The American Cleaning Institute (ACI) has issued a statement which calls for social media platforms to stop the spread of unsafe cleaning product storage trends.

One can find anything and everything on social media these days, and that includes “advice” on how to store potentially hazardous cleaning products. One trend on Pinterest shows storing liquid laundry packets and other cleaning products in unmarked glass or clear plastic containers instead of their original packaging for the sake of making a storage area aesthetically pleasing.

Instead, as any cleaning product professional will attest, it creates a serious safety hazard for anyone — particularly young children or adults with cognitive disorders — who may be tempted to consume the unlabeled products.

A recent ACI survey found that nearly one-third (30 per cent) of Americans have reported seeing social media posts where cleaning products or liquid laundry packets were removed from their original packaging and stored in clear or glass jars for decoration. Of those who have seen these types of posts on social media, more than two-thirds (68 per cent) said they have tried or considered trying a new storage idea for cleaning products that they saw online.

To try to combat this misinformation, the ACI has launched a series of Pinterest adverts under the title of Store Not Decor which educates social media users on safe product storage tips, as well as sending a letter to the Pinterest executive committee alerting them to the trend and reminding them of their responsibility to not propagate dangerous practices.

“Laundry detergent packets and all cleaning products should always be kept in their original containers and stored out of sight and reach of children,” said Brian Sansoni, ACI senior vice president of communications and outreach.