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.
Bleach should only be mixed with plain water to avoid dangerous outcomes. Always read the warning and ingredient labels on cleaning products, and never mix different kinds of products. If you ever start feeling sick or lightheaded or smell a fume that just doesn’t seem right while you are cleaning or renovating your house, leave immediately and call 911.