can bleach and vinegar hurt you

When cleaning your house, can you mix bleach and vinegar to increase your effectiveness? Learn about the dangers of mixing these two ingredients. JUMP TO SECTION

You’re a cleaning boss, a master of disinfecting, a superhero of germ-killing. So chances are you’re probably very familiar with using things like bleach and vinegar to keep things nice and sanitary. But what happens when you mix bleach and vinegar together?

Mixing these two ingredients might sound like a good idea, but it’s not. Read on to learn about the dangers of combining bleach and vinegar from the experts at Grove.

However, this doesn’t mean that combining the two will create a super-cleaner — in fact, it actually puts your health at serious risk. Mixing vinegar and bleach together releases a poisonous chlorine gas, which can be fatal if inhaled at high enough concentrations. Another common household cleaning mistake?
can bleach and vinegar hurt you

Can you clean with vinegar and bleach?

can bleach and vinegar hurt you

You should never clean with these two ingredients combined. Mixing chlorine bleach, which contains sodium hypochlorite, with any type of acid like vinegar creates chlorine gas, a dangerous chemical that’s deadly in high volumes.

While it might seem like you’ll be intensifying your cleaning power by using both at the same time, it’s never safe to mix bleach and vinegar, even in small amounts.

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NEVER mix bleach and vinegar!

FAQ

Is it unsafe to mix vinegar and bleach?

So, what is the reaction when mixing vinegar and bleach? ‘The acidic properties and chemical make-up of both bleach and vinegar can create a harmful chlorine gas and they should never be mixed together,’ says Kathy Cohoon of Two Maids Cleaning. ‘The noxious gas can irritate lungs and potentially be fatal.

What to do if you accidentally mixed vinegar and bleach?

If you’ve accidentally mixed bleach and vinegar or used these products separately but in the same room, be vigilant to strong odor. Notice a noxious smell? Immediately move away from the area. Better yet, go outside and get fresh air if you can.

How do you get chlorine gas out of your house?

If the chlorine release was indoors, get out of the building and seek higher ground. If the chlorine release was from household cleaners or chemicals, open windows and doors to the outside to let in fresh air. Leave the area until the gas has dispersed.

Can bleach and vinegar burn your skin?

This can cause burns. Do not mix vinegar with chlorine bleach. This results in the release of chlorine gas that is very irritating to the airways, eyes, nose, and throat.

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