Ill-effects of combining household chemical products

All to often individuals believe that by mixing common products together it will make the cleaning easier or faster. When they turn to products such as bleach and acid or strong alkali type products the results can be disastrous.

What happens in this situation is a poisonous gas is produced when the users decided to use a mixture of two or more common household cleaning agents. When the widely used household chlorine bleach ( a sodium hypocholorite solution) is combined with an acid-producing substance, such as a toilet bowl cleaner or vinegar, there is a sudden release of a quantity of chlrine gas. Likewise, when a chlorine bleach is mixed with ammonia, lye or other alkaline substance, the action will liberate a highly irritating gas.

If the gas is inhaled, in either case, it can cause serious injury and possible death. Accidents of this type have occured not only the kitchen and bathroom, but also in the cleaning and treating of the water in swimming pools.

Don't make the mistake of thinking that because certain household products are good and useful, the combination of two or more of them will do a better job than one alone. Very often mixing them is useless and unnecessary since combined they will not make the job of cleaning easier nor give better results; and sometimes combining them may be disastrous. Follow the safe rule - use chemical cleaners as the manufacturer directs on the labels, and keep in mind some scouring (abrasive) powders now contain chlorine bleach.

It is not recommended, to use a hypochlorite (chlorine) bleach in toilet bowls, sinks, or bathtubs, or on electrical appliances, as it can in time injure, dull or roughen a fine, smooth porcelain surface.

DONT MIX
Abrasive powder containing chlorine bleach, or chlorine bleach with:

* Toilet Bowl Cleaners
* Lye
* Vinegar
* Ammonia
* Rust Remover
* Oven Cleaner


For Chemical Safety
1. Know what chemicals you are using
2. Always read the labels
3. Measure all chemicals as per instructions
4. Do not substitute chemicals
5. Never mix one type of chemical with another
6. Do not rely on the smell of chemicals as a means of identification
7. If the solution you are using is a strong acid or alkali, protect yourself with safety glasses, rubber gloves and adequate protective clothing
8. Always secure the bottle cap or lid before the container leaves your hand.
9. Do not store strong chemicals on overhead shelves
10. Review and understand MSDS(Material Safety Data Sheet) on all chemicals you use
11. Store all flammable or combustible products in metal containers

Note: If you splash any cleaning product in your eyes you should flush your eyes with cool water for 15 to 20 minutes

About the Author

Rodel Garcia is a housekeeper and currently working @ BC Children’s and Women’s Hospital. Webmaster of this website: Carpet Cleaning Tips & Cleaning Tips Blog.