Sorting the family medicine cabinet: checking dates and storing safely

A clearly labelled cabinet, kept cool and dry and out of children's reach, cuts down on mix-ups.

This article focuses on steps you can apply straight away, while pointing out what to check so you do not follow them mechanically. Adjust them to your actual circumstances, to the manufacturer's instructions and to the rules where you live or are visiting.

How to do it, step by step

1. Gather the medicines, keeping the original packaging and leaflets

Gather the medicines, keeping the original packaging and leaflets. Get all the tools ready before you start, look at the result after each step, and stop if anything looks unsafe or different from what you expected. Going slowly the first time usually saves the time it would take to put mistakes right later.

2. Set aside anything expired, unlabelled or changed in colour

Set aside anything expired, unlabelled or changed in colour. Get all the tools ready before you start, look at the result after each step, and stop if anything looks unsafe or different from what you expected. Going slowly the first time usually saves the time it would take to put mistakes right later.

3. Dispose of medicines as your local guidance says, never down the drain on your own initiative

Dispose of medicines as your local guidance says, never down the drain on your own initiative. Get all the tools ready before you start, look at the result after each step, and stop if anything looks unsafe or different from what you expected. Going slowly the first time usually saves the time it would take to put mistakes right later.

4. Store them at the required temperature and lock the cabinet if young children are around

Store them at the required temperature and lock the cabinet if young children are around. Get all the tools ready before you start, look at the result after each step, and stop if anything looks unsafe or different from what you expected. Going slowly the first time usually saves the time it would take to put mistakes right later.

5. Keep a list of your own medicines, but do not pass a prescription on to anyone else

Keep a list of your own medicines, but do not pass a prescription on to anyone else. Get all the tools ready before you start, look at the result after each step, and stop if anything looks unsafe or different from what you expected. Going slowly the first time usually saves the time it would take to put mistakes right later.

A quick checklist

• Check the actual conditions and have a fallback ready.
• Put safety and hygiene first, along with the official instructions for the device or from the local authorities.
• Try it on a small area before applying it everywhere.
• Write down what worked so it goes faster next time.

Common mistakes

The usual mistakes are skipping the checking step, using too much product, or pressing on after the conditions have changed. Do not mix chemicals, do not take on electrical or structural repairs without the expertise, and never trade safety for a few saved minutes.

In closing

A clearly labelled cabinet, kept cool and dry and out of children's reach, cuts down on mix-ups. Start with the simple version, review it once you have done it, and keep it up as a habit that suits your household or your travels.