Your cleaning equipment is very welcome: vacuums, mops, buckets, steam cleaners and carpet machines can all go in once they’re emptied, clean and dry. The products themselves, such as bleach, disinfectant, spray cleaners and polish, need to stay out of the unit.
Why cleaning products stay out
Cleaning products can leak, cause contamination or give off fumes. A storage unit stays closed and unattended for weeks at a time, right next to other people’s furniture and boxes, so a split bottle that nobody notices could damage far more than your own things. Keeping them out protects your belongings and everyone else’s.
That covers:
- bleach, disinfectants, toilet, oven and limescale cleaners, and drain unblockers;
- aerosol sprays, polish and air fresheners, whatever the label says;
- solvents such as white spirit, methylated spirits and stain removers;
- pool and hot-tub chemicals.
For everyday products such as washing-up liquid, laundry detergent and dishwasher tablets, the simplest plan is to keep them with you as well. If there’s something you’d really like to store, call us on 0800 2545585 before moving day and we’ll let you know.
An easy plan for moving day
The under-sink cupboard is often the last thing packed, so give it a box of its own:
- Pack it separately in a sturdy box or crate, with lids tight and bottles upright.
- Travel with it in your car, rather than in the van load going to storage.
- Use up or give away anything you won’t need before you move.
- For anything you no longer want, GOV.UK’s hazardous waste finder tells you whether your council has a service for household chemicals.
Your cleaning kit
Empty and rinse any tanks on carpet cleaners, steam cleaners or floor scrubbers, and let everything dry fully before it goes in, so nothing turns musty while it’s stored. Cloths and mop heads are fine too, as long as they’re clean and dry.
If your vacuum or other tools are cordless, our guide to e-bikes and lithium batteries explains the simple battery limits that keep everyone’s belongings safe.
Running a cleaning business? Your machines and equipment can live in your unit between jobs, while your chemical stock is best kept somewhere you control, such as a workshop or garage.
Not sure about something?
If you’ve a product or machine you’re unsure about, call us on 0800 2545585 before you move in and we’ll help. You can also check our list of items we can’t store, or get a price online when you’re ready.
Related questions
- What goods are prohibited from being stored at Wigwam?
- Can I store paint and decorating supplies?
- Can I store a lawnmower, petrol tools, gas bottles or a barbecue?
Further reading