People often think that if one product works, mixing it with another one will make it even better, but that isn't really true, especially when it comes to complex chemicals you use every day in your home.
Certain products, which are safe when used alone, can sometimes cause unsafe fumes or other chemical reactions when mixed with other products.
Those products you use every day in your bathrooms, kitchens and all over the house should always be used with caution, but here are products you should never mix together, ever.
1. Drain cleaner + another drain cleaner
I'm guilty of this: if one drain cleaner doesn't work, you find another one and just pour it down the drain too. That's a big no-no. Use one product according to package directions (typically, only half a bottle is needed per treatment). If it doesn't work, don't try another product. Instead, call a plumber.
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2. Bleach and Toilet Bowl Cleaner
When cleaning your toilet, we usually want to reach for the strongest chemicals we have, but they could be deadly. The mixture of an acidic-based toilet bowl cleaner with bleach is bad for your health. It releases toxic fumes that can cause breathing issues and watery eyes.
3. Hydrogen peroxide + vinegar
Using these two products alternatively for cleaning surfaces is alright but never mix them or even store them in a container. Doing so will create a toxic acid called peracetic acid, which causes irritation in the skin and eyes, and even your respiratory system. Don't mix the two products in the same container.
4. Bleach + vinegar
The combination sounds like it'd be a powerful disinfectant, but the two should never be mixed. Together, they produce chlorine gas, which even at low levels, can cause coughing, breathing problems, and burning, watery eyes.
5. Bleach + ammonia
Bleach and ammonia produce a toxic gas called chloramine, which causes the same symptoms as bleach and vinegar — along with shortness of breath and chest pain. Many glass and window cleaners contain ammonia, so never mix those with bleach.
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6. Compound Henna Hair Dye + Hydrogen Peroxide
Ok, it's not a cleaning product, but some people still use it. Most henna hair dyes that purport to color hair any color other than red contain metallic salts. These hair dyes are called compound henna hair dyes.
Dyeing your hair with any permanent dye containing hydrogen peroxide up to a year or two after using a compound henna product could result in an adverse reaction, so always test hair dye on a hair sample taken from your hairbrush before applying.
When hydrogen peroxide comes into contact with metalloids or metal salts, a violent explosion could occur. A chemical reaction could result in foul odor and smoke, which could burn your scalp. A damaged scalp could lead to increased absorption of the nasty chemicals already present in most permanent hair dyes.
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7. Bleach + rubbing alcohol
Unless you're trying to kidnap somebody (yeah, it's that serious) then never mix these two. Ever heard of chloroform? That's the stuff kidnappers in the movies put on rags to knock out their victims? Although it might not actually make you pass out, this combination can be irritating and toxic.
Here are some things to always remember:
- Make sure that you do not mix bleach with any other cleaning agent except water. That is the best and the safest way to use it.
- Even two cleaners from different brands should not be mixed. There could be some harmful reaction happening upon mixing, which could cause you trouble later on.
Mixing any two cleaning products without appropriate knowledge of their ingredients can cause problems such as:
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Pain in chest
- Wheezing
- Nausea
- Watery eyes
- Irritation to throat, eyes and skin
- Runny nose
Before mixing any two ingredients, make sure you read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. And do not transfer such cleaners into any other container so that you have the product-related information handy with you as and when needed.
The best way to save you from the hassles of selecting the proper cleaners to tidy up the stuff around you is to visit Maids Around Town and get an expert hired who will clean just everything for you in the most professional manner.
