Don’t store dishwasher pods in attractive, unmarked containers

Recently, I stayed with my daughter and her family at an Airbnb in Seattle.

After we were there a while, I saw a big safety hazard: dishwasher pods were stored in an attractive glass container and placed on the kitchen counter. Dishwasher pods are dangerous for children and some older adults who may think that they’re candy or a treat to eat. And although some manufacturers have made changes to the packaging and the product, detergent pods still pose serious health risks.

Keep detergent pods in their original containers and choose products with childproof packaging designed to keep kids out. Never transfer the pods into a plain container that isn't labeled. Store them in a separate place from food, and lock the cabinet.

For older adults with dementia, Consumer Reports suggests to monitor their behavior, watching for impulsivity and increasing interest in placing items in the mouth. If you observe these behaviors, remove choking hazards and items that could be fatal if ingested, including cleaners, detergents, medications, certain plants, and batteries.

As always, safety first. Take these few steps to keep kids and older adults safe, especially if you have an Airbnb. Your guests may have children and they could ingest these poisonous dishwasher pods and be injured or killed.