Spring cleaning is here! Most people are aware that it is not advisable to mix cleaning products. However, sometimes it happens by mistake, especially when we are dealing with a tough stain. What chemicals should not mix? Keep reading to find out!
Quick Facts
- Many chemicals can cause symptoms if mixed while cleaning.
- Never mix chemicals; keep all cleaners in their original containers.
- Some medications should not be mixed with certain foods, alcohol, or other medications.
Things You Should Not Mix with Bleach
Although household bleach smells very strong, the product is mostly water. The actual bleach chemical name (sodium hypochlorite) varies in concentration from 5-9%. On its own, bleach can be irritating, especially when used in closed spaces with little to no ventilation.
Bleach and Urine
Mixing bleach with ammonia creates chloramine gas. Urine contains ammonia— it’s one of the by-products our bodies eliminate. Small amounts of chloramine gas may be released when bleach is mixed with urine. The gas may cause coughing and respiratory irritation but is rarely serious.
Mixing urine and bleach may happen when cleaning around a toilet or when peeing in a toilet that hasn’t been properly rinsed of bleach.
Symptoms are usually relieved with fresh air and sipping cool fluids. Exposure to chloramine gas is rarely serious, with only a small percentage of cases requiring medical attention.
Can I clean pet pee with bleach?
Chloramine gas may also be released if mixed with dog or cat urine, as these also contain ammonia. When cleaning things like litter boxes, pet stains, or pet play areas, opt for cleaners that do not contain bleach.
Additionally, bleach is a sanitizer and doesn’t get rid of pet smells— it will simply cover the smells with bleach’s strong, disinfectant scent.
Bleach and Acids
Mixing bleach with cleaners that have an acidic pH (such as vinegar) releases chlorine gas. Sometimes, people will begin cleaning their bathroom with bleach and then follow up with vinegar to get it “extra clean,” not knowing the implications.
Both chloramine and chlorine gases are immediately irritating with a very pungent odor, causing watering of the eyes, runny nose, and coughing. Our natural reaction is to turn our faces away from the gas and to leave the area, which is our body’s way of protecting us from further symptoms.
Sometimes, people are just determined to finish their cleaning job, but it is very important to listen to your body and get away from the area. If possible, crack a window open and turn on the vent fan. Close the door to the room and stay out of the area until the smell has dissipated.
Don’t Mix Vinegar and Peroxide
Vinegar has become a favorite for those wanting to avoid chemical cleaners, but it is dangerous to mix it with hydrogen peroxide. Keep in mind many of the OxiClean™ products contain hydrogen peroxide.
When vinegar of any kind mixes with hydrogen peroxide in the same container, peracetic acid forms. Peracetic acid is used as a sanitizer, but in high concentrations, it is corrosive and can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system.
Pool Chemicals
Chlorine-based pool chemicals typically come in large containers of tablets or granules. These chemicals should be kept in a cool and dry place, but commonly, they are kept close to the swimming pool— which is neither cool nor dry!
Poison centers often receive calls when someone opens a container left in direct sunlight, and a “poof” of chlorine gas escapes into the person’s face. The reaction is swift and can be scary: gagging, coughing, and choking with difficulty breathing and speaking can occur.
Before using pool chemicals:
- Read the label directions closely
- Wear any recommended safety protection to avoid exposure
- Always handle chemicals in a well-ventilated area
- Open one product container at a time and make sure it is closed before opening another
NEVER add water to the pool chemical— this may cause an explosive reaction. Most pool chemicals are intended to be added to large volumes of water in the pool, so add the chemical to the water.
Finally, do not transfer chemicals from one bottle to another, even if it is the same product. Trace amounts of the original chemical can react with the introduced product, and a chemical reaction can generate a toxic gas or even heat, which can result in chemical burns.
Fragrances
So many products we use today have added fragrance— just think about doing a load of laundry! There are detergents, stain removers, bleach products, fabric softeners, dryer sheets, and more, all of which contain their fragrance.
Now, there are also specially designed products to add fragrance to clothes while in the washer that lasts even through multiple washes.
Using just one fragrance can cause issues, but combining multiple fragrances can cause headaches, sneezing, runny nose and eyes, and coughing in sensitive individuals. Be aware of the products you are using that contain a fragrance, and if you or someone in your home has sensitivities, consider using fragrance-free options.
Things That Don’t Mix with Medications
Not only is it critical to do research before mixing chemicals, but it’s just as important to be careful about mixing medications, especially when it comes to certain foods, alcohol, or other medications.
Grapefruit
Be sure to read the Drug Facts label on any medication you are taking, even medications that you have purchased over the counter. Grapefruit interferes with many different medications, especially those that treat heart conditions, high cholesterol (statins), and some antibiotics.
Your body uses enzymes to break down medications and eliminate them. Grapefruit can inhibit these enzymes, causing the enzymes to not work like they are supposed to. This results in a build-up of the medication (because the body isn’t breaking it down anymore) and can increase the risk of side effects.
The severity of the interaction will depend upon the individual taking the medication, the type of medication taken, and the number of grapefruit consumed. Make sure to tell your physician or pharmacist if you eat or drink grapefruit juice; you may need to avoid this fruit while taking certain medications.
If you do not consume grapefruit juice, it is still best to check the labels of all fruit juices— some may include grapefruit as an ingredient.
Alcohol
Drinking alcoholic beverages puts people at risk for an interaction when ingested with many different medications. The elderly are particularly at high risk for harmful interactions because as we age, the body’s ability to break down alcohol slows, resulting in alcohol remaining in the system longer. In general, women are more at risk for interactions than men due to smaller body size and having less body water than men.
Mixing medications and alcohol can cause nausea, vomiting, headaches, drowsiness, a loss of coordination, and sometimes risk for internal bleeding. Some medications become less effective when taken with alcohol, and some medications make alcohol more harmful or toxic to your body.
Patients taking the antibiotic Flagyl® or metronidazole should avoid ingestion of alcohol while taking the medication AND for three days after ending the treatment. Mixing these two may result in abdominal cramping, flushing, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, dizziness, and headache.
The medication Antabuse® (disulfiram) is prescribed for chronic alcoholics to maintain sobriety. Ingesting alcohol while taking Antabuse® has a similar side effect profile as the reaction explained above.
Birth Control Pills
If you are using birth control pills, be aware that being on some antibiotics can make the birth control pills less effective. Be sure to tell your physician if you are taking birth control pills and need an antibiotic. Many healthcare providers recommend using a backup form of birth control while taking antibiotics.
Do you have a question we didn’t cover?
For any questions or concerns about mixing chemicals or medications, call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Specially trained nurses and pharmacists are available 24/7/365 to answer your questions. The service is free and confidential.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does mixing bleach and pee make mustard gas? | No, mixing bleach and urine does not create mustard gas. When bleach mixes with urine, it produces chloramine gas, not mustard gas. Mustard gas is a completely different and much more dangerous chemical that is not produced by household cleaning products. |
| Why can’t I eat grapefruit while taking antidepressants? | Grapefruit can interfere with the enzymes your body uses to break down many medications, including certain antidepressants. This interference can cause higher levels of the medication in your bloodstream, increasing the risk of side effects and toxicity. Check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice while on medication. |
| Are pee and chlorine toxic? | Mixing urine (which contains ammonia) and bleach (which contains chlorine) can release chloramine gas. While that can cause symptoms like coughing and watery eyes, it is rarely toxic at the levels produced during typical household cleaning. Most people recover quickly after getting fresh air and moving away from the area. |
| What other things should I not mix bleach with? | Do not mix rubbing alcohol, cleaners of any kind, hydrogen peroxide, ammonia, and vinegar and other acids with bleach. The best rule of thumb is bleach is a “friend” to no one except water. |
| I saw a TikTok hack about mixing Fabuloso® with other cleaners. Is that safe? | No, it is not safe to mix Fabuloso® or any other cleaning product with other cleaners unless the label specifically says it is safe. Mixing different cleaning products can create dangerous chemical reactions, releasing toxic gases or causing skin and respiratory irritation. Always use one cleaner at a time. |