Understanding the Risks of Combining Bleach and Drain Cleaner
The pipe is jammed. You dump drain unclogger into the pipes to clear it up. Then, nothing seems to shift, so you throw bleach down the drain as well. More chemicals, the better for eliminating the obstruction, right? Wrong. Combining chemicals can yield unfavorable reactions and negative outcomes for you and your home. You wouldn't want to create a lab in your house with hazardous experiments wrecking havoc. Mixing drain unclogger and bleach generates poisonous fumes.
We spoke to two residential maintenance experts about why mixing drain unclogger and bleach is hazardous, the harmful gas it creates, the possible consequences, and why you should only count on a single cleaner or method.
- Kathy Turley is the Marketing Director for Home Clean Heroes, based in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
- Julie Edelman, residing in Florida, is the author of The Accidental Housewife.
What Occurs If You Mix Bleach And Drain Unclogger
Cleaning chemicals consist of powerful compounds that, when combined with other products, can generate harmful gas. Ammonia is a common ingredient in drain uncloggers, and sodium hypochlorite is the active ingredient in bleach that eliminates bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Chloramine gas is produced when these two chemical substances combine and can negatively impact the respiratory system, triggering nausea, and watery eyes. According to Kathy Turley, Director of Marketing for Home Clean Heroes, based in Virginia Beach, Virginia, "Even brief exposure can cause coughing, throat irritation, dizziness, or difficulty breathing."
The Washington State Department of advises contacting your healthcare provider or contacting 911 if you encounter any symptoms.
Why Bleach Should Not Be Used To Unclog A Drain
Drain uncloggers are developed to unclog a drain. Combining more than one cleaner might result in more harm than good. Along with a clogged drain, potential problems or an emergency installation may be required.
Bleach is a whitening agent and an essential disinfectant but does not function to unclog drains. "Bleach is a potent disinfectant, yes, but it's not made to remove obstructions in drains," says Turley. In the event of an unpleasant odor emerging from the drain, bleach could banish the unwanted fragrance. However, it is not recommended when the pipes are clogged. "Bleach can eliminate the smell-producing bacteria in drains," she says, "but its chemical makeup won't dissolve substances leading to the clog—it will just aid in removing the stench!"
Suggestions For Unclogging A Drain
Utilizing bleach could harm the pipes as well, creating additional issues in your home than relief. "I would not recommend using bleach to clean drains," says Julie Edelman, author of The Accidental Housewife, based in Florida. "It is corrosive and can erode pipes, glue, and cement."
Choose a drain unclogger or a DIY approach to unclog the drain. "To handle the clogged drain, you are better off using products specifically designed for drain cleaning, such as Drano," says Turley. "Or you can attempt a DIY and natural solution, such as pouring boiling water into the drain or applying baking soda and vinegar." Select a method and carefully adhere to the directions on the label. Patience is required as results may take some time to become apparent. "If that cleaner doesn't work, it's safer to try a mechanical method, like a plunger or a drain snake," she says. If those methods fail, it could be a sign that a professional is required to manage the task.
Avoid Mixing Bleach With Other Cleaners
Bleach is a powerful cleaner that should be handled with care, especially when used with other cleaning products. Here are dangerous mixtures of bleach and other cleaning agents and the possible repercussions.
Beach and Vinegar
Vinegar could be part of your cleaning collection but should not be mixed with bleach. "Bleach and vinegar create chlorine gas, which can irritate your eyes, nose, and throat, leading to breathing problems, coughing, watery eyes, and nausea," says Edelman.
Vinegar and Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is beneficial for disinfecting and may be contained in your first aid kit and your cleaning kit but combining it with vinegar is asking for trouble. "Vinegar and Hydrogen Peroxide [when] used individually, they're terrific for disinfecting and stain removal," says Edelman. "Used together, they create peracetic acid, which can be highly corrosive and cause skin irritation, throat irritation, and eye irritation."
Cleaning Product Tips
Allocate a designated location for your cleaning products that are not accessible to children or pets. "Store your cleaners safely—keep them away from children and pets," says Turley.
Store them in a cool, dry location, and make sure they are not exposed to heat as some can be flammable.
When it's time to discard an empty bottle or an expired cleaner, read the label regarding the best disposal methods. "Always dispose of cleaning products properly," says Turley. "Never throw leftovers down the drain. If information isn't provided on the label and you're not sure what to do, Turley recommends, "check your local waste management guidelines for proper disposal methods."
After learning about the risks of mixing bleach and drain unclogger, it's crucial to stick to cleaning products meant for specific purposes. For instance, Kathy Turley, the Marketing Director of Home Clean Heroes, advises using drain uncloggers specifically designed for drains instead of relying on bleach. Additionally, Julie Edelman, the author of The Accidental Housewife, warns against using bleach due to its corrosive nature that can harm pipes and other materials.
