Maintaining a clean, organised and hygienic home environment requires effective cleaning products, such as soap-based solvents, sprays, disinfectants and room fresheners. These variations can help tackle stubborn stains, buildup grime, gunk, grams and bad odours with ease.
Unfortunately, most households do not realise the repercussions of mixing two different components and the nature of cleaning products to boost their efficacy. Certain combinations can be very dangerous and can lead to toxic gas or fumes, highly corrosive substances, allergies, skin burns and other health hazards. So, you must be extra careful when using or preparing cleaners for clean homes.
Here is a complete guide to help you avoid the following 1o cleaning products when sprucing up your residential property. You should never mix them. Instead, use eco-friendly products individually for better outcomes.
Let’s Get Started!
1. Bleach + Vinegar = Harmful Chlorine Gas
Mixing bleach-based products like Clorox bleach or store-bought mould remover with white vinegar or cleaning vinegar can be dangerous. Bleach is highly alkaline, with a pH value between 11 and 13, while vinegar is acidic. Mixing these two can produce chlorine gas, which can cause coughing, eye irritation, skin burns and other breathing problems.
In fact, bleach is highly toxic, and you should avoid using it in any form. Instead, use distilled white vinegar to tackle mould, rust stains, soap scum and grease.
2. Bleach + Rubbing Alcohol = Highly Toxic Chloroform
You should never mix rubbing alcohol and bleach as the two can generate chloroform, which is a hazardous colourless liquid. It can pose serious health hazards, including:
- Vomiting and Nausea
- Dizziness
- Difficulty in Breathing
- Unconsciousness
- Liver Damage (in the worst scenario)
If using bleach for household cleaning chores, refer to the label’s directions and dilute accordingly. You can also use rubbing alcohol and warm water to safely clean, disinfect and deodorise your home.
3. Ammonia + Bleach = Noxious Gas or Fumes
Ammonia and bleach are the most common chemicals in store-bought cleaning products. Both are powerful in terms of tackling stubborn stains, grease, gunk, and mould. However, you should avoid mixing these two toxic products when sprucing up your home. They produce chloramines that can lead to health concerns, such as watery eyes, respiratory issues, chest pain, etc. In worst cases, chloramines could cause pneumonia, which can be fatal.
Well, you can safely use cloudy ammonia as it is soap-added ammonia that work wonders in combating stains and grime. If looking for an eco-friendly solution, use baking soda to remove grease stains or lingering unpleasant odours.
4. Hydrogen Peroxide + Vinegar = Harmful Peracetic Acid
There is no denying that hydrogen peroxide and vinegar are the two most effective natural cleaning solutions. White vinegar can be used as a multi-purpose cleaner, while hydrogen peroxide works best at removing mould, mildew and other stains.
However, the combination of these two can be lethal. It creates peracetic acid, a toxic gas that could cause eye irritation, skin allergies, coughing, and other serious problems. So, it is better to use them separately for specific cleaning purposes.
5. Oxygen Bleach + Sodium Hypochlorite Bleach = An Ineffective Duo
Both products are great when used alone. They can remove stains from fabrics, carpets, and upholstery furniture. However, mixing these two bleach actives can become ineffective and won’t produce sparkling results. So, do not mix them.
6. Toilet Bowl Cleaner + Bleach = Unpleasant Odours
According to end-of-lease cleaning, you should never mix these two cleaning products to create a new one. Store-bought toilet bowl cleaner contains hydrochloric acid, and mixing it with bleach can produce toxic fumes. It can cause breathing problems and even damage the surface.
Tip: Use either a toilet bowl cleaner or prepare a homemade solution using vinegar and warm water.
7. Different Brands of Cleaning Products
You should never mix two different brands. This can produce harmful chemicals and could affect your health in case of inhalation. You can use them individually and scrub the surface using proper tools to achieve sparkling outcomes.
8. Vinegar + Baking Soda = Ineffective Solution
Though mixing vinegar with baking soda is not harmful, it can lose its efficacy and effectiveness. The combination can neutralise each other’s properties and produce carbon dioxide gas, sodium acetate and water. This can cause the fizzing and bubbling effect.
So, you can use them individually and ensure a healthy, shiny and beautiful abode.
9. Store-bought Detergents + Disinfectants = Chemical Reactions
Traditional disinfectants and detergents may contain harmful chemicals and different properties of components for effective cleaning. Mixing them two could produce unexpected chemical reactions and become ineffective.
So, it is good to reach the label carefully and avoid mixing disinfectants with detergents. Instead, mix detergent in hot water and add vinegar to remove stains. You can also use rubbing alcohol to kill germs.
10. Different Drain Cleaners
Did you know drain cleaners contain lethal ingredients to remove stuck-on grime and gunk? You should avoid mixing two different drain cleaners, as it can produce harmful gas. For instance, mixing a drain cleaner that contains hydrochloric acid with another product that contains sodium hydroxide can be lethal. So, never mix them.
Wrapping Up
Follow this ultimate guide and avoid mixing these 10 cleaning products that pose serious health hazards. Instead, read the labels and use eco-friendly products separately.
