What Really Causes Most Child Poisonings at Home

You've probably heard that liquid dish soap is the number one cause of poisoning in young children. It's the kind of fact that gets passed around parenting forums and safety pamphlets, and it makes sense—those bright bottles look like juice, they're stored under the sink at toddler height, and kids put everything in their mouths.

But here's the twist: it's not actually true. At least, not quite.

The Real Rankings

According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers' 2020 annual report, the actual leading cause of poison exposures in children five years old and younger is cosmetics and personal care products, accounting for 11.8% of cases. That means things like lotion, shampoo, makeup, perfume, and toothpaste.

Household cleaning substances—which includes dish soap, laundry detergent, bleach, and all-purpose cleaners—come in at a very close second with 11.3% of exposures. So while liquid dish soap is definitely a major concern, it's sharing the stage with a whole category of cleaning products, and it's still being edged out by the stuff in your bathroom cabinet.

Rounding out the top five are analgesics like acetaminophen and ibuprofen (7.57%), random foreign bodies and toys (6.71%), and dietary supplements (6.44%).

Why the Confusion?

The myth likely persists because dishwasher detergent—especially the concentrated pods—has been specifically flagged as particularly dangerous. These products have a much higher pH (some as high as 13) and can cause serious burns to the esophagus and internal organs. One study found that 76% of children who ingested laundry or dishwasher pods had poisoning symptoms, compared to just 27% with traditional liquid formulations.

So when people say "dish soap," they might actually be thinking of dishwasher detergent, or the statistic got garbled as it was passed along. Either way, the distinction matters.

The Bigger Picture

U.S. poison centers receive over 1.5 million calls annually for pediatric poisoning exposures, and children under six account for more than half of all potential poisonings. The good news? The vast majority of these cases are not serious. Most soap exposures are either non-poisonous, minimally poisonous, or result in only minor effects that can be managed at home after a call to poison control.

That said, prevention is still key. The fact that cosmetics and cleaning products dominate the list tells us something important:

• Colorful, fragrant products attract curious toddlers
• Storage locations matter—under the sink and bathroom counters are prime real estate for exploring hands
• Packaging designed for adults (easy-open caps, spray bottles) is no match for determined little fingers
• The sheer volume of these products in the average home creates countless opportunities for exposure

Consumer Reports recommends that families with young children avoid liquid detergent pods altogether and opt for traditional formulations. And whether it's lipstick or dish soap, the best defense is the same: locks, high shelves, and vigilant supervision.

So no, liquid dish soap isn't the reigning champion of childhood poisonings. But it's still in the running, and that's reason enough to keep it out of reach.