Cleaning products are essential for maintaining a sanitary home, but certain combinations of cleaners can create toxic gases that are dangerous to inhale. This article will examine which two common household cleaners react to form a poisonous gas, the chemistry behind these dangerous interactions, and steps you can take to clean safely. Using the wrong cleaners together can put you and your family’s health at risk, so it’s important to know which products to avoid mixing.
Bleach and Ammonia Create Toxic Chloramine Gas
One of the most dangerous cleaner interactions occurs when bleach and ammonia are mixed. Individually, bleach and ammonia are useful for disinfecting and removing stains. However, when combined, these two ingredients undergo a potentially lethal chemical reaction that produces chloramine vapor.
Chloramine gas is highly toxic and can cause the following symptoms if inhaled:
- Coughing
- Chest tightness
- Burning sensations in the nose, throat, and eyes
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Fluid buildup in the lungs (pulmonary edema)
Exposure to high concentrations of chloramines can be fatal. The toxic fumes can quickly cause fluid to accumulate in the lungs, leading to death by suffocation. Mixing bleach and ammonia is one of the most dangerous cleaner interactions that can happen unintentionally in the home.
Chemistry Behind This Toxic Mix
To understand why bleach and ammonia create such a poisonous gas, we need to examine the chemistry taking place. Bleach contains sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) as its active ingredient. Ammonia’s active ingredient is a solution of ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH).
When these two compounds are combined, the sodium hypochlorite reacts with ammonium hydroxide to form chloramine (NH2Cl) along with additional byproducts like water and sodium chloride:
NaOCl + NH4OH → NH2Cl + NaCl + H2O
Chloramine vapor is released into the air where it can be readily inhaled. The toxic gas irritates mucous membranes and essentially burns the inside of the lungs upon contact. Exposure to high concentrations of chloramines disrupts the fluid balance in the lungs, causing dangerous fluid accumulation that can lead to death by asphyxiation.
Many Common Cleaners Contain Bleach or Ammonia
To avoid inadvertently mixing bleach and ammonia, it’s helpful to be aware of which household cleaners contain these reactive ingredients. Here are some examples of common products that contain either bleach or ammonia:
Cleaners Containing Bleach
- Clorox Regular Bleach
- Clorox Disinfecting Wipes
- Lysol Bleach Mold and Mildew Remover
- Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover
- Comet Disinfecting Bathroom Cleaner
- Scrubbing Bubbles Extra Power Toilet Bowl Disinfectant
- Chlorox Toilet Bowl Cleaner with Bleach
Cleaners Containing Ammonia
- Windex Original Glass Cleaner
- Method All-Purpose Natural Surface Cleaner
- Scrubbing Bubbles All Purpose Cleaner
- Mr. Clean Multi-Surface Cleaner
- Fantastik All Purpose Cleaner
- Formula 409 All Purpose Cleaner
- Lysol All Purpose Cleaner
Always read labels carefully and never mix products containing ammonia and bleach. Be aware that some products advertise “bleach-free” or “ammonia-free” alternatives. Assume a cleaner contains bleach or ammonia unless stated otherwise on the label.
Safer Alternatives to Hazardous Cleaner Mixes
Fortunately, there are safer, effective alternatives to potentially deadly mixes like bleach and ammonia. Here are some ways to get household cleaning done safely:
1. Substitute with Baking Soda
Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can be used to clean and deodorize many household surfaces. Make a simple paste by mixing baking soda with water, then use it to gently scrub sinks, countertops, bathtubs, and other areas. Baking soda is safe when combined with vinegar, so you can boost cleaning power by using both substances together.
2. Opt for Diluted Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide breaks down into oxygen and water when applied to surfaces, providing disinfectant properties. Creating a cleaning solution by diluting 1 part 3% hydrogen peroxide with 2 parts water is an effective way to sanitize kitchen and bathroom surfaces without toxic fumes. Rinse surfaces with water after applying dilute peroxide solution.
3. Use Lemon Juice as a Disinfectant
Lemon juice has natural acidity that can help kill bacteria and cut through grease. Mix equal parts lemon juice and water in a spray bottle to make an all-purpose cleaner. The citric acid in lemon juice leaves behind a fresh, clean scent as it disinfects surfaces in your home.
4. Clean with Vinegar for a Non-Toxic Acid
White vinegar is another mildly acidic cleaning agent that can dissolve mineral deposits, grease, and grime without irritating respiratory systems or combining to form poisonous gases. Fill a spray bottle with undiluted white vinegar and use it to clean windows, kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas prone to buildup from soap scum or dirt. The vinegar smell fades quickly as it dries.
5. Use Rubbing Alcohol for Disinfection
Rubbing alcohol contains 70% isopropyl alcohol, which gives it bacteria-killing ability. Dampen a microfiber cloth with rubbing alcohol to sanitize surfaces around your home. It evaporates rapidly, removing germs as it dries. Use rubbing alcohol to clean things like countertops, sinks, showers, bathtubs, and even children’s toys.
Steps to Take if Bleach and Ammonia Mix
If you accidentally mix bleach and ammonia, it’s important to act quickly to avoid chloramine poisoning:
- Evacuate the area immediately and move to fresh air. The toxic fumes can quickly overwhelm you if you remain in the vicinity of the chemical reaction.
- Call emergency services. Seek immediate medical help if you or others experience any symptoms of chloramine exposure like coughing, breathing issues, or burning sensations.
- Do not try to neutralize chemicals yourself. Adding more chemicals may make the situation even more hazardous. Let trained hazardous material responders handle neutralization.
- Open windows and use fans to ventilate. Avoid inhaling any lingering fumes until emergency crews declare the area safe again.
- Thoroughly clean the contaminated surfaces with water. Bleach and ammonia residue may continue producing chloramine until removed from the area.
Seeking prompt medical treatment after chloramine exposure is critical for preventing long-term lung damage or other health consequences.
Conclusion
Mixing bleach and ammonia causes a dangerous chemical reaction that releases toxic chloramine gas. This poisonous vapor can be fatal if inhaled in high concentrations. Many common cleaners contain bleach or ammonia, so read labels carefully to avoid combining these ingredients unintentionally.
Clean your home safely by using alternatives like baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, lemon juice, and rubbing alcohol instead of hazardous bleach and ammonia mixes. If accidental exposure occurs, evacuate immediately and seek emergency medical assistance to mitigate the effects of inhaling the toxic fumes.
