault of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care Cleaning Lab, the best place to keep cleaning supplies is in a caddy, stored somewhere cool, dry, and easy to reach.

Karen Larkin, founder of Belle Home, a cleaning company in New Haven County, Connecticut, emphasizes the importance of keeping cleaning supplies close to where they are used. This allows for easy access and can increase the frequency of cleaning.

Andrew Brown, owner of Immediate Movers and Storage, recommends sorting cleaning supplies by task rather than by product type. Each caddy should hold only the necessary items for a specific room, such as glass cleaner and disinfectant spray in the bathroom.

The Worst Place to Store Cleaning Supplies

Brown identifies the garage as the worst place to store cleaning supplies, citing the negative effects of temperature extremes on the products. Pinsonnault states that heat can accelerate degradation in some products and raise pressure inside aerosol containers.

Cold temperatures can also affect some formulations, making an unheated garage a problem. Additionally, high humidity in basements can compromise packaging and is especially hard on powdered products that need to stay dry.

Bleach and oxygen-based products are particularly susceptible to degradation, with heat speeding up the loss of active chlorine and available oxygen. Pinsonnault advises checking the manufacturer’s guidance for shelf life and replacing products that show signs of degradation, such as a change in appearance, odor, or consistency.

Under the sink is a popular but risky storage spot, as leaks can occur around pipes and go unnoticed. Brown recommends layering defenses, such as a bin to catch leaks and a riser to keep bottles off the cabinet floor, if this is the only available option.

Pinsonnault emphasizes the importance of safety, especially for households with young children or pets. Cleaning products should be kept in their original containers and stored in a secure location, such as a high cabinet or a locked closet.

Noah Pinsonnault’s warning about the risks of storing cleaning supplies in extreme temperatures is also a key factor to consider. By avoiding locations like the garage or basement, you can help to ensure that your cleaning products remain effective and do not degrade over time.