Storage rules for chemicals in households

MSDS-Europe – Compass to Chemical Safety – Storage rules for chemicals in households

Safe storage of chemicals at home: a guide for modern households

Short summary: Safe storage of household chemicals is one of the most important steps in preventing accidents.

The label provides the most reliable information on storage, use and disposal.

In the coming years, the spread of online shopping, digital labeling and refill solutions will make it even more important to interpret hazard communication consciously and consistently.

Washing and cleaning products, disinfectant products, solvents, adhesives, and certain “household supplies” (for example, batteries) can all pose health, fire-safety or environmental risks.

The goal is not to “be afraid of them”, but to follow the basic principles consistently during storage and use.

What do people want to know most about storing household chemicals?

Typical consumer questions revolve around:

Where should the chemical product be kept in the home? (cupboard under the sink, pantry, bathroom, balcony)
Why is decanting dangerous? And what to do if it really cannot be avoided
Which products must not be stored together or used together? (especially bleach/acidic products)
Why can some modern products be “more hazardous”? (laundry capsules, concentrates, refills)
What do the pictograms and warnings on the label mean?
What to do in case of an accident, and who to call?

This article provides practical, easy-to-follow answers to the questions above.

Why is the label the most important source of information?

As a first step, always read the product label, and treat the storage and use instructions on it as the primary guidance.

The content of the label is always unique and product-specific. Its wording is prepared under strict legal requirements and is intended to protect the user.

The label contains all the information you need to know about hazards, safe use, storage and disposal.

Two label elements worth knowing:

Hazard statement (H statement): briefly describes the nature of the hazard (for example, corrosive effects, serious eye damage).
Precautionary statement (P statement): provides concrete instructions (for example, keep out of reach of children, wear protective gloves).

Storage principles: the most important “household minimum”

Learn about the product!

The label is not “fine print you have to endure”; it is the fastest way to understand where, how and under what conditions the product can be stored safely.

Keep it separate!

Do not store chemicals together with food, and keep them out of reach of children.
It is advisable to designate a separate, lockable cabinet as a “chemical storage compartment”.
Group products by their properties, and separate them from each other where possible (especially corrosive, oxidising and flammable products).

Do not store liquids above solids to avoid contamination in the event of leakage. Place trays under containers of corrosive products so that their contents cannot spread over a large area if a leak occurs.
Do not overload shelves.

Do not decant!

Rule of thumb: store chemicals in their original packaging.

If transferring to a smaller container is unavoidable, use an empty original bottle of the same product whenever possible, and make sure the label information remains legible (product name, signal word, hazard statements, precautionary statements).

Decanting into a food or beverage container is prohibited and extremely dangerous. Never pour a chemical into a container that could be especially attractive to children.

Close it, screw it back on, put it away!

After use, immediately close the container and put the product back in its designated place. (A large share of accidents happens not in the storage cabinet, but with products left out “just for a moment”.) Your child will find a forgotten chemical sooner than you think.

Provide appropriate conditions!

Do not expose chemicals to sunlight, heat or ignition sources.
Ensure adequate ventilation, especially for volatile products stored in small, enclosed spaces.

Check regularly!

Infrequent use or stockpiling can result in some items being “forgotten” for long periods of time; therefore, check your supplies regularly to ensure there have been no accidental spills or leaks.

Forbidden combinations: what you should never mix

Acids and lyes

Store them on low shelves or directly on the floor.
Certain acids should not be stored together with flammable and combustible materials (for the sake of simplicity, consider this a general rule).

Keep acids and lyes separate in the storage area so that they cannot mix in the event of accidental spillage.

To prevent spillage, place a tray under the product. If spillage does occur, absorb it with a neutral absorbent (e.g., sand).

“Two together works better”?

The myth that “two strong cleaning agents together work even better” can lead to serious accidents. It is especially risky if vapours mix in a confined space (bathroom, toilet).

Forbidden combinations – what you should never mix
Combination	What can happen?	Consequence
Bleaching agent (hypochlorite bleach) + acidic descaler / vinegar	Irritating, toxic gases may form (e.g., chlorine)	Airway irritation, feeling unwell
Bleaching agent + ammonia-containing product	Irritating gases may form	Coughing, chest symptoms
Using several different drain cleaners one after another	Violent reaction, heat generation	Chemical burns, splashing, fumes

If you are unsure, do not experiment: follow the “one product – one task” principle, and comply with the instructions on the label.

Modern products where storage is particularly important

Laundry capsules and concentrated cleaning agents

Liquid laundry capsules are highly concentrated mixtures, and their outer film can be damaged easily. Manufacturer and authority campaigns also emphasise: always keep them out of reach of children, in their original packaging, tightly closed.

Refills and “reduced packaging” solutions

Refill stations and refill packs may become increasingly common. They can be beneficial from an environmental perspective, but they are only safe if identifiability and labelling are not compromised.

“Natural” products and essential oils

A common misconception is that “natural” automatically means harmless.

Some essential oils and complex substances can also have irritant or allergenic properties.

Lithium-ion batteries (phone, e-bike, scooter, tools)

Among household risks, fires linked to lithium-ion batteries are becoming more significant.

Fire-prevention guidance recommends avoiding the use of damaged/swollen batteries, charging under supervision where possible, and keeping the charger and the charging area away from combustible materials.

Upcoming changes: what to watch from 2026 onwards

Over the next few years, hazard communication will become “more visible” in several ways:

In online shops, hazardous properties must be displayed clearly for consumers’ information. For the EU CLP “online” rules, the key application date is 1 January 2028 (advertisements and distance-selling offers) – see details here: CLP rules for webshops.
Digital information (for example, QR-code-based information) and more readable label formats are expected to spread. A practical overview of the 2026–2028 compliance timeline is available in our 2026 Chemical Regulatory Compliance Calendar.
As a consumer, this mainly means: when buying (especially online) you will see more hazard information – and it is worth using it to choose and store products more consciously.

What to do in case of an accident

Eye contact: immediate rinsing with plenty of water (for several minutes), then seek medical care according to the label instructions.
Skin contact: remove contaminated clothing and wash with plenty of water.
Inhalation: move to fresh air, ventilate; seek medical care if symptoms occur.
Ingestion: avoid “home remedies” – follow the label instructions and seek professional help.

Do not hesitate to ask!

The product label should always include the contact details of the supplier.

If you do not consider the information on the label sufficient, you can look up the product’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) on the distributor’s website, which contains much more detailed information than the label.

However, for household cleaning products and chemical products used by the general public, we do not consider the use of an SDS to be justified (nor is it generally required by law to be provided to consumers).

The data and information provided in an SDS can often lead lay users to incorrect conclusions.

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Quick questions and answers

Can cleaning products be stored under the kitchen sink?

It is possible, but in households with small children it is particularly risky. It is safer to store them in a lockable cabinet or higher up, out of reach of children.

Why is decanting risky?

Because the product can become unidentifiable, and the chance of accidental ingestion or mixing increases. The original packaging is part of the safety system.

What should you know about storing laundry capsules?

Always keep them in their original packaging, tightly closed, out of reach of children; do not use damaged capsules.

What is the UFI code on the label used for?

The Unique Formula Identifier (UFI) is a code that helps poison centres identify a hazardous mixture quickly in an emergency and provide accurate advice. In practice, it is linked to the Poison Centre Notification (PCN) system.

What should you do with expired or unwanted chemicals?

Do not pour them into the drain and do not dispose of them as mixed household waste: hand them in according to the rules of your local household waste collection centre.

What does it indicate if a battery swells or has an unusual smell?

This may indicate a fault. Stop using the battery and follow the manufacturer’s instructions; fire-safety guidance also highlights the increased risk associated with damaged batteries.

Summary and next step

The essence of safe storage is: reading the label, keeping products separate, avoiding decanting, ensuring appropriate conditions, and checking regularly. These steps can significantly reduce the risk of household accidents.

Suggested next step: carry out a “household chemical safety audit” – review your stock, designate a lockable storage place, and separate higher-risk product groups. If you have further questions, it may be worth requesting expert advice.

Do you have further questions?

Contact our Customer service, or ask our expert online.