Searching for alternative cleaning products? Not everything can be safely combined! Here are a few dangerous combinations to avoid.
- Bleach & Vinegar
- Can produce chlorine gas, which even at low levels, can cause coughing, breathing problems, and burning, watery eyes.
- Baking Soda & Vinegar
- When you combine these ingredients, you mix an acid and a base, leaving you with an ineffective supply of saltwater and carbon dioxide gas.
- Vinegar causes baking soda to foam up; if stored in a closed container, the mixture can explode.
- Bleach & Ammonia
- Can produce a toxic gas called chloramine, which can cause coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain and burning, watery eyes.
- Many glass and window cleaners contain ammonia, so never mix those with bleach.
- Hydrogen Peroxide & Vinegar
- Produces peracetic acid, which is potentially toxic and can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system.
- It is okay to use the products in alternating mists, wiping down surfaces between sprays. Do not mix in the same container.
- Bleach & Rubbing Alchohol
- Produces chloroform, which can be irritating and highly toxic.
- Drain Cleaners
- Drain cleaners have a number of strong cleaning chemicals in them, and each brand is different. They should never be mixed, if one does not work, call a plumber.
