Because of the potential for unintended hazardous inhalation effects, cleaning materials should never be combined. Certain cleaning chemicals can be extremely dangerous when combined.
Furthermore, it’s not always true—despite the widespread belief—that combining solutions can speed up or improve the effectiveness of cleaning. Here, the adage about having too much of a good thing is particularly applicable. Therefore, avoid using the hazardous cleaning product combinations listed below to make things simple and safe.
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Cleaning Products You Should Never Mix
Bleach and Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Toilets can become quite dirty, and sometimes a simple brushing and one application of toilet bowl cleanser isn’t quite enough to get rid of all the surface debris. Therefore, even though you might be tempted to add extra bleach to finish the job—it’s better to resist the urge because this mixture can be hazardous.
Chlorine gas can be produced by mixing bleach and toilet bowl cleaning. Either of these gasses can cause coughing, throat and nose irritation, and even breathing difficulties in healthy individuals. Inhaling these substances can cause serious respiratory issues, including death, for people with asthma, COPD, or other lung illnesses.
It’s generally not advisable to mix bleach with anything, even if this guideline might not apply to every toilet bowl cleaning available.
Go outside right away to get fresh air if you have breathing difficulties due to exposure to any of these pollutants. If the uncomfortable symptoms don’t go away after 10 to 15 minutes, or if you have a history of lung conditions like asthma, you might need to see an emergency hospital or urgent care facility for more specialist care.
Ammonia and Bleach
The disclosure of ingredients on the labels of cleaning products is not required by federal law. Therefore, customers frequently mix products by accident. Bleach and ammonia are two of the most prevalent instances of this.
When ammonia—which is typically present in window cleaners—and chlorine bleach—found in whitening laundry products, toilet cleaners, and some disinfectants—mix, a hazardous gas known as chloramine gas is produced. If the concentration of this gas is high enough, it can be fatal.
While bleach is frequently listed prominently on the label as a selling feature for cleaning goods, such as mold removers, it might not be as noticeable for products that contain ammonia. If the information isn’t listed on the front of the bottle, make sure you read the back. When in doubt, seek out labeling endorsing products devoid of ammonia.
Vinegar and Bleach
It can be dangerous to combine bleach-based products (like Lysol Mold and Mildew Remover With Bleach) or pure chlorine bleach (like Clorox bleach) with non-toxic vinegar-based solutions (like Aunt Fannie’s Cleaning Vinegar) or white vinegar. Chlorine gas is produced when bleach and vinegar, or any other acidic or acidic solution, such as toilet cleanser, are mixed. Coughing, breathing difficulties, burning, and watery eyes might result from this.
Refrain from “watering down” any chlorine gas that you may inadvertently produce. The hydrochloric and hypochlorous acids that are created when chlorine gas and water interact are also irritating.
Rather, leave the area with your family and any pets, get some fresh air, keep an eye on your symptoms, and get medical help if necessary.
Various Drain Cleaning Brands
Clogged drains are annoying, and you might be tempted to try a different brand, such as Liquid-Plumr, if Drano doesn’t work the first time. This combination should be avoided, nevertheless. While some drain cleaners have an acidic base, others have an alkaline base. An explosion, or worse, the discharge of chlorine gas, could result from [the combination].
Therefore, either call an expert for assistance or pour some more of the product you already used down the drain and wait for it to function completely.
Bleach and Rubbing Alcohol
Are you attempting to clean your countertop or bathtub? Avoid mixing rubbing alcohol and bleach together as this can produce chloroform. This extremely poisonous mixture can damage the nervous system, liver, kidneys, skin, eyes, and skin.
Be aware that rubbing alcohol is a common element in many well-known cleaning products, like Fantastik Multi-Purpose Cleaner, Clorox Wipes, and Lysol Wipes, even if you aren’t using it directly for cleaning.
Trichloroisocyanuric Acid with Oxalic Acid
Bar Keepers Friend and other oxalic acid-based cleaners work wonders in getting rid of grease and stuck-on food from stovetops and pans but be careful not to combine them with trichloroisocyanuric acid-containing products like Comet and Ajax powders. This can produce chlorine gas, much like a lot of other poor cleaning product combinations.
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