5 Cleaning Product Combos That Can Be Deadly If Mixed

Cleaning your kitchen might seem like a simple task, but combining certain household products can turn into a dangerous chemical reaction with deadly consequences.

If you ever create toxic fumes by accident, get out of the area immediately and breathe fresh air. Remove your clothing, wash your body with soap and water, and seek medical help right away. You can contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for assistance.

Bleach + Vinegar

When bleach and vinegar are combined, they release toxic chlorine gas. Chlorine gas is naturally greenish-yellow in color, but once it mixes with the air, it becomes invisible. Its presence can only be detected by its pungent odor and the health effects it causes.

So, just how hazardous is chlorine gas? It was actually used as a chemical weapon during World War I.

Exposure symptoms include:

• Burning eyes, nose, and throat
• Burning, reddening, and blistering of skin
• Difficulty breathing
• Tightness in chest
• Nausea and vomiting
• Potentially deadly pulmonary edema (fluid buildup in lungs)

Bleach + Anything Containing Ammonia

Ammonia, commonly found in glass and window cleaners, becomes extremely hazardous when combined with bleach.

This mixture creates toxic gases known as chloramines.

Exposure symptoms include:

• Burning eyes, nose, and throat
• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea and vomiting
• Wheezing
• Potentially deadly pulmonary edema (fluid buildup in lungs)

Bleach + Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol contains ethanol, and when combined with sodium hypochlorite (bleach), it forms chloroform. This colorless, sweet-smelling compound can lead to "sudden sniffer's death," a fatal arrhythmia caused by exposure.

Symptoms and health effects of exposure include:

• Irritation of eyes, skin, and respiratory symptoms
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Damage to nervous system, eyes, lungs, skin, liver, and kidneys

Hydrogen Peroxide + Vinegar

These “natural” cleaners are safe when used individually. However, when combined, they form a corrosive chemical known as peracetic acid.

Symptoms and possible side effects of exposure include:

• Irritation of eyes, skin, and respiratory system
• Scarring of the eyes, skin, and respiratory system

Vinegar + Baking Soda

Mixing vinegar and baking soda isn’t dangerous, but it’s essentially a big, pointless waste of time and effort.

Here’s the deal: Baking soda is alkaline, and vinegar is acidic. When combined, they simply create water (and a bit of sodium acetate).