Cleaning Product Storage: Why It’s About More Than Just Tidiness

Risks lurking on the shelf – the consequences of storing cleaning products incorrectly

An open canister in the corner, a decanted bottle without a label, or a strong-smelling product standing right next to the coffee machine in the break room – what at first glance looks like carelessness can quickly become a serious source of danger in everyday life. Storing cleaning products correctly is not a minor issue – here is an overview of the most common risks:

• Chemical reactions: If different cleaning agents are stored improperly, they can react with each other in the event of a leak or through evaporation. The result: heat build-up, vapors, or even a fire hazard.
• Evaporating ingredients: Many cleaning agents contain volatile substances that can evaporate if stored incorrectly and be harmful to health. This irritates the respiratory tract and often the entire indoor climate.
• Mix-ups due to missing labels: If containers are not clearly labeled or cleaning agents are transferred to unlabeled containers, mistakes are bound to happen – with risks for people, surfaces, and cleaning machines.
• Danger to children or unauthorized personnel: If cleaning agents are stored unsecured or accessible, this can be a problem, especially in areas with public traffic (e.g., in schools or care facilities). Temporary staff or external service providers often do not know how to handle certain products.
• Environmental damage caused by improper storage of cleaning agents: Leaking containers, incorrect disposal, or storage in close proximity to drains pose risks to floors, water, and the environment—and, in serious cases, to a company's reputation.

In short: Anyone who stores cleaning products improperly is taking an avoidable risk. And that is precisely why legal requirements and standards for the safe storage of cleaning products are so important. What needs to be considered and what really matters in everyday work? We will clarify this in the next section.

The proper storage of cleaning products – regulations and legal requirements

The storage of cleaning agents is subject to certain safety and labeling requirements in Switzerland and throughout the EU. The legal basis for this comes from various sets of regulations that are very similar in content, even if the details vary slightly from country to country. The following are particularly relevant:

• The EU's CLP Regulation (Classification, Labelling and Packaging) regarding hazard symbols on cleaning agents
• The globally applicable GHS (Globally Harmonized System) for the classification and labeling of chemicals
• National hazardous substance regulations (e.g., in Germany or the Chemical Risk Reduction Ordinance in Switzerland)

These regulations are consistent in their basic principles: cleaning agents with hazard symbols – including environmentally friendly cleaning agents – must be stored in such a way that risks from spillage, confusion or reactions are prevented as far as possible. And this applies not only to large companies, but everywhere where professional cleaning takes place.

Cleaning agents and storage in commercial settings – with a system for safety

The ideal scenario in everyday business life? Quick cleaning, good cleaning equipment, and effective products that are within easy reach. To ensure that neither safety nor legal requirements are neglected, clear rules are needed. The following points show what really matters when it comes to storing cleaning products – and how legal requirements can be implemented in practice:

Only use labeled original containers

• Only correctly labeled containers display the hazard symbols on cleaning agents and contain all relevant product information.
• Never decant – and if you do, copy the original label and attach it in a clearly visible place.

Control access to storage rooms

• Children, external service providers, or temporary staff must not have access to hazardous substances.
• Introduce lockable cabinets or access control via keys/chip cards.

Store acids and alkalis separately

• This prevents chemical reactions in the event of contact or leakage.
• Set up separate shelves or areas – with color coding or clear warning signs.

Provide safety data sheets and operating instructions

• In the event of an accident, every second counts – information on symptoms, protective measures, and first aid must be readily available.
• Print out the latest safety data sheets, keep them in a marked folder in the warehouse, and update them regularly.

Do not store near food

• This prevents contamination or mix-ups – particularly important in kitchens, daycare centers, or care facilities.
• Keep cleaning products strictly separate from food – ideally in separate rooms.

Create suitable storage conditions

• Heat, high humidity, or poor ventilation can alter ingredients or build up pressure in the container.
• Store cleaning products in a cool, dry place away from electrical appliances or heat sources.

Do not mix products or empty them together

• This can cause unwanted chemical reactions, loss of effectiveness, or dangerous vapors.
• Never mix residual quantities – always empty containers completely and dispose of them correctly.

Storing cleaning agents in a structured and correct manner is much more than just an organizational measure. Rather, it is a central component of occupational safety, quality assurance, and legal compliance. Additional requirements often apply in sensitive areas such as hospital hygiene, care facilities, or under hygiene regulations in the catering industry: separate storage rooms for disinfectants, clearly regulated access, or special internal regulations are not the exception here, but the standard.

But even outside these areas, a professional system pays off. Storing cleaning products in a clear, safe, and compliant manner not only protects employees and the environment, but also creates more efficient everyday processes and thus lays the foundation for fast, safe, and professional work.

Modern cleaning product storage for professionals – well stored and better planned

Well-organized cleaning product storage is a real efficiency factor. Optimizing your storage structures ensures smooth processes, clear responsibilities, and less material waste.

These aspects pay off especially in everyday operations:

• Clear storage structures and product labeling: Labeled storage locations, color-coded shelving systems, or QR codes for digital recording ensure clarity and make it easier to train new employees.
• Checklists and plans: Companies should create cleaning plans to ensure consistent quality. These ensure consistency in processes and minimize application errors, even with changing personnel.
• Use dosing aids: Wall dispensers, mixing systems, or dosing aids prevent overdosing and help to comply with product specifications.
• Knowledge as a factor for success: Regular building cleaning training on how to use products, dosing technology, and safety rules ensure uniform standards within the team.
• Digital warehouse management: From simple warehouse plans to software with automatic consumption analysis, an overview of consumption, remaining stocks, and reorders makes warehouse management transparent and scalable.

For management and those responsible for budgets, well-structured cleaning product storage contributes to safety and is a lever for cost control.

Smart cleaning – how modern technology is redefining cleaning product storage

A well-organized warehouse is the first step – but the cleaning process only becomes truly efficient when its application is also well thought out. In modern businesses, it is no longer just about safe cleaning product storage – economical and transparent use is also a priority. Many companies now rely on automated or semi-automated cleaning equipment for industry.

Devices such as scrubber dryers or cleaning robots work with integrated cleaning agent dosing and minimize direct contact with chemicals. They help to reduce the amount of cleaning agent that needs to be stored, transported, and manually dosed. The result: less space required for cleaning product storage, less refilling, less waste. And at the same time, improved occupational safety, hygiene, and transparency.

An example: In a logistics center covering several thousand square meters, the cleaning process was optimized using autonomous cleaning robots. The devices clean independently at night according to predefined routes – without any manual follow-up work. What makes this special is that the robots are automatically filled with water and precisely dosed cleaning agent at central stations. The integrated consumption monitoring system signals when refilling is required, so warehouse structure and stocks are always visible. At the same time, the need for large quantities of stock in the warehouse is significantly reduced. This not only reduces the risk during handling, but also the overall amount of cleaning agents used.

Combining modern technology with structured cleaning product storage creates a system that cleverly combines efficiency, environmental awareness, and safety.

From obligation to strategy – cleaning product storage with added value

Occupational safety, fire protection, hygiene standards, environmental protection – the proper storage of cleaning agents is no trivial matter. Taking responsibility in this area creates safety and a solid foundation for efficient processes throughout the entire company. Proper cleaning agent storage is and remains part of a holistic cleaning strategy. It protects employees from risks, prevents misuse, facilitates material management, and saves costs in the long term.

What works on a large scale can also be applied to everyday life: storing cleaning products at home in a child-proof, separate, and dry place also reduces hazards and creates order. A well-organized cleaning cupboard saves nerves – and sometimes expensive repairs. As a general rule, well-thought-out cleaning and cleaning product storage pays off – for the business, for the environment, and for everyone who works with the products on a daily basis. It is not a nice-to-have – it lays the foundation for a sustainable, safe, and professional cleaning process.