Safety checker

Cleaner mixing checker

Choose two product types to see whether combining them is a known hazard. The safest rule is simpler than this tool: use one product at a time, never mix products in one container, and rinse a surface before using a different product on it.

If you already mixed something and feel unwell: leave the area to fresh air, and call your local emergency number or poison control. In the United States, the Poison Help line is 1-800-222-1222. In other countries, use your local poison center or emergency number.

How the checker decides

It looks up your pair in a short list of combinations that health agencies and poison centers warn about. Bleach with ammonia can form irritating chloramine gases. Bleach with an acid, including vinegar and many toilet bowl products, can release chlorine gas. Bleach with rubbing alcohol can form harmful compounds such as chloroform. Hydrogen peroxide with vinegar can form a corrosive acid. Drain cleaners are strong enough that they should never be combined with anything. Pairs that are not on the list are shown as having no common hazard, which does not mean they are safe to combine.

Limits

Product types are not the same as products. Many cleaners contain several ingredients, and the label may not say what they are. Glass cleaners, bathroom sprays and disinfectants can contain ammonia, acids or bleach. When you are unsure, do not combine. The checker covers eight common types and cannot judge a specific product, a concentration, or industrial chemicals. It is general information, not professional safety advice.

Safe habits that work

Read the label and follow its directions for dilution and contact time.
Use one product at a time, and rinse the surface with water before switching.
Keep products in their original containers and never reuse a spray bottle for a new product.
Ventilate the room and wear gloves for bathroom and drain work.
Store products out of reach of children and pets.

Where this comes from

The pair list follows safety guidance published by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including its report on chlorine gas from bleach mixtures and its advice on cleaning with bleach, and the household safety articles of US poison centers. The alcohol, peroxide and drain cleaner entries reflect widely repeated poison-center warnings. Check the label of your product and your local poison center for current advice.