We all want a sparkling clean home, especially in germ-heavy areas like the kitchen and bathroom.
Inspired by the likes of South Africa’s own cleaning sweetheart, Mbali Nhlapho, it might seem smart to mix household products for extra power. However, here’s the truth: Combining certain cleaning agents can create toxic, even life-threatening chemical reactions.
According to goodhousekeeping.com, though this may seem like a good way to eliminate household germs and diseases, the mixing of bleach with other chemicals can produce highly toxic fumes or create an extremely corrosive product.
Despite claims that it is extremely safe when used properly, bleach continues to be the subject of research for its potential impact on respiratory health, particularly in children.
To keep you safe while you clean, we are sharing several common products you should never combine.
Bleach + vinegar = Chlorine gas
This can lead to coughing, breathing problems, burning and watery eyes. Chlorine gas and water also combine to make hydrochloric and hypochlorous acids.
Bleach + ammonia = Chloramine
It is extremely dangerous to mix bleach and ammonia. Combining these two chemicals produces chloramine, another toxic gas that irritates the eyes and airway, making it hard to breathe. In higher concentrations, it can cause nausea, vomiting and damage lung tissue. This can cause shortness of breath and chest pain.
Bleach + rubbing alcohol = Chloroform
Combining bleach and rubbing alcohol is dangerous to both your health and the surfaces you’re cleaning. Due to acidic properties, mixing rubbing alcohol and bleach creates chloroform and is highly toxic. It can cause major organ damage as well as act as a corrosive agent and break down surfaces it touches.
Bleach + lemon juice = Chlorine gas
Vinegar is not the only acid that produces chlorine gas when mixed with bleach. Any acid mixed with bleach does the same, including lemon juice and some toilet bowl cleaners.
The combination produces chlorine gas, as in the chemical warfare agent. Chlorine gas causes coughing and will irritate mucous membranes.
It causes chemical burns and can be deadly if concentrations are high enough or exposure is prolonged. The good news is that bleach and bicarbonate of soda are two items that can be safely used together. In fact, they are often recommended to be mixed together to get the maximum cleaning power.
Mixing bleach with anything is a bad idea. It can be especially reactive and create dangerous conditions in your home.We often do not see cleaning supplies as potent chemicals, but that’s what they are. And they can be dangerous if handled improperly.
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