Mixing household cleaners like bleach, peroxide and baking soda can be dangerous if not done properly. Individually, these substances can be safe and effective for cleaning and disinfecting, but combining them can result in harmful chemical reactions.
Can you mix bleach and peroxide?
Bleach and peroxide should never be mixed together. Bleach contains sodium hypochlorite, while peroxide contains hydrogen peroxide. When combined, the two substances react to form oxygen gas, chlorine gas, and water. This reaction can be hazardous due to the potential release of toxic chlorine gas. The rapid release of oxygen gas can also cause pressure buildup in closed containers, resulting in risk of explosion.
Here is a summary of the dangers of mixing bleach and peroxide:
- Releases toxic chlorine gas that can cause breathing problems, throat irritation, and other health issues
- Rapid oxygen release builds pressure and risk of container explosion
- Exothermic reaction heats the mixture rapidly
- Degrades both bleach and peroxide, rendering them ineffective
Can you mix bleach and baking soda?
Mixing bleach and baking soda is not recommended. While not as immediately dangerous as mixing bleach with an acid like vinegar, this combination can still produce hazardous gases.
When bleach and baking soda are combined, the following reaction occurs:
NaOCl + NaHCO3 → NaCl + H2O + CO2
In this reaction, the sodium hypochlorite in bleach reacts with the sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) to form sodium chloride (table salt), water, and carbon dioxide gas. The rapid release of CO2 gas from this reaction can potentially cause closed containers to burst or explode.
Additionally, as the reaction neutralizes the bleach, it reduces the disinfecting ability. The cons of mixing bleach and baking soda are:
- Rapid CO2 release builds pressure and risk of explosion
- Neutralizes bleach, reducing disinfectant effectiveness
- Potentially hazardous if accidentally ingested
Is it safe to mix peroxide and baking soda?
Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda can be mixed together safely. When combined, hydrogen peroxide breaks down into oxygen and water. Baking soda helps accelerate this breakdown reaction. However, the reaction proceeds relatively slowly and does not cause dangerous pressure buildup like bleach combinations.
In fact, mixing peroxide and baking soda is a common home remedy for cleaning and disinfecting. The oxygen bubbles released can help lift dirt and stains. The reaction neutralizes to produce only water and sodium carbonate, which are safe. The pros of mixing peroxide and baking soda include:
- Increases cleaning and disinfecting power
- Baking soda accelerates peroxide breakdown
- Does not produce hazardous gases
- Results in only harmless byproducts
However, care should still be taken not to mix them in very large quantities, and to allow gas release in an open container. Overall, peroxide and baking soda are a compatible and effective cleaning mixture.
Chemical Reactions Between Bleach, Peroxide, and Baking Soda
Let’s take a more in-depth look at the chemical reactions that occur when you mix these common household cleaners.
Bleach + Peroxide
The chemical reaction between bleach and peroxide is:
NaOCl + H2O2 → NaCl + H2O + O2
Here’s what happens step-by-step:
- Sodium hypochlorite (bleach) reacts with hydrogen peroxide.
- The oxygen atoms exchange partners, resulting in sodium chloride (table salt) and hydrogen peroxide.
- The hydrogen peroxide rapidly decomposes into oxygen gas and water.
This exothermic reaction quickly releases oxygen gas, building pressure and posing an explosion risk. The potential for toxic chlorine gas production also makes this combination very hazardous.
Bleach + Baking Soda
When bleach and baking soda mix, the following reaction occurs:
NaOCl + NaHCO3 → NaCl + H2O + CO2
Here is the step-by-step process:
- Sodium hypochlorite (bleach) reacts with sodium bicarbonate (baking soda).
- The sodium and hypochlorite swap partners, forming table salt (NaCl) and sodium carbonate.
- The sodium carbonate rapidly decomposes into carbon dioxide gas, water, and sodium chloride.
The rapid release of CO2 can cause containers to burst. Additionally, the reaction consumes the bleach, reducing disinfecting power.
Peroxide + Baking Soda
When peroxide and baking soda mix, the following reaction takes place:
H2O2 + NaHCO3 → H2O + O2 + NaHCO3
Here’s what happens step-by-step:
- Hydrogen peroxide decomposes into water and oxygen gas.
- Baking soda helps accelerate the breakdown of the peroxide.
- Only harmless byproducts (H2O and O2) are produced.
This controlled reaction does not generate significant pressure or hazardous gases. However, care should still be taken to allow gas release.
Dangers of Mixing Bleach and Baking Soda
Let’s explore in more detail the hazards of mixing bleach and baking soda:
Risk of Explosion
The carbon dioxide released from the chemical reaction between bleach and baking soda can quickly build pressure. In closed containers like spray bottles, the pressure buildup can potentially cause an explosion.
Release of Toxic Chlorine Gas
If the reaction occurs in the presence of an acid, it can result in the release of toxic chlorine gas. This gas causes respiratory irritation and can be fatal in high concentrations.
Reduced Disinfecting Power
As bleach is consumed in the reaction, its concentration decreases. This reduces the effectiveness of the bleach as a disinfectant. The remaining mixture does not provide the same level of germ-killing power.
Skin and Eye Irritation
Exposure to the mixture can result in skin redness, pain, and burns. Contact with eyes will result in stinging, watering, and potential corneal damage.
Uses of Peroxide and Baking Soda Mixture
In contrast to the hazards of bleach combinations, peroxide and baking soda can be mixed together for useful household applications:
Cleaning Surfaces
The peroxide and baking soda mixture can be an effective cleaner for countertops, sinks, bathtubs, and other surfaces. The bubbling action helps lift grime.
Whitening Laundry
Adding peroxide and baking soda to your laundry wash can help whiten and brighten fabrics and remove stains.
Disinfecting
The peroxide in the mixture provides antimicrobial action to disinfect household items and surfaces.
Deodorizing
A peroxide-baking soda paste can help deodorize spaces like refrigerators, cutting boards, and trash cans.
Polishing
The mixture forms a mild abrasive paste that can be used to polish metals, jewelry, and teeth.
Safe Mixing Practices
When mixing household chemicals like cleaners, be sure to follow these safety guidelines:
- Never mix bleach with acids like vinegar or peroxide
- Avoid mixing bleach with other cleaners unless directions specify it is safe
- Only mix small quantities of chemicals at a time
- Use and store mixtures in open containers that allow gas release
- Work in a well-ventilated area to dissipate any fumes produced
- Wear gloves and eye protection when handling chemicals
- Label containers with contents and warnings
First Aid for Chemical Exposures
If you are exposed to potentially harmful gases from chemical reactions, follow these first aid guidelines:
- Get into fresh air immediately. Leave the area of the reaction.
- Call poison control if you experience breathing difficulty after exposure.
- For skin contact, rinse with running water for 15-20 minutes.
- For eye exposure, flush eyes with cool water for at least 15 minutes.
- Change clothing if contaminated by chemicals.
- Seek medical help if you have a severe reaction or symptoms persist.
Conclusion
Mixing common household cleaners like bleach, peroxide and baking soda can be dangerous due to the potential for harmful chemical reactions. Bleach should never be mixed with peroxide or acids, as this can release toxic chlorine gas. And while baking soda and bleach will not create chlorine gas, they still produce a reaction that can burst closed containers and irritate skin and eyes.
However, hydrogen peroxide and baking soda can be mixed safely for cleaning and disinfecting purposes. When using chemical cleaners, remember: never mix bleach with other cleaners, handle mixtures carefully, and seek medical attention in case of exposure.