05 January 2021
When Cleaning Supplies Don’t Mix: Dangerous Combinations To Avoid
There’s nothing better than having a good supply of cleaning chemicals at the office. This is especially the case during the pandemic, which has seen everyone become increasingly more aware of the importance of retaining a sanitary work environment for the safety of all employees. Many business owners have gone out of their way to buy cleaning products, without giving too much thought to some potentially hazardous and dangerous combinations that could cause problems. From starting fires through to creating toxic combinations, some cleaning supplies should be stored separately, and never used at the same time.
Why Cleaning Chemicals Can Be Dangerous
Cleaning chemicals are notorious for being dangerous because most of them contain scientific compositions that are designed to kill germs and bacteria, while also reducing the spread of viruses, fungi and algae. Even as standalone products, cleaning chemicals have the ability to do a lot of harm to humans, including irritating the eyes and throat, causing migraines, and possibly leading to bigger health problems with prolonged exposure. As a safety precaution, always make sure that the cleaning staff at the office has the correct PPE. Nobody should put themselves in harm’s way — especially when COVID-19 is around too — from using chemicals in the first place.
Common Bad Combinations of Cleaning Chemicals
There are a few bad combinations of cleaning chemicals that should be avoided at all costs. Bleach and vinegar, for example, create chlorine gas. The gas can even cause a burning sensation, especially if exposed to the throat, skin or eyes. Ammonia and bleach creates chloramine, which is an instant chest pain creator. You may be combining two of the strongest cleaning agents on the market, but the health risks will not be worth it. Bleach and rubbing alcohol is another bad mix, which creates a toxic dose of chloroform. Last but not least, hydrogen peroxide and vinegar can be a dangerous combination that create peroxyacetic acid. Even just hearing the name should send chills down your spine.
One Cleaning Agent at a Time
As a general rule, cleaning products should never be mixed. As most contain a mix of different chemical compounds, mixing the products can never truly guarantee a safe result. Stick to one cleaning agent at a time, as mixing chemicals could not only cause harm to the user, but end up starting a fire, or worse yet, cause an explosion in the building. The same approach goes for storing the chemicals in a cool, dry space. Keep the bottles “socially distanced” from each other (see what we did there?) to make sure that there aren’t any unforeseen problems. When storing the combinations mentioned earlier, keep them on different shelves, or as far away from each other as possible, to avoid problems from spillage or unexpected leaks.
Knowing Where To Find The Best Cleaning Products
Now that you’ve got an idea about why cleaning supplies can be dangerous, and the combinations to avoid at all cost, it’s helpful to know where to look to find the best products on the market. G.Fox won’t sell you any b-grade products, and their catalogue offers only a selection of the best cleaning chemicals, alongside all the personal protective equipment you will need for the business. Everything they sell is produced on the African continent, and with decades of experience in the industry, they are a safe bet for businesses of all shapes and sizes. Are you ready to make safe cleaning a priority for yours? There’s no better time than the present to do so.