Household Chemicals

Some of the common chemicals found in your home shouldn't be mixed together. It's one thing to say “don't mix bleach with ammonia,” but it's not always easy to know what products contain these two chemicals. Here are some products you may have found around the home that should not be combined.

• Bleach with Acid Toilet Bowl Cleaners. This mixture can result in toxic, potentially deadly fumes.
• Bleach with Ammonia. Toxic, potentially lethal vapours are produced.
• Bleach with Vinegar. Vinegar is a type of acid. Toxic chlorine vapor is produced.
• Certain Disinfectants with Detergents. Don't mix disinfectants with ‘quaternary ammonia' listed as an ingredient with a detergent. The effectiveness of the disinfectant may be neutralized.
• Do not mix chlorine bleach with any acid.
• Do not mix different Brands of One Type of Product. Don't mix different cleaners together. They may react violently, produce toxins, or become ineffective.
• Highly Alkaline Products with Highly Acidic Products. Acids and bases (alkalis) can react violently, presenting a splash hazard. Acids and bases are caustic and may cause chemical burns.

Chlorine Bleach

Chlorine bleach is sometimes called “sodium hypochlorite” or “hypochlorite.” You will encounter it in chlorine bleach, automatic dishwashing detergents, chlorinated disinfectants and cleaners, chlorinated scouring powder, mildew removers, and toilet bowl cleaners. Do not mix products together. Do not mix them with ammonia or vinegar.

Read the labels of products in your home and follow instructions for proper use. Many containers will state the most common dangers from interaction with other products.

Household Chemical Disposal

Throwing your household chemicals in the garbage or putting it down the drain can be dangerous to your family and our environment. For more information about how to safely dispose of hazardous waste, refer to White Rock hazardous waste removal.