Most do this wrong. 10 cleaning combos that are actually dangerous

Drain cleaners are powerful chemical agents designed to dissolve clogs, but they should never be mixed with other cleaning products. Combining drain cleaners with bleach, ammonia, or other chemicals can result in dangerous reactions, producing toxic gases that can cause serious harm. Always use drain cleaners according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and avoid mixing them with any other substances.

When vinegar and hydrogen peroxide are mixed, they create peracetic acid, a corrosive and potentially harmful substance. This compound can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system, making it unsafe for household use. To avoid creating peracetic acid, use vinegar and hydrogen peroxide separately, allowing one to dry completely before applying the other.

Mixing bleach with toilet bowl cleaner can produce chlorine gas, a toxic substance that can cause respiratory distress and other health issues. Many toilet bowl cleaners contain acids that react with bleach to release this harmful gas. To ensure your safety, never mix these products. Use them separately, and make sure the bathroom is well-ventilated during use.

Baking soda and lemon juice are often used together in DIY cleaning recipes, but they actually neutralize each other. Baking soda is a base, while lemon juice is acidic, and when combined, they produce water and carbon dioxide gas. This reaction doesn’t enhance cleaning power and can be counterproductive. Instead, use baking soda as a gentle scrub and lemon juice as a natural disinfectant, but apply them separately for the best results.