Staying Healthy: Cleaners You Shouldn’t Mix

In an effort to up cleanliness around homes and work spaces, many people have begun to use disinfectants and more to kill germs. However, did you know that you can’t use certain chemicals together? We’re here to tell you what cleaners you shouldn’t mix — plus what you can do to keep your body healthy from the inside out, too! 

Effective Cleaners During COVID-19:

Now more than ever it’s important to prioritize the sanitation and disinfection of your living and work spaces. However, not all cleaners are made equal. Not all will effectively kill the novel coronavirus. The Center for Disease Control details everyday steps to take to effectively clean your spaces. You should be cleaning high-traffic surfaces, like tables, countertops, doorknobs, light switches, handles, phones, keyboards, sinks, and more. Here is how to properly clean and disinfectant according to the CDC:

• Use EPA-registered disinfectants to ensure your cleaner can actually kill germs. When using these cleaners, follow the instructions on the label to make sure you are using the cleaner properly. Note: many products will require you leave the surface wet for a certain amount of time to fully disinfect. 
• Wear skin and eye protection to keep your body safe from potential splash hazards
• Make sure you have adequate ventilation 
• Use only what the label requires, no more
• Have water at room temperature for dilution (unless label directs differently)
• Avoid mixing chemicals 
• Label all spray bottles you’ve poured cleaning solution into
• Store all chemicals out of reach of children and pets 

They also recommend that if you would like to use bleach, you should dilute the bleach if appropriate for the surfaces you’re cleaning. The CDC states that to make a bleach solution, mix 1/3 cup bleach per gallon of room temperature water. This solution will remain able to disinfect for 24 hours. If you don’t have bleach on hand, you can use a 70% alcohol solution. 

Cleaners You Should NEVER Mix

We know that right now you’re probably wanting to clean anything and everything you can, no matter what you have to use to get the job done. However, mixing some chemicals can be fatal if you’re not careful. Some cleaners when combined with one another can create toxic gasses that can not only make you sick, but can sometimes be lethal. Here are cleaners that should never be mixed according to Insider: 

• Ammonia and bleach: keep a close eye on labels, because ammonia is put in many household cleaning products. However, when mixed with bleach, a chlorine gas forms called chloramine. This gas can be toxic to the human body and cause symptoms like chest pain, coughing, and tearing. If you’re exposed to too much of this gas, it could be deadly. 
• Hydrogen peroxide and vinegar: they mention that a component of vinegar is acetic acid, and this forms a chemical called per acetic acid when mixed with hydrogen peroxide. This can damage and break down surfaces it’s applied to. 
• Bleach and rubbing alcohol: rubbing alcohol is a tool for effective disinfection and cleaning (as long as it is at least a 70% alcohol solution). However, rubbing alcohol in conjunction with bleach can create chloroform and chloroacetone. These are both toxic and dangerous, and have been linked to causing cancers and even death. 
• Bleach and toilet bowl cleaner: it’s always important to read labels because different brands can use different ingredients made up of acids and alcohols. You should never mix acids and alcohol with bleach because of the toxic fumes it can cause. 
• Lysol and bleach: lysol cleaners contain acids and alcohols, which can’t ever be put with bleach because of the gas it creates.
• Baking soda and vinegar: if you ever made a volcano eruption in school then you probably mixed baking soda and vinegar together. Though this is not inherently dangerous, you shouldn’t mix these chemicals together in a container because a small explosion can erupt as carbon dioxide tries to get out of the container. 

Stay Healthy with Interventional Pain Associates 

During this pandemic, it’s important to be mindful of your health and wellbeing. From the chemicals you use to clean your home, to the vitamins and supplements to take to help keep your immune system functioning properly, the health of you and your family should be your top priority. If you need help boosting your immune system, call our team at Interventional Pain Associates. We offer many wellness services, like IV therapy, that can help give you the boost you need. To learn more, call us today: (512)-465-2929.