Just because a certain eco-friendly substance is an effective cleaner for use around the home, doesn’t mean that it can be automatically be mixed with another substance that shares similar properties, or any other cleaning solution, chemical or otherwise; in fact, some combinations can be downright hazardous.
Choosing natural cleaning solutions over chemical-based, toxic solutions is a win-win for everyone and the environment, and most cleaning companies have taken it upon themselves to adopt the natural approach to cleaning nowadays. However, some individuals choose to use both natural and chemical solutions according to what they believe their needs to be, and while they are well within their rights to do so, it might not be safe to use some of those substances in combination with others, and here are some that should never be mixed:
Bleach and ammonia
It’s important that you never mix bleach with ammonia when cleaning your home, or anywhere for that matter, as if you do, you will cause them to release toxic gases called ‘chloramines.’ If you were to inhale these gases, you could soon start suffering from shortness of breath, nausea, coughing and chest pain. In more severe cases, pneumonia can also be triggered, along with a build-up of fluid in the lungs and acute lung damage.
Bleach and vinegar
White distilled vinegar can be used to great effect around the home when cleaning, but due to the fact that it’s an acid, it should never be combined with bleach, otherwise it will start releasing toxic chlorine gas. Worryingly, even low levels of exposure to this combination of substances can induce pain in the nose, eyes and throats, and lead to coughing, chest pain and a whole host of other breathing problems. Repeated exposure to this, or a one-off exposure in a high dosage, can lead to damage of the respiratory system that’s permanent, and in some instances, high concentrations can be deadly.
Bleach and rubbing alcohol
When bleach and rubbing alcohol are combined, they form hydrochloric acid and chloroform; that noxious substance used to anesthetize people in days of old (and which some criminals may still use today). This combination used when cleaning might not be enough to cause you to pass out, it will almost certainly hurt your eyes, skin and airways. It has also been known to damage the central nervous system and cause severe health problems. Just because you don’t inhale it, doesn’t keep you safe from harm, as chloroform can be absorbed through the skin.
Vinegar and hydrogen peroxide
While highly effective cleaning solutions in their own right, combining them is not a good idea. Creating peracetic acid that is sometimes used to disinfect equipment used in the food processing and medical industry, this substance is dangerous in unregulated amounts, and can cause irritation to your skin, eyes and respiratory system. In a worst case scenario, lung damage that’s irreversible may also be caused.
The best way to make sure you’re always safe when combining cleaning products in your home, is to hire a professional cleaning company. They know exactly what can and can’t be used together, and will get your home hygienically clean without causing any harm to you, other inhabitants of the home, or the environment.
