What shouldn't you mix bleach with?

Under no circumstances should you mix bleach with anything other than plain water. While diluting bleach with water is standard for cleaning, mixing it with other chemicals can produce extremely dangerous, even lethal, gases.

The most critical things to never mix with bleach are:

1. Ammonia

This is the most dangerous and common combination.

Found In: Window cleaners, floor polish, toilet bowl cleaners, urine (which is why you should never use bleach to clean cat litter boxes or urine accidents), and some drain cleaners.

Produces: Chloramine Gas.

Effects: Immediate burning of the eyes, nose, throat, and respiratory tract. Can cause shortness of breath, chest pain, and potentially fatal pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs).

2. Acids

Found In: Vinegar, toilet bowl cleaners, drain cleaners, rust removal products, lemon juice, and some dishwasher detergents.

Produces: Chlorine Gas.

Effects: This is the same gas used as a chemical weapon in World War I. It causes burning of the mucous membranes, coughing, breathing difficulties, and nausea. In high concentrations, it can be fatal.

3. Rubbing (Isopropyl) Alcohol

Produces: Chloroform and Hydrochloric Acid.

Effects: Chloroform is a toxic chemical that can cause damage to the nervous system, eyes, skin, liver, and kidneys. Hydrochloric acid is corrosive and can burn the lungs and airways. High doses of chloroform can also cause dizziness, nausea, and loss of consciousness.

4. Hydrogen Peroxide

Produces: Oxygen Gas in an exothermic (heat-producing) reaction.

Effects: This mixture can create a violent chemical reaction, potentially causing an explosion if contained. It can also release dangerous gases.

5. Other Cleaning Products

This is a general but critical rule.

Includes: Drain cleaners, oven cleaners, and even other brands of bleach (e.g., mixing Clorox with a store-brand bleach). Different products have different additive chemicals that can react unpredictably.

Rule of Thumb: Never mix bleach with another cleaning product unless you are 100% certain of the ingredients and that it is safe (which it almost never is).

6. Certain Essential Oils and DIY Cleaners

Some people creating homemade cleaners might not realize that certain acids in natural products can react with bleach.

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What To Do If an Accidental Mixture Occurs:

GET OUT IMMEDIATELY. Do not stay to try to air out the room.

Get to fresh air immediately.

Call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222 in the U.S.) or emergency services (911 in the U.S.) for advice. Be specific about what was mixed.

If someone has collapsed or is having severe trouble breathing, call an ambulance immediately.

General Safety Rules:

Always read the label on cleaning products before use.

Ventilate the area. Always open windows and turn on fans when using bleach.

Dilute only with cool or lukewarm water (hot water can degrade it and release chlorine gas).

Store bleach in its original container, away from other chemicals, especially ammonia and acids.

In short: Treat bleach with respect. It is a powerful disinfectant on its own and does not need to be mixed with anything else to be effective. When in doubt, don't mix it.