Having a clean home is essential to wellness. When your home is tidy, you feel like you have your life together. However, you should be mindful of the products you use when cleaning. Household cleaners can be toxic when mixed, as certain mixtures release hazardous fumes. These products react chemically and can lead to harmful effects on your health, causing damage to yourself and your home. Knowing which cleaners you should never mix is vital to avoid putting yourself and your family in a toxic home environment.

Here are some common household cleaners that should never be mixed:

Bleach and Ammonia

Bleach is commonly used for disinfection and stain removal. Mixing bleach with ammonia-based cleaners, like glass cleaners and all-purpose cleaners, can produce toxic chloramine gas. This gas can result in respiratory issues, irritation to the eyes and throat, and chest pain. You should rinse surfaces thoroughly and allow them to dry completely between using these cleaners.

Bleach and Vinegar

When you combine bleach and vinegar, it creates chlorine gas. This is very dangerous when inhaled. Chlorine gas can cause respiratory issues and other health complications. Use bleach and vinegar separately and ensure that your space is properly ventilated when doing so.

Hydrogen Peroxide and Vinegar

Mixing hydrogen peroxide and vinegar can cause peracetic acid. This corrosive substance can cause respiratory issues and eye irritation. Use these products separately.

Vinegar and Baking Soda

If vinegar and baking soda are combined in a closed container, they can create carbon dioxide gas. This can lead to a potential explosion. Use these products separately when cleaning surfaces.

Different Brands of the Same Cleaner

It’s important to be cautious when using different brands of the same type of cleaner. Each brand has its own formulations and chemical compositions. Mixing can lead to unexpected chemical reactions when mixed together. Use one brand at a time to avoid combining multiple brands of the same cleaner.