To Mix or Not to Mix?
It can be very easy to become frustrated when you have a tough cleaning job that needs to get done. You might be tempted to get creative when attempting to tackle it. However, before you grab all of the cleaning products underneath your sink and start to play a chemist, be careful. It is common for people to believe that if one product works, that combining it with another one will make them work even better.
At a glance:
- Vinegar + Bleach
- Vinegar + Baking Soda
- Ammonia + Bleach
- Two Drain Cleaners
- Vinegar + Hydrogen Peroxide
- Rubbing Alcohol + Bleach
However, the scary truth is there are certain products that when they are used alone are safe, but when they are mixed together with other products can cause unsafe chemical reactions or fumes. Even if the cleaning product combination is not toxic or dangerous, you never know for sure what effect two products may have when combined on a fabric or surface.
Always make sure you read the ingredient and warning labels on the cleaning products you use – and never mix the following together:
Vinegar + Bleach
This combination might sound like it would be a very powerful disinfectant. However, you should never mix them. Chlorine gas is produced when they are combined. Even at a low level, it can cause watery, burning eyes, breathing problems and coughing.
Vinegar + Baking Soda
On their own, these pantry staples can be very handy. Both vinegar and baking soda can help to clean all over your house. Just make sure you avoid any DIY cleaning recipes that include this combination.
Vinegar is acidic and baking soda is basic. When they are combined, you mainly get sodium acetate and water. However, it is really mostly water. Baking soda also foams up when combined. In a closed container, the gas it gives off builds up pressure and can burst the container.
Ammonia + Bleach
Chloramine, which is a toxic gas, is produced when ammonia and bleach are combined. The same symptoms are caused as with vinegar and bleach – in addition to chest pain and shortness of breath. Ammonia is contained in many window and glass cleaners, so never mix them with bleach.
Two Drain Cleaners
Never mix two drain cleaners, or use one straight after another. They are strong formulas, and combined they can react violently, splashing or releasing heat and fumes. Follow the directions on the package and only use one product. If it does not clear the drain, do not try a different product on top of it: call a plumber instead.
Vinegar + Hydrogen Peroxide
You might have heard that countertops or fruits should be sprayed with alternating mists of vinegar and hydrogen peroxide, and in between sprays wiping the surface down. Whatever you make of that advice, the two products should never be mixed together in the same container. When they are combined, it creates peracetic acid. This can be potentially toxic and may irritate the respiratory system, eyes, and skin.
Rubbing Alcohol + Bleach
Mixed together, they can produce chloroform and other toxic compounds that irritate the eyes, nose and lungs. Bleach should never be mixed with anything other than plain water. Other products like toilet bowl cleaners and window cleaners can contain ingredients like ammonia or acids and should never be combined with bleach. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety says the same: do not use bleach with other disinfectants, toilet bowl cleaners, rust removers, acids (including vinegar) or products containing ammonia (CCOHS, Bleach (Household chlorine) - Working Safely).
Stay safe when you’re cleaning or stay super safe and leave the cleaning to the pros at Evergreen Office Cleaning.
CONTACT US today for all of your cleaning needs!
If you would rather not handle the chemicals at all, Evergreen’s disinfection cleaning crews clean your workplace’s touch points first, then disinfect them, and never mix products.