Cleaning days are difficult enough on their own. To avoid accidents or other harm, stay away from these mixes.
Never Mix These Cleaning Products
When faced with tough stains and big messes, it’s tempting to mix multiple household cleaners together. While it may seem counter-intuitive, these concoctions are not only less effective but also dangerous.
Don’t Mix: Ammonia and Bleach
Combining these two household cleaning products can create toxic chloramine vapors. If you inhale these vapors it can cause respiratory problems and throat burns. Make sure to read the labels on your cleaning products before you mix them to prevent any accidents. For example, Windex typically has ammonia in it, and some brands of pipe cleaners, such as Drano, have bleach in them.
Don’t Mix: Vinegar and Bleach
When you mix an acidic product with bleach it releases toxic chlorine and chloramine vapors. This can cause a chemical burn, most likely in your lungs or eyes.
Don’t Mix: Hydrogen Peroxide and Vinegar
Combining hydrogen peroxide and vinegar creates peracetic acid or corrosive acid. It can create an irritant that, in high concentrations, can harm the skin, eyes, throat, nose, and lungs. These two products can be used on the same surface (make certain the area dries between applications), but they can’t be mixed together in the same container.
Don’t Mix: Rubbing Alcohol and Bleach
Mixing these two products creates chloroform. When exposed to low levels of chloroform you may become dizzy or nauseous. Higher levels can lead to damage of the nervous system, eyes, lungs, skin, liver, and kidneys — even death.
Don’t Mix: Bleach and Toilet Bowl Cleaner
If you mix bleach with an acid-based toilet bowl cleaner containing sodium bisulfate, it can release toxic fumes that will cause breathing problems and watery eyes.
Don’t Mix: Different Drain Cleaners
If your drain is really clogged, you might be tempted to try this. Don’t. Mixing different drain cleaners can cause the release of chlorine gas and may even lead to an explosion. Avoid mixing drain cleaners in the same container as well as using one right after another.
