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What to Know About Using Bleach and Vinegar When Cleaning

If you look underneath the kitchen sinks in most American homes, there is a high likelihood that you will find two things: bleach and vinegar. Both of these are powerful agents that many of us have utilized in our cleaning regime for years. On their own, bleach and vinegar can be extremely effective in cleaning and sanitizing surfaces. Together is a different story. Here is why you should never mix chlorine bleach and vinegar together.

Bleach and Vinegar - A Dangerous Combination

Why do most people have these two items as mainstays in their homes? White vinegar, for one, is versatile in cleaning and cooking. It is well known for its deodorizing and sanitizing powers. People use it to pickle, to soften their laundry, and as an everyday cleaner for their most touched surfaces. People keep chlorine bleach around for tough messes. Not only does bleach disinfect and break down stubborn grime, but it is also a powerful stain remover that many use in their laundry room.

It’s clear to see why both chemicals are kept in homes today. And if vinegar and bleach are so powerful on their own, it makes sense why some people think it is a good idea to combine them to create an even stronger, more effective solution. But wait! Here’s why you shouldn’t do that.

The main ingredient in chlorine bleach is sodium hypochlorite. And when sodium hypochlorite is combined with an acid (e.g., vinegar), this creates hypochlorous acid. Hypochlorous acid turns the solution into a dangerous gas. This gas is so powerful that it was used in World War I against enemy troops. And this is the gas that you could potentially be filing your home with. Yikes!

Some ways that hypochlorous acid can affect you include difficulty breathing, burning sensation in your throat, blistering, burning skin, stinging eyes and nose, and vomiting.

If you have accidentally created and released chlorine gas into your home, remove yourself from the area of use immediately. Change into non contaminated clothing and ventilate the space and let it air out while away from the area. If symptoms are severe or persistent, seek medical help.

In conclusion, both chlorine bleach and white vinegar deserve a place under your sink. Just be sure not to mix them together.

If you are tired of relying on harsh chemicals to keep your home clean, Grout Restoration Works would be happy to help. We will leave your grout and tile surfaces sparkling clean using nothing more than the power of steam. Give us a call today to learn more about our process or schedule a free evaluation.

By Grout Restoration Works 12-5-2022