Cleaning Products You Should Never, Ever Mix
It can be frustrating to tackle a difficult cleaning task, and you may be tempted to take unconventional approaches to solve the problem. However, before you start mixing various cleaning products together, it's important to exercise caution. According to Carolyn Forte, the Director of the Cleaning Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, individuals often believe that combining multiple cleaning products will enhance their effectiveness if one product works. Nancy Bock, Senior VP of Education at the American Cleaning Institute, cautions that combining certain cleaning products, which are safe to use individually, can lead to the creation of unsafe fumes or chemical reactions. Even if the mixture does not pose a danger or toxicity, it's impossible to predict how a surface or fabric will react to the combination. Therefore, it's crucial to read the warning and ingredient labels on cleaning products and avoid mixing the following products:
Bleach + Vinegar
Mixing bleach and vinegar is extremely dangerous and should never be attempted. When bleach and vinegar are combined, they produce chlorine gas, which can be extremely harmful if inhaled. Chlorine gas can cause respiratory problems, chest pain, coughing, and in severe cases, it can even lead to death. Additionally, mixing bleach and vinegar can create other hazardous chemicals that can cause chemical burns or skin irritation.
Baking Soda + Vinegar
Mixing baking soda and vinegar can create a fizzy reaction due to the chemical reaction that occurs when an acid (vinegar) and a base (baking soda) are combined. However, while the reaction may appear to be useful for cleaning, the resulting mixture is not an effective cleaner. When baking soda and vinegar are mixed, they react to produce water, sodium acetate, and carbon dioxide gas. The resulting mixture is mostly water, which is not an effective cleaning solution. In addition, the mixture can potentially damage certain surfaces such as marble or granite countertops because the acidic vinegar can etch the surface. Therefore, it's best to avoid mixing baking soda and vinegar as a cleaning solution and instead use them separately for cleaning purposes. For example, baking soda can be used to scrub surfaces and eliminate odors, while vinegar can be used as a natural disinfectant and can effectively clean certain surfaces when used alone.
Bleach + Ammonia
Mixing bleach and ammonia is extremely dangerous and should never be attempted. When bleach and ammonia are combined, they create a toxic gas called chloramine. Chloramine gas is a strong irritant that can cause respiratory problems, including coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Exposure to high levels of chloramine gas can even lead to severe respiratory distress and, in extreme cases, death. In addition, the mixture of bleach and ammonia can produce other hazardous chemicals, such as hydrazine, which is a highly toxic and flammable compound used in rocket fuel. Hydrazine can cause skin irritation, chemical burns, and in severe cases, it can lead to lung, liver, and kidney damage. It's crucial to always avoid mixing bleach and ammonia and to read and follow the warning labels on all cleaning products. If accidental exposure to bleach and ammonia does occur, it's important to immediately evacuate the area and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
Drain Cleaner + Drain Cleaner
Mixing different types of drain cleaners can cause a dangerous chemical reaction that can result in an explosion or release of toxic fumes. Different drain cleaners contain different chemicals that can react with each other in unpredictable ways. It's important to use only one type of drain cleaner at a time, follow the instructions on the label, and wear protective gear when handling these chemicals.
Hydrogen Peroxide + Vinegar
Mixing hydrogen peroxide and vinegar is not recommended as it can create a potentially harmful chemical reaction. When combined, these two substances can produce peracetic acid, which is an irritant to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. This reaction can occur even when the substances are used in small amounts and can be particularly dangerous in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces. It's best to avoid mixing hydrogen peroxide and vinegar and to use them separately for cleaning and disinfecting purposes.
Bleach + Rubbing Alcohol
Mixing bleach and rubbing alcohol is extremely dangerous and should be avoided. When these two substances are combined, they can produce chloroform and other toxic gases that can be harmful or even deadly when inhaled. Symptoms of exposure to these toxic fumes include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and even loss of consciousness. Therefore, it's crucial to never mix bleach and rubbing alcohol, and to always use them separately for cleaning and disinfecting purposes. It's also important to use them in well-ventilated areas and to follow the instructions on the label of each product. If you accidentally mix bleach and rubbing alcohol, immediately evacuate the area and seek medical attention if necessary.