Cleaning products not to mix
Bleach with ammonia or acids, and what to do if it goes wrong.
Never mix these. Makes chloramine gas: coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, and in a closed room it can injure the lungs. Many glass cleaners contain ammonia, and so does urine, which is why bleach in an unflushed toilet or a litter tray can give off fumes.
- Read the whole label first. The signal word tells you how hazardous it is: DANGER is the most, then WARNING, then CAUTION.
- Air: open a window and run a fan blowing out.
- Gloves and splash goggles for bleach, drain and oven cleaners.
- One product at a time. Rinse with water before using the next.
- Keep it in its own container, never a drink bottle, and out of children's reach.
If it went wrong
Get everyone into fresh air and leave the room. In the US, call Poison Help on 1-800-222-1222; call 911 if anyone has trouble breathing, collapses or has a seizure. On skin or in the eyes: rinse with running water for 15 to 20 minutes.
Safety
- Never mix cleaning products, even ones that seem mild.
- This list is not complete and products change: the label and the maker's Safety Data Sheet are the authority.
- If anyone has trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number.
General information, not professional advice: your manual and local rules come first. You use this at your own risk; see our Terms.
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