Cleaning is mandatory for having a happy, healthy home. But while a neat space can be fantastic for your mental and physical health, mixing certain cleaning products can do more harm than good. So when tidying up your home, it is of uptmost importance to be mindful of the products you use and how they interact with each other. Not understanding this can result in a hazardous chemical reaction, which can cause lasting damage to not only your home but your health as well.

By being aware of potentially dangerous chemical reactions, you can enjoy a clean home without having to compromise your health and safety. To learn how to protect yourself, here are seven common cleaning products that you should never mix:

Bleach and Ammonia 

Bleach and ammonia are very common household cleaners, but when mixed together, they pose a great risk to your health. Mixing bleach and ammonia produces deadly chloramine vapors that can lead to respiratory distress, chest pain, and even lung damage. Even simply inhaling the fumes can be deadly, which is why combining bleach-based products with ammonia-containing cleaners should be avoided at all costs.

Bleach and Vinegar

Separately, bleach and vinegar are very effective household cleaners. But when combined, they can be a recipe for disaster. This is because mixing bleach and vinegar releases chlorine gas — i.e. the poisonous substance used in chemical warfare.

Inhaling chlorine gas can cause many respiratory conditions such as coughing, breathing difficulties, and in severe cases, respiratory failure. To stay safe, be sure to avoid using bleach and vinegar together to decrease your risk of harm.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

Baking soda and vinegar are powerful cleaners in their own right, but the same can’t be said when you combine them. Mixing baking soda and vinegar produces quite a bit of foam, leading people to believe the combo is working. But because baking soda is basic and vinegar is acidic, combining them actually neutralizes their cleaning properties, leaving you with a less effective cleaning solution. So to achieve that squeaky clean surface you desire, use baking soda and vinegar separately for best results.

Rubbing Alcohol and Bleach

Some people may not know that mixing rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) and bleach produces chloroform. When inhaled, its vapors can cause dizziness, nausea, and respiratory problems. So in order to avoid such danger, be careful not to mix rubbing alcohol and bleach, but opt to use them independently instead.

Hydrogen Peroxide and Vinegar

Mixing hydrogen peroxide and vinegar produces peracetic acid, a corrosive agent that commonly results in skin, eye, and respiratory irritation. So instead of risking your health, stick to using hydrogen peroxide and vinegar individually and opt for alternative cleaning solutions to achieve a clean and sanitary space.

Bleach and Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Toilet bowl cleaners make cleaning and disinfecting your toilet quick and convenient. But many popular toilet bowl cleaning products are made using hydrochloric acid or other acids that produce chlorine gas when combined with bleach. Chlorine gas is harmful and can pose a serious health risk when not handled with caution and care. On top of that, the integration of these chemicals can produce chloramine vapors, adding yet another layer of danger. So instead of adding bleach to your toilet bowl cleaner, use the product as directed to prevent this from happening.