Around the House
Stop Mixing These 5 Cleaning Chemicals
There is a growing trend among influencers in the CleanTok universe of mixing multiple cleaning agents for a “deep clean.”
As a professional cleaner, I urge you: PLEASE STOP!
If you are not careful, you can mix two products that contain ingredients that should never be mixed. The best idea is to only use products as per the manufacturer’s instructions. At the very least, make sure you read the label of products before you blindly mix them together … even if your favorite social media influencer just posted a video mixing the same chemicals.
Here’s a list of 5 combinations of chemicals that you should avoid mixing:
1. Bleach and Ammonia
When mixed together bleach and ammonia produce a toxic gas, chloramine, which is harmful (even deadly) when inhaled.
2. Baking Soda and Vinegar
I know what you’re thinking: “There’s nothing bad that can happen when you mix these two together.”
Well, that’s almost true. If mixed and placed in a closed container, the bottle could explode, causing injury.
On a more practical note, other than the fun fizzing action, there is no cleaning benefit to mixing baking soda and vinegar. When the fizzing is finished, what is left is essentially plain water.
To get the most out of baking soda and vinegar, you should clean an area with one, then follow with the other.
There is one exception: in-sink garbage disposal systems. The effervescent reaction that occurs between baking soda and vinegar may help dislodge food that is stuck in the system.
3. Bleach and Vinegar
When mixed together, bleach and vinegar create chlorine gas, which causes many adverse reactions, such as coughing, burning and watery eyes, as well as respiratory problems.
4. Hydrogen Peroxide and Vinegar
When mixed together, a corrosive acid which can irritate your skin, eyes, and respiratory system is created. Not to mention that it may damage products in your home which should not come in contact with harsh acids, such as stainless steel, marble, and granite, to name a few.
5. Bleach and Rubbing Alcohol
Add this combo to the list of mixtures that can create a toxic, irritant gas that may send you to the emergency room if inhaled.
Bleach (and any product that contains bleach) should never be mixed with any other product. The only thing you should do with bleach is add an appropriate amount to plain water. Consult the manufacturers instructions on the packaging for safe mixing information.
Stay safe while you are cleaning! Avoid mixing cleaning chemicals and always wear protective clothing and gloves when working with cleaning chemicals.
Article Resources:
Cleaning Chemicals Don't Mix
Why You Shouldn't Mix Baking Soda and Vinegar for Cleaning, According to a Chemist
As a professional cleaner, I urge you: PLEASE STOP!
If you are not careful, you can mix two products that contain ingredients that should never be mixed. The best idea is to only use products as per the manufacturer’s instructions. At the very least, make sure you read the label of products before you blindly mix them together … even if your favorite social media influencer just posted a video mixing the same chemicals.
Here’s a list of 5 combinations of chemicals that you should avoid mixing:
1. Bleach and Ammonia
When mixed together bleach and ammonia produce a toxic gas, chloramine, which is harmful (even deadly) when inhaled.
2. Baking Soda and Vinegar
I know what you’re thinking: “There’s nothing bad that can happen when you mix these two together.”
Well, that’s almost true. If mixed and placed in a closed container, the bottle could explode, causing injury.
On a more practical note, other than the fun fizzing action, there is no cleaning benefit to mixing baking soda and vinegar. When the fizzing is finished, what is left is essentially plain water.
To get the most out of baking soda and vinegar, you should clean an area with one, then follow with the other.
There is one exception: in-sink garbage disposal systems. The effervescent reaction that occurs between baking soda and vinegar may help dislodge food that is stuck in the system.
3. Bleach and Vinegar
When mixed together, bleach and vinegar create chlorine gas, which causes many adverse reactions, such as coughing, burning and watery eyes, as well as respiratory problems.
4. Hydrogen Peroxide and Vinegar
When mixed together, a corrosive acid which can irritate your skin, eyes, and respiratory system is created. Not to mention that it may damage products in your home which should not come in contact with harsh acids, such as stainless steel, marble, and granite, to name a few.
5. Bleach and Rubbing Alcohol
Add this combo to the list of mixtures that can create a toxic, irritant gas that may send you to the emergency room if inhaled.
Bleach (and any product that contains bleach) should never be mixed with any other product. The only thing you should do with bleach is add an appropriate amount to plain water. Consult the manufacturers instructions on the packaging for safe mixing information.
Stay safe while you are cleaning! Avoid mixing cleaning chemicals and always wear protective clothing and gloves when working with cleaning chemicals.
Article Resources:
Cleaning Chemicals Don't Mix
Why You Shouldn't Mix Baking Soda and Vinegar for Cleaning, According to a Chemist