Urgent warning over four common cleaning products you should never mix as they create chemicals ‘dangerous’ to touch

PEOPLE are being warned not to mix household cleaning products as they can form toxic chemicals that may harm their families.

While cleaning agents are essential for keeping homes spick and span, experts say blending them can create chemical cocktails that are dangerous to touch and inhale.

Householders are being particularly warned about mixing four products which include common ingredients like bleach and vinegar.

Experts at Online-Bedrooms.co.uk are also urging people to avoid recreating techniques seen on TikTok.

They’re worried some content creators are promoting dangerous techniques which, if they go viral, could lead to widespread problems in kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms.

Ben Slater, from Online-Bedrooms, said cleaning videos are often widely shared as people find them “very satisfying to watch.”

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He continued: “Unfortunately there is actually some danger that these videos create and promote really harmful and acidic chemicals.”

Slater urged people to “familiarize themselves with which cleaning products they should never mix to avoid accidentally creating dangerous combinations.”

If people do accidentally mix a harmful combination, Slater urged them not to mess around and “evacuate the home and get out into the fresh air.”

“If you’ve inhaled the chemicals or are experiencing difficulty breathing or excessive coughing, call for medical advice,” he added.

Four cleaning products you should never mix

Bleach and vinegar

Most people are probably pretty familiar with these cleaning staples, but when combined they create chlorine gas. Exposure to it can lead to coughing, difficulty breathing and watery eyes.

Bleach and ammonia

When mixed, these two create chloramine, a toxic gas which has similar consequences as combining bleach and vinegar. It can also cause chest pains and shortness of breath.

Drain cleaners

While it might be tempting to keep pouring and trying different products until the drain stops stinking, this can be hazardous to your health. Experts advise sticking to one product and following the instructions.

Bleach and toilet bowl cleaner

Using multiple products to clean the toilet won’t make it any cleaner but may lead to health problems. Slater says lots of online videos show content creators combining toilet bowl cleaner with bleach and other products. Doing so can create chlorine gas.

So, when it comes to cleaning, keep it simple and put your safety first.