Mixing 2 common bathroom cleaners can create ‘toxic vapours’ (Image: Getty)
In the effort to tackle tough or grime, it’s easy to overlook the potentially harmful chemical reactions that can occur when different cleaners are combined.
Some of these combinations can release toxic fumes, create dangerous chemical reactions, or even damage your bathroom surfaces over time.
Alex Woods, bathroom expert at , has highlighted the risks of mixing bleach and rubbing alcohol, two products commonly found in cabinets.
“Rubbing alcohol can be used to disinfect surfaces and remove soap scum, particularly on glass and mirrors,” Woods explained.
“However, it should never be mixed with bleach, as the reaction produces chloroform and toxic chloramine vapours, which can cause dizziness and severe respiratory issues.”
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Experts are warning against mixing certain common products that can pose serious health risks (Image: Getty)
As well as the health risks, Woods also cautioned that this mixture can cause long-term damage to your bathroom fixtures, requiring costly repairs.
He said: “Mixing these two products can harm your bathroom surfaces and even stain fabrics, grout, and porous materials like marble and granite.”
With searches for “bathroom cleaning tips” rising by 11 percent over the past three months, more people are looking for quick fixes to maintain a pristine bathroom.
However, Woods urges homeowners to be cautious and follow product instructions carefully to avoid these dangerous combinations to protect both their health and bathroom surfaces.
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Bleach mixed with another cleaning product can be dangerous (Image: Getty)
For example, another potentially hazardous mixture involves different drain cleaners.
Woods advised: “Mixing different drain cleaners is dangerous due to the chemical reaction between their ingredients, which can release toxic fumes, cause explosions, or result in severe burns.
“I would recommend using one cleaner at a time as per usage instructions.”
Lastly, bleach and oven cleaners should not be used together, as combined, harmful fumes, including chlorine gas, are released.
Woods explained: “This can cause respiratory problems, eye irritation, and other health hazards.”
If ever in doubt, it’s always worth double-checking a cleaning product’s uses and warning labels to avoid unnecessary risks.