It’s a common misconception that mixing different cleaning chemicals will boost their effectiveness. However, this approach is not only ineffective but potentially dangerous. When it comes to what cleaning chemicals not to mix, there’s more at stake than just a clean surface.
Inappropriately mixing cleaning chemicals may lead to the formation of hazardous substances that may corrode surfaces or damage equipment, potentially leading to costly repairs or replacements in your commercial property.
The interaction between different chemicals can also lead to harmful reactions resulting in the release of toxic gases that could cause health risks.
Our guide thoroughly explores 20 cleaning chemicals that should never be mixed, offering practical tips on using cleaning solutions and essential safety advice properly.
Whether managing an office, restaurant, or other commercial property, this article equips you with the knowledge to clean efficiently and safely.
1. Baking Soda And Vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar are widespread due to their versatility and eco-friendly nature. Baking soda is often used for its mild abrasive qualities, perfect for scrubbing surfaces without causing damage. Vinegar, on the other hand, is a go-to for its disinfectant properties and ability to tackle grease and mineral deposits.
However, combining baking soda (a base) with vinegar (an acid) triggers a chemical reaction that produces fizzing and bubbling.
This reaction results from vinegar and baking soda neutralising each other. The fizzing spectacle might seem effective, but it’s mostly theatrics.
The result is water with a slight salt content, significantly reducing each ingredient’s cleaning effectiveness and leaving behind a residue requiring further cleaning.
Instead of mixing them, using each product separately is best. Baking soda as a paste for scrubbing surfaces or as a deodorising agent. Vinegar, diluted with water, is an excellent glass cleaner or surface disinfectant.
2. Different Brands Of Cleaning Products
Using various branded cleaning products is common in commercial spaces like offices, restaurants, and retail stores.
Do not mix different brands or types of cleaning products when using cleaning solutions, as it leads to hazardous consequences. For example, combining a bleach-based product like Domestos Original Bleach with an ammonia-based cleaner like Mr. Muscle Oven Cleaner can release toxic chloramine vapours.
These vapours are particularly dangerous as they can irritate the respiratory system, eyes, and skin, potentially causing breathing difficulties and other health issues.
As an alternative, it’s advisable to use these products independently, following their intended use.
Additionally, using multi-purpose cleaners, like the Selleys Multi-Purpose Cleaner Spray, can reduce the necessity of mixing different products.
3. Hydrogen Peroxide And Vinegar
Hydrogen peroxide is known for its effectiveness as a disinfectant and cleaner, often used for sanitising surfaces and equipment. An example of a hydrogen peroxide-based product in Singapore is ICM Pharma Hydrogen Peroxide Solution BP.
It’s important to remember that mixing hydrogen peroxide with vinegar, another cleaning essential, is not advisable. When these two substances are combined, they form peracetic acid.
Peracetic acid is a potent disinfectant, but it’s also corrosive and can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. It poses a significant health risk, especially in enclosed commercial environments with limited ventilation.
Instead of combining both cleaning products, hydrogen peroxide can be effectively used on its own as a surface disinfectant or in a diluted form for cleaning delicate surfaces.
Vinegar, meanwhile, is great for removing mineral deposits, sanitising kitchen equipment, and as a glass cleaner when diluted with water.
4. Ammonia And Bleach
Ammonia-based and bleach-based cleaning products are regularly used for their strong cleaning and disinfecting properties. Ammonia is typically found in window cleaners, furniture polish, drain cleaners, and glass cleaners.
Bleach, known for its disinfecting and stain-removing abilities, is often found in toilet bowl cleaners and laundry detergents.
Mixing ammonia with bleach will cause them to react and produce chloramine gases, such as monochloramine, dichloramine, and trichloramine. These gases are extremely dangerous and can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract.
This reaction also creates flammable hydrazine, damaging the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system through inhalation or direct contact, as it causes cellular damage and disrupts normal organ function.
To safely utilise the cleaning power of these chemicals, it’s recommended to use them separately. Ammonia can be used for cleaning glass surfaces and cutting through tough grease, while bleach is effective for sanitising surfaces and removing stains.
5. Lysol And Bleach
Products like Lysol and bleach are commonly used in commercial settings such as offices, schools, and hospitals due to their strong disinfecting properties. However, it is highly advisable not to mix these two products.
Mixing Lysol with bleach-based products can result in the release of toxic gases, primarily chloramine vapours. These gases harm human health as they can cause respiratory issues, including coughing, shortness of breath, and irritation of the throat and lungs.
This reaction can occur because many cleaning products contain chemicals that should not be combined with others.
Specifically, bleach should not be mixed with other household chemicals, which releases toxic fumes. Bleach, such as Clorox® Bleach and Clorox® Clean-Up® All-Purpose Cleaner with Bleach, is a powerful disinfectant on its own and does not require mixing with other products to enhance its effectiveness.
Instead of mixing Lysol with bleach-based products, use them separately to harness their individual cleaning and disinfecting properties.
6. Vinegar And Bleach
Vinegar, known for its natural disinfecting properties and ability to remove grease and mineral deposits, is often chosen for its eco-friendliness. Bleach, including products like Clorox, is a strong disinfectant for sanitising surfaces and whitening fabrics.
Mixing both products can be extremely dangerous. When vinegar (an acid) is mixed with bleach (which contains chlorine), a chemical reaction produces chlorine gas.
This toxic gas can cause coughing, breathing problems, burning and watery eyes, and even impact the nervous system. This reaction can be particularly hazardous in closed spaces, posing a significant health risk.
Instead of combining these two products, they should be used independently to harness their respective benefits. Vinegar can be used effectively as a mild disinfectant or combined with water to clean windows and glass and remove scale.
Bleach should be used separately, particularly for disinfecting bathrooms, whitening laundry, and sanitising surfaces that harbour germs.
7. Rubbing Alcohol And Bleach
Rubbing alcohol and bleach are frequently used for their strong disinfecting and cleaning properties. Rubbing alcohol is often employed for its sanitising and grease-cutting abilities, while bleach is a powerful disinfectant known for killing germs and whitening surfaces.
However, when these two substances are combined, they create chloroform and hydrochloric acid.
Chloroform can be dangerous, potentially causing dizziness, nausea, unconsciousness, and even damage to the nervous system. Hydrochloric acid is corrosive and can irritate or burn the skin and eyes.
Specific examples of bleach-based products in Singapore that should not be mixed with rubbing alcohol include Clorox® Bleach and Turbo Bleach. These products are effective on their own, and mixing them with other chemicals like alcohol can lead to hazardous situations.
To safely use these substances in commercial cleaning, they should be applied separately, not in combination.
8. Drain Cleaners And Bleach
Restaurants, hotels, and other facilities with many sink and drain usage use drain cleaners and bleach for their respective cleaning and sanitising properties.
Drain cleaners are often employed to unclog and maintain drains, while bleach is used for disinfecting and whitening.
Do not mix the drain cleaners with bleach when using this cleaning chemical. Drain cleaners often contain sodium hydroxide or sulfuric acid, which can react violently with bleach (sodium hypochlorite).
This reaction can produce chlorine gas, which is harmful when inhaled and can cause respiratory issues, burning in the eyes, nose, and mouth, and even severe pulmonary edema.
Never mix specific drain cleaning products like Gong100 drain cleaner and bleach products like Clorox and Kao bleach.
Each product is formulated to work effectively and does not require combining other cleaning agents for enhanced effect.
9. Mildew Stain Remover And Bleach
Mildew stain removers and bleach are two common cleaning agents used in commercial spaces.
Mildew stain removers are typically used to remove mould and mildew stains in areas prone to dampness and moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens. They are often used on tiles, grout, shower curtains, and other surfaces that frequently come into contact with water.
On the other hand, bleach is a powerful disinfectant used for a wide range of cleaning tasks, including whitening surfaces, removing stains, and sanitising areas to kill germs and bacteria. It’s often used on floors, countertops, and in laundry applications.
Mixing mildew stain removers and bleach can be dangerous because many mildew removers contain acids or other ingredients that can react with the chlorine in bleach, releasing toxic chlorine gas. This gas harms the respiratory system and can cause coughing, breathing difficulties and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat.
In Singapore, common products like Clorox Bleach and Magiclean Mold & Mildew Remover should never be mixed.
Instead of mixing these two, it’s safer to use them separately. For example, with mildew stain removers, you can safely combine them with water or use them with soap-based cleaning products for enhanced effect.
10. Vinegar And Water (On Wood Floors)
Vinegar and water are often used as a cleaning solution for wood floors due to vinegar’s natural disinfecting properties and the perception that it’s a safer, more eco-friendly option. However, cleaning hardwood floors with a vinegar and water solution is not recommended.
The use of vinegar on wood floors, especially when diluted with water, can be harmful over time. Vinegar’s acidic nature can gradually break down the finish on the wood, making it more susceptible to damage.
Furthermore, water can seep into the wood, causing it to expand, warp, and potentially damage the floorboards. This combination can lead to various problems, including cupping and warping of the wood and degradation of the floor’s finish.
It’s generally advised to avoid using homemade vinegar solutions for cleaning hardwood floors. Instead, use products specifically formulated for hardwood floors, such as Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner, Zep Commercial Hardwood and Laminate Floor Cleaner.
11. Toilet Bowl Cleaner And Bleach
Toilet bowl cleaners and bleach are frequently used in commercial spaces to maintain hygiene and cleanliness in restrooms. Toilet bowl cleaners are specifically formulated to remove stains, mineral deposits, and bacterial growth in the toilet bowl.
Daily or weekly cleaning routines are often used to keep toilets clean and odour-free. Bleach, known for its strong disinfecting properties, is used to sanitise surfaces, whiten grout, and remove tough stains and germs from various surfaces, including floors, sinks, and toilets.
Mixing toilet bowl cleaners with bleach is extremely hazardous because many contain acidic compounds such as hydrochloric acid. When these acids react with the sodium hypochlorite in bleach, they release toxic chlorine gas.
Products like Harpic Toilet Bowl Cleaner and TopLoad Bleach should never be mixed due to these risks. The reaction can create chlorine gas, which is very harmful and can cause severe respiratory problems, eye and nose irritation, and even chemical burns.
Instead of mixing these cleaners, use them separately and at different times. For safe cleaning, you can use toilet bowl cleaners as directed, usually by applying, scrubbing, and then rinsing away after a few minutes.
For areas where bleach is needed, dilute it with water (per manufacturer’s guidelines) and use it separately, ensuring the area is well-ventilated and protective gear is worn.
12. Vinegar And Castile Soap
Vinegar and Castile soap are popular, eco-friendly cleaning products used in various settings, including commercial spaces.
Vinegar, known for its acidity, is a versatile cleaner used for everything from descaling appliances and glass cleaning to removing odours and stains.
Castile soap is a mild, plant-based soap traditionally made from olive oil, known for its gentle yet effective cleaning capabilities. It’s used on everything from floors and countertops to dishes and even as a hand soap.
However, when mixed together, vinegar and Castile soap react in a way that diminishes their cleaning power. Vinegar is an acid, while Castile soap is a base.
When they combine, they undergo a reaction that causes the soap to unsaponify, breaking it into its original oils. This results in a curdy, white residue and diminishes the cleaning effectiveness of both ingredients.
In Singapore, you might find Castile soap brands like Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap, which is popular worldwide and can be used for different cleaning tasks.
As for vinegar, options like FairPrice White Vinegar or other household vinegar brands are commonly used. Instead of mixing these two, it’s best to use them separately to leverage their individual benefits.
13. Dish Detergent And Bleach
In commercial spaces, dish detergents and bleach are commonly used for their cleaning and disinfecting properties.
Dish detergents, such as UIC Natural Dishwashing Liquid, are often used to clean utensils, dishes, and surfaces in kitchens and dining areas due to their grease-cutting and cleaning effectiveness.
Bleach, known for its strong disinfecting qualities, is used in various cleaning tasks to sanitise and remove stains.
When bleach, which contains sodium hypochlorite, is mixed with certain dish detergents containing ammonia or other chemicals, it can form a toxic gas called chloramine.
Chloramine gas is dangerous as it can irritate the eyes, lungs, and throat, and prolonged exposure can lead to more serious health issues.
It’s better to use these products separately according to their specific purposes. Dish detergents to clean dishes and kitchen surfaces. Bleach should be used independently for disinfecting and whitening, ensuring it’s properly diluted and applied in well-ventilated areas.
14. Glass Cleaner And Bleach
Glass cleaner is typically used to ensure windows, mirrors, and other glass surfaces are streak-free and clear. It’s valued for cutting through grime and fingerprints without leaving residues.
Bleach, known for its strong disinfecting and whitening properties, is often used to sanitise bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas needing disinfection and stain removal.
Remember that mixing glass cleaner with bleach is hazardous when cleaning your commercial space. Many glass cleaners contain ammonia or other chemicals that should not be mixed with bleach.
When ammonia and bleach mix, they react to form toxic chloramine gas. Exposure to this gas can cause a range of respiratory problems, burning eyes, and other health issues.
Specific products like Windex Glass Cleaner or Magiclean Glass Cleaner are common for glass cleaning, while Clorox Bleach is a well-known bleach product. None of these should be mixed together due to the dangerous chemical reactions that can occur.
If you need alternatives to combine with each, glass cleaners can often be diluted with water for everyday cleaning or used alongside a microfiber cloth for better results. For bleach, dilute it with water for general disinfection (following the manufacturer’s dilution instructions).
15. Antibacterials/Disinfectants And Detergents
It’s common to use a combination of antibacterial disinfectants and detergents for cleaning and sanitising purposes. Antibacterial disinfectants, like those offered by Dettol, Magiclean, and Purell, are used to kill germs and sanitise surfaces effectively.
On the other hand, detergents like ECOSAM® Antibacterial Dishwashing Liquid are primarily used for cleaning purposes, especially for washing dishes and removing grease.
It’s important to be cautious when thinking about mixing antibacterials/disinfectants with detergents. While it might seem like combining these products would enhance their cleaning power, this isn’t necessarily the case.
The chemical interaction between the ingredients in different products can sometimes lead to ineffective cleaning or, worse, create harmful chemical reactions.
If a disinfectant contains bleach (sodium hypochlorite) and is mixed with a detergent containing ammonia or certain other compounds, it can release chloramine gases. Chloramine gases can irritate the respiratory system and are potentially dangerous if inhaled in large quantities.
Instead of mixing these products, a better approach is to use them separately for their intended purposes.
What To Do If You Accidentally Mix These Cleaning Products
If you accidentally mix cleaning products that should not be combined, such as bleach with ammonia or vinegar, or any other dangerous combinations, it is crucial to act quickly and safely to minimise the risk of harm. Here are steps to follow and safety tips, particularly tailored for the Singapore setting:
Ventilate The Area Immediately
- Open windows and doors to allow fresh air to dilute the toxic fumes.
- If the incident occurs in a commercial building, activate any ventilation systems that can help exhaust fumes outdoors.
Evacuate And Avoid Inhalation
- Leave the area immediately to avoid inhaling toxic gases.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth or mask as you exit if possible.
Seek Fresh Air
- Once outside, try to breathe fresh air to help clear any inhaled chemicals from your lungs.
- If you’re in a high-rise building, as many are in Singapore, descend to ground level, where air circulation may be better.
Call For Help
- Contact Singapore’s emergency services by dialling 995 for the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) if anyone is experiencing symptoms like coughing, difficulty breathing, or if there is a large spill.
- For less severe situations, you might contact the non-emergency ambulance at 1777 or seek advice from a poison control centre.
Do Not Try To Neutralise Or Clean Up Immediately
- Avoid cleaning up the mix immediately, as it might create more exposure. Wait until the area is well-ventilated and you have the right protective gear.
- Do not pour any additional substances, including water, onto the mixture, as it can sometimes exacerbate the reaction.
Prevent Future Incidents
- Store cleaning products safely and clearly label all containers.
- Never mix cleaning chemicals, especially if you’re unsure about the reaction. Always read labels before use.
- Consider implementing a safety training session or a quick guide on what to do with chemical spills for households or staff in commercial spaces.
Conclusion About What Cleaning Chemicals Not To Mix
It’s important to never rush into mixing cleaning chemicals without understanding their compatibility and the potential risks. Chemical reactions can be unpredictable and dangerous, leading to harmful fumes or fires.
Always read product labels and follow safety guidelines when using cleaning products to ensure safety. This is not just about protecting the surfaces you’re cleaning but, more importantly, safeguarding your health and the health of those around you.
In cases where you’re unsure or if the cleaning task is particularly large or complex, it’s wise to seek professional help. Professional commercial cleaners are trained in the safe and effective use of cleaning chemicals and can ensure that your space is clean and safely sanitised.
ESP Cleaning Services provides commercial cleaning services for offices, schools, factories, and any commercial spaces. We understand the importance of maintaining a clean, hygienic and safe environment. Contact ESP Cleaning for a non-obligatory quote today.
Frequently Asked Questions About What Cleaning Chemicals Not To Mix
Can I Ask My Commercial Cleaner To Use A Special Mixture Of Chemicals I Believe Works Better?
It’s important to communicate with your commercial cleaner about any special requests, but avoid suggesting mixtures of chemicals.
Professional cleaners are trained to use cleaning products safely and will know the best and safest methods to clean effectively.
They are also aware of Singapore’s health and safety regulations and will adhere to these when choosing and using cleaning products.
What Should I Do If I Notice The Commercial Cleaner Using A Potentially Dangerous Chemical Mix?
If you suspect a hazardous chemical mixture is being used, immediately bring it to the cleaning staff’s or supervisor’s attention.
Ensure they stop using the mixture and properly ventilate the area if necessary. Professional cleaning services typically have protocols for such situations. They will appreciate your concern for safety.
How Can I Ensure That The Cleaning Service Is Using Safe Products In Our Sensitive Business Environment?
When hiring a commercial cleaner, discuss any specific needs or concerns about the cleaning products used, especially if your business environment is sensitive (like food services or healthcare).
Ask for a list of products they typically use and ensure they comply with Singapore’s safety regulations. Reputable cleaning companies will be transparent about their products and practices.
Are There Specific Chemicals Or Cleaning Practices I Should Ask Commercial Cleaners To Avoid In My Industry?
Depending on your industry, there may be specific cleaning agents or practices to avoid. For example, avoiding strong fragrances or chemicals that leave residues is crucial in food service areas.
Discuss your industry’s specific needs and any regulations with your commercial cleaning service to ensure they use appropriate and safe cleaning methods.
What Should I Look For In The Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) When Reviewing The Cleaning Chemicals Used By Commercial Cleaners?
When reviewing the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) provided by commercial cleaners, consider the chemical ingredients, potential hazards, safe handling instructions, and emergency measures in case of accidental mixing or exposure.