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Helping with easy things like folding or moving clothes from the washer to the dryer is a good way to introduce kids to the concept of family chores and teaches them valuable lessons about pitching in. But there are hazards in the laundry room, and it’s a spot that’s often overlooked when it comes to kid-proofing and safety. Here are four ways to keep kids safe when you’re separating lights from darks.
1. Keep laundry detergent out of reach and out of sight

Squishy, brightly coloured and small enough for little hands to grasp, laundry packets are really appealing to young kids. While the rates of accidental poisoning from laundry packets remains quite high (with one- and two-year-olds especially at risk), there are simple preventative steps you can take. Always keep laundry packs in the container they were sold in, as they’re labelled with important safety information and feature kid-proof locks. Be sure to store the container out of reach and out of sight (on top of your washer or dryer is far too tempting for curious climbers). When it’s time to put a load in the wash, never set the laundry packet on top of a basket of laundry or any other place where your child could grab it if you turn your back for a moment. Similarly, always keep liquid and powder detergents and stain removers well out of reach and in their original containers. If you use a DIY detergent, never store it in a container typically used for foods, and ...