Cleaning Chemicals That DO NOT Mix

When it comes to residential and domestic cleaning there seems to be a cleaning product on the market for every type of stain you want to remove, window cleaners, carpet cleaners, tile and grout cleaners and so on.  These conventional cleaning products can be efficient and effective when it comes to house cleaning, however there seems to be little awareness and knowledge of the chemical compounds that make up each product.

There are some cleaning projects around the home you may be thinking of getting stuck into, whether it is your end of lease cleaning or spring cleaning, before you begin, it is worth getting a thorough understanding of the chemicals you are working with and what not to mix them with.  You might even consider finding professional end of lease cleaners or spring cleaners upon discovering the potential dangers, after all, they are chemicals and chemicals can react when mixed together.

Cleaning chemicals that don’t mix

Bleach and Ammonia – when mixed together, toxic fumes known as chloramine is formed. Chloramine exposure can cause irritation to eyes, nose and throat, trouble breathing, nausea, wheezing and exacerbate asthmatic symptoms.  Ammonia can be found in glass and window cleaners, floor wax and even urine.  So inadvertently cleaning your toilet with bleach can activate this harmful chemical reaction.

Vinegar and Bleach – create chlorine gas, a high concentration of chlorine gas is hazardous when inhaled and can cause issues with breathing and burning eyes due to the gas being more reactive to internal tissue.

Rubbing Alcohol and Bleach – isopropyl alcohol reacts with sodium hypochlorite that is found in bleach to produce chloroform, a dangerous chemical that irritates the skin, eyes and respiratory system.

Hydrogen Peroxide and Vinegar – both are commonly used as a natural cleaner, although it is appropriate to use both on the same surface however, when combined in an enclosed container it creates a corrosive acid that can highly irritate the skin, throat, lungs and eyes.

Safety is the key when it comes to anything and cleaning is not any different.  Take some time to understand the chemicals you are dealing with and the need for you to be mixing them.  Don’t hesitate to call the poisons information centre for advice if you find yourself experiencing respiratory symptoms and difficulty breathing when exposed to any cleaning chemicals.