There’s nothing like coming home to a sparkling clean house thanks to a professional cleaning service. The carpets look and smell so clean and there's no dust to be seen anywhere: how nice to come home to a lovely clean home after a long day at the office. But is it really as simple as enjoying a spotless home? Not when there are hidden toxins, you can’t.
Unfortunately, Household Hazardous Wastes are all too common in commercial cleaning supplies. Although any well-trained cleaner should be aware of how to protect themselves and their customers from any unnecessary exposure, there are unexpected ways that these chemicals can combine. These chemical combinations may not be very well known, but the following combinations are extremely hazardous to our health.
Bleach and Ammonia
Chlorine bleach is already corrosive on its own. Although it does a fantastic job disinfecting, it can irritate and burn the skin as well as the eyes and respiratory tract. But what happens when you combine it with ammonia? You’re looking at an extended stay in Emergency if you’re lucky. When the two are mixed, they create lethal vapors that can do immense damage. Further, if you were to mix a concentrated amount you could create a highly explosive liquid called hydrazine.
We have to assume that any professional cleaning service will be aware of this dangerous combination. However, what many don’t realize is that a great deal of cleaning products on the market contains a certain amount of chlorine bleach. Products such as disinfectants, dishwashing detergent, all-purpose cleaners, mildew removers, scouring powder and most toilet cleaners already contain bleach in their list of ingredients. Unknowingly combining these with products that contain ammonia can release the toxic vapors and have potentially devastating effects.
Alcohol and Bleach
When combined with isopropanol or ethanol, the chemicals in bleach create chloroform. Who knew? This deadly gas is not only carcinogenic, but can cause irreversible nerve damage when inhaled. In addition, high levels of chloroform have been known to be fatal. Both these products are commonly found in people's homes, and we strongly advice that you keep these cleaning products far away from each other. Click here to find more about carpet clean service.
Vinegar and Bleach
These two products sound like a great cleaning combination. They are! Unfortunately it's also responsible for causing serious chemical burns. Similar to alcohol and ammonia, combining bleach with white vinegar creates a toxic chlorine vapor. An accidental whiff of this deadly mix can cause severe chemical burns in the eyes, throughout the respiratory system and even on the skin should you spill.
Who knew that our everyday common bleach could be so dangerous? The truth is that most home cleaning products are harmful to our health. Special storage, cautious handling and strict standards of disposal are all enforced in order to keep people safe. How much does your cleaning service know about these chemicals? And that spotless bathroom - is it safe for your family? Pass this information on, and check that your own cleaning service is taking the appropriate precautions to keep you, your family, and your home safe and healthy.
Unfortunately, Household Hazardous Wastes are all too common in commercial cleaning supplies. Although any well-trained cleaner should be aware of how to protect themselves and their customers from any unnecessary exposure, there are unexpected ways that these chemicals can combine. These chemical combinations may not be very well known, but the following combinations are extremely hazardous to our health.
Bleach and Ammonia
Chlorine bleach is already corrosive on its own. Although it does a fantastic job disinfecting, it can irritate and burn the skin as well as the eyes and respiratory tract. But what happens when you combine it with ammonia? You’re looking at an extended stay in Emergency if you’re lucky. When the two are mixed, they create lethal vapors that can do immense damage. Further, if you were to mix a concentrated amount you could create a highly explosive liquid called hydrazine.
We have to assume that any professional cleaning service will be aware of this dangerous combination. However, what many don’t realize is that a great deal of cleaning products on the market contains a certain amount of chlorine bleach. Products such as disinfectants, dishwashing detergent, all-purpose cleaners, mildew removers, scouring powder and most toilet cleaners already contain bleach in their list of ingredients. Unknowingly combining these with products that contain ammonia can release the toxic vapors and have potentially devastating effects.
Alcohol and Bleach
When combined with isopropanol or ethanol, the chemicals in bleach create chloroform. Who knew? This deadly gas is not only carcinogenic, but can cause irreversible nerve damage when inhaled. In addition, high levels of chloroform have been known to be fatal. Both these products are commonly found in people's homes, and we strongly advice that you keep these cleaning products far away from each other. Click here to find more about carpet clean service.
Vinegar and Bleach
These two products sound like a great cleaning combination. They are! Unfortunately it's also responsible for causing serious chemical burns. Similar to alcohol and ammonia, combining bleach with white vinegar creates a toxic chlorine vapor. An accidental whiff of this deadly mix can cause severe chemical burns in the eyes, throughout the respiratory system and even on the skin should you spill.
Who knew that our everyday common bleach could be so dangerous? The truth is that most home cleaning products are harmful to our health. Special storage, cautious handling and strict standards of disposal are all enforced in order to keep people safe. How much does your cleaning service know about these chemicals? And that spotless bathroom - is it safe for your family? Pass this information on, and check that your own cleaning service is taking the appropriate precautions to keep you, your family, and your home safe and healthy.