When you make your own household products, you sometimes have the impression of playing a little chemist. We put “a little of this” and “a little of that” and we observe with pride this little thing which will undoubtedly work miracles. Moreover, lovers of chemical products are sometimes also tempted to combine two products to have a 2 in 1 effect that “does good”. Yes… except that sometimes, certain mixtures can turn out to be useless, or even downright dangerous! Natural or not, products contain components that can sometimes interact in surprising ways. So before becoming a sorcerer’s apprentice, here are some mixtures of household products that you should never make.
1) White vinegar and baking soda
This blend of household favorites creates an effervescent chemical reaction. However, upon completion, the acidic vinegar and the basic bicarbonate will have been completely neutralized. In the end, you will only have succeeded in create salty fleet (water + sodium acetate)! Of course, the chemical reaction itself can be useful for unblocking a pipe or mechanically removing dirt. However, you will hardly be able to do more with this mixture which does not keep (so avoid it for recipes for laundry detergent or dishwashing products, for example). So, prefer to use them separately so as not to waste your time and money!
2) Castile soap and white vinegar
Here again, we have the acidic vinegar on one side and a basic ingredient on the other. So, mixing these household products is not a good idea because it causes soap decomposition. In addition, mixing the two will give a viscous result disgusting to say the least. And even though vinegar doesn’t cost much, the same cannot be said for Castile soap! So it’s better to use them… separately. Obviously, other acids such as lemon juice should also be avoided with this soap.
3) Hydrogen peroxide and white vinegar, one of the most corrosive mixtures of household products
Separately, these are both excellent cleaners and disinfectants. On the other hand, together they form peracetic acid when we mix them. Unfortunately, this substance damages fragile materials. But what’s more, it turns out very irritating and can not only attack the skin, but also the eyes or the respiratory system. In short, we are no longer in the simple chemical reaction which neutralizes the components as in the two previous mixtures. Therefore, this mixture of household products should be avoided to preserve your health.
4) Bleach…and everything else!
Bleach goes it alone and there should never be any exceptions! Already too powerful for an interior, because it also destroys good bacteria, it proves disastrous in mixtures. First of all, we forget the vinegar and bleach mixture which produces extremely toxic dichlorinated gas which causes suffocation. Moreover, acidic products, whatever they may be, should always be avoided with bleach (for example with an anti-limescale product).
Ammonia-based products such as that for windows, toilets or dishwashers among others are also incompatible with it. In fact, this also releases a dangerous gas (chloramines). Also, we do not incorporate it into gel or household alcohol in general, because this gives chloroform and muriatic acid with all the risks of nausea, dizziness, loss of consciousness and even death that this entails! Toxic and irritating, this quintessential example of mixing household products not to do can leave damage to your eyes, your skin, your nervous system and certain organs. In short, to leave no margin for error, use it alone… or not at all!
5) Avoid making cocktails of liquid unblockers
To unblock a pipe, there are homemade techniques based on natural products and liquid unblockers. However, if you use ones that contain chemical ingredients, do not mix them if they are different brands ! Very powerful in dislodging corks, the ingredients could interact badly and literally explode in your face… So, do not mix these household products even to complete the bottom of the bottle. And if one doesn’t work, don’t rush to another brand hoping it will be better. Sometimes, it is better to resolve to seek professional help rather than take risks and do anything.