Houston Eco Friendly Home Cleaning Services

Did you know there are some common household cleaning products you should never mix? I know we all like using natural cleaning recipes, but it’s important to remember that not every cleaning supply plays nicely with others. In fact, the wrong combination can be deadly.

DANGEROUS COMBINATIONS OF CLEANING INGREDIENTS

Even using one cleaning product immediately after another, without rinsing or allowing time for the first to dry, can create potentially toxic results. Keep the warnings below in mind when you’re looking for DIY cleaning recipes on Pinterest — some “frugal” solutions aren’t worth the health risks.

DO NOT COMBINE THEM!

These warnings about cleaning products you should never mix mean just that: don’t shake or stir them together in a bottle.

In some cases, it’s okay to use one after the other but be sure to rinse them first or allow it to completely dry, so it’s no longer active. Read the cautions below for further explanation.

DO NOT COMBINE PRODUCTS CONTAINING THEM

Always check the labels of commercial cleaning products before using them together, even in the same room.

If you’ve cleaned the toilet bowl with a bleach-based cleaner, for instance, using vinegar or ammonia-based cleaners on the seat and tank could still create a toxic cloud.

HOW TO USE CLEANING PRODUCTS SAFELY

If you don’t know what’s in a cleaning product — and many manufacturers don’t disclose their active ingredients — be sure to rinse the area well then let it dry before using other products on or in the same spot.

Always run a bathroom fan while you’re cleaning. A fan doesn’t overcome lethal combinations, but it can help keep safe cleaning mixes from becoming irritants. Plus, it’s an excellent way to reduce bathroom mildew.

Protect your skin when using any household cleaner, even natural ones, by wearing reusable cleaning gloves. Latex or rubber gloves will prevent the absorption of cleaning products through your skin and shields you from coming in contact with some of the nastier bacteria that grow on household surfaces.

CLEANING PRODUCTS YOU SHOULD NEVER MIX

BLEACH + VINEGAR = CHLORINE GAS

The chlorine in bleach reacts with the acetic acid in vinegar. The result is chlorine gas, a compound so powerful that it plays a horrific role in chemical warfare.

Even with short periods of exposure, this can irritate air passages and eyes. At higher levels of exposure, it can lead to chest pains, swelling, and blistering of the throat, lungs, eyes, and skin.

BLEACH + AMMONIA = CHLORAMINE VAPORS

Chloramine gas causes many of the same respiratory problems and blistering described above. In at least one instance, it’s led to severe lung injury.

Though both cleaning products are powerful on their own, neither should be used without adequate ventilation, and the combination should never be used at all.

BLEACH + RUBBING ALCOHOL = CHLOROFORM

Bleach contains sodium hypochlorite. Rubbing alcohol — known as surgical spirits in the UK — contains ethanol or isopropyl alcohol. The combination produces chloroform. Yep, the same stuff kidnappers on TV use to knock out their victims.

Chloroform can be absorbed through the skin as well as inhaled and can damage the nervous system, eyes, lungs, skin, liver, kidneys, and other organs.

HYDROGEN PEROXIDE + VINEGAR = PERACETIC ACID

I recently saw an idea on Pinterest to combine hydrogen peroxide and vinegar to make “natural bleach.” It may do that, but only because it creates peracetic acid, a highly corrosive liquid. While this reaction used in some commercial laundry products, it’s done in a controlled manner which has been safety-tested. That Pin? Not so much.

It’s not a small risk, either: peracetic acid is readily absorbed through the skin and a very toxic compound that can burn the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat, and esophagus.

CERTAIN PESTICIDES + WATER = PHOSPHINE GAS

Everyone hates finding bugs and spiders in their home. It’s tempting to use the strongest pesticide you can find to deal with them, and even more tempting to think that a commercial-grade pesticide must be better than the stuff from the hardware store.

You might think that rinsing the product away after it’s had a chance to kill the pests will keep your family safe, but certain pesticides create deadly phosphine gas when combined with water. Opt for safe, natural pest control methods or contact a professional.

DRAIN CLEANER + DRAIN CLEANER = EXPLOSION

Different drain cleaners rely on different chemicals to power through grime and clogs. Some are acidic, while some are alkaline (basic). When one doesn’t work, you might be tempted to try a different product to get the drain flowing freely again. Don’t!

The first drain cleaner is still in your pipes, and still active, so adding a second one can cause a chemical reaction that sends corrosive ingredients spraying all over you and your home. If the first drain cleaner doesn’t work, call a professional.

Source: Housewife How-Tos

RIE Cleaning is a company dedicated to domestic cleaning, we specialize in residential cleaning services. RIE Cleaning is specialize in: houses, appartments, move in - move out, spring cleaning, general cleaning, occasional cleaning, standard cleaning, heavy cleaning, post construction.

Houston Eco Friendly Home Cleaning Services

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