Just like most chemicals, all household cleaning products, as domestic as they might look in containers, should be handled with care. More critical is the combination of these cleaning products in a bid to formulate what is perceived to be more effective than the individual content. Combining liquids might result in possibly explosive mixtures and harmful gases that could cause burns or constitute health hazards, in ways that range from mild to life threatening.

Thankfully, specially formulated household products bear warning notes which caution users against mixing with other products not prescribed by the manufacturer to prevent possible burns or corrosive effect. However, there are no guarantees that consumers will adhere strictly to these warnings. Basic chemistry teaches us that compounds or mixtures possess characteristics that are different from their individual components. This is why for security reasons, airport authorities place restrictions on carrying certain liquid items.

Sodium hypochlorite, ammonia and acids are active ingredients in cleaning agents like glass, bleach, and window cleaners and vinegar.. When bleach, which contains sodium hypochlorite, mixes with a product that contains ammonia, chloramine gases are produced and this causes irritations to the eyes, nose, throat and lungs. With acids, chlorine bleach produces chlorine gas which might combine with water to form hydrochloric or related acids. These also can have adverse effects on the eyes, when inhaled or when in contact with the skin.

One thing is sure, to stay safe from accidents and indoor air pollution, keep to the manufacturer’s instruction. Where you are hygiene conscious and want to use more than one product to ensure positive outcome, rinse off the container use for one product and wipe them off before putting another inside the can. Find Cleaners for your home here