When a child ingests dishwashing liquid, an immediate, calm, and focused response is necessary to safeguard their health. The chemical composition of many cleaning products means accidental ingestion carries a risk of irritation, internal burns, or severe systemic effects. Maintaining composure allows for clear thinking and ensures that necessary first-aid measures are executed quickly and accurately, minimizing exposure time and potential injury.
Immediate Actions Before Calling
The first action is to remove the child from the product and clear their mouth of any remaining residue. Use a clean cloth or your fingers to carefully swipe out any liquid or physical pieces of a pod or tablet. If the child is conscious, have them rinse their mouth with cool water and spit it out several times to remove any remaining detergent film.
After rinsing, offer the child small sips of water or milk to help dilute the swallowed product in the stomach. This dilution helps reduce the corrosive effect of the detergent on the lining of the esophagus and stomach. Observe the child closely to ensure they are breathing comfortably and not showing signs of distress or choking before contacting medical professionals.
Do not attempt to induce vomiting. Dishwashing liquids, especially concentrated varieties, can cause severe burning on the way down. Forcing the product back up exposes the esophagus and throat to corrosive chemicals a second time, increasing the risk of serious tissue damage, airway swelling, and aspiration into the lungs.
When and How to Contact Poison Control
Once immediate physical actions are complete, seek professional guidance by calling the national Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. This number connects you directly to a local Poison Control Center staffed by experts certified in toxicology. They provide free, confidential, and specific instructions tailored to the exact product and amount ingested.
You must be prepared to relay specific details to the specialist to receive the most accurate advice. It is helpful to have the product container nearby, as the specialist will likely ask for the active ingredients listed on the label.
Information to Provide
- The child’s age and approximate weight
- The time the ingestion occurred
- The precise name of the product involved
- Specific active ingredients listed on the label
In situations where the child is exhibiting severe symptoms, bypass Poison Control and immediately call 911 or your local emergency services.
Severe Symptoms Requiring 911
- The child collapsing
- Having a seizure
- Experiencing significant difficulty breathing
- Becoming unconscious
For all other cases, Poison Control will advise whether the child can be monitored at home or requires immediate transport to an emergency department.
Monitoring Symptoms and Understanding Toxicity
The medical risk following ingestion depends heavily on the type of detergent, particularly the difference between hand dish soap and automatic dishwasher detergent (ADD). Hand dish soap is formulated with milder surfactants and is less toxic, often causing only minor stomach upset, vomiting, or diarrhea. Automatic dishwashing detergents, especially concentrated liquids or pods, are frequently highly alkaline, sometimes having a pH of 10 or greater.
This high alkalinity makes them effective cleaners but also capable of causing severe chemical burns, or caustic injury, to the tissues of the mouth, esophagus, and stomach. The damage can continue to progress for hours or weeks after the initial exposure, making continuous observation necessary.
Parents must watch for specific symptoms that indicate internal injury:
- Persistent drooling
- Refusal to swallow
- Severe pain in the mouth or throat
- Repetitive vomiting, which may contain blood
A persistent cough, wheezing, or difficulty breathing suggests the detergent may have been aspirated into the lungs. Aspiration is a serious complication requiring emergency medical attention.
Preventing Future Accidental Ingestions
After addressing the immediate emergency, proactive household safety measures are necessary to prevent future accidental ingestions. All dishwashing liquids, powders, and especially brightly colored, concentrated pods must be stored securely, out of a child’s sight and reach. A high shelf or a cabinet equipped with a child-resistant lock is the most effective storage location.
Detergents should always remain in their original packaging. These containers are designed to be child-resistant and include necessary ingredient and warning labels. Transferring detergent into unmarked vessels, such as beverage bottles, greatly increases the risk of a child mistaking the product for a drink. After each use, immediately close the container securely with the original child-resistant closure, ensuring any latch mechanism is engaged.
For detergent pods, the unit-dose packs are easily mistaken for candy by young children. Never leave a single pod or tablet sitting on a countertop or in the open dispenser of the dishwasher. Maintaining strict control over the storage and handling of these products significantly reduces the risk of future poisoning incidents.