Most of the time, mixing bleach and vinegar is accidental. Chlorine is a yellowish-green gas that attacks mucous membranes and the respiratory system and can be potentially fatal. Ammonia or rubbing alcohol, in particular, can also emit chlorine gas when mixed with bleach. Although bleach is a strong disinfectant, and vinegar dissolves mineral deposits and kills many types of mold, fungi and bacteria, combining the two can be. Bleach reacts with the acetic acid in vinegar to produce toxic chlorine gas. Mixing bleach with other disinfectants can also be dangerous. This gas, even at low levels, can lead to breathing problems and burning eyes. However, if mixed with bleach the acid will release poisonous gas. Its high acidity levels make for a great detergent. 'For instance, do not let vinegar-based DIY toilet bowl cleaners sit in the toilet bowl while using the bleach-based cleaner on the toilet seat.' Vinegar is an incredibly powerful natural cleaner. 'I would also caution against using them together in a small space with no windows, such as a bathroom,' Harris adds. Bleaches, on the other hand, are powerful disinfectants. While vinegar is good at removing germs from surfaces, it's not a disinfectant, so it doesn't actually kill these germs.

At the end of the day, these two categories of cleaners serve different purposes and should be kept separate anyway. If you smell something funky after combining cleaners, leave the area and head outside or to a window for some air to be on the safe side.ДЄnd if you suspect that you've been exposed to these toxic fumes, call poison control or seek medical attention immediately.ДЄdding bleach to a vinegar-based cleaner is never a good idea. The gas allegedly smells similar to bleach, but it's slightly more pungent. It can also be lethal depending on the severity of the exposure. If you come in contact with chlorine gas, it can severely damage the lungs and cause chemical burns, shortness of breath, and vomiting. Spray surfaces with white vinegar to remove stains and soiling, including mold and mildew. When sodium hypochlorite is mixed with acetic acid (or any acid, for that matter), it creates toxic chlorine gas. Fill the spray bottle with full-strength white vinegar. Vinegar gets its cleaning power from acetic acid. Vinegar and bleach detergents can be used effectively to decontaminate areas. Homeowners have a better chance of getting rid of mice using traps and poison baits than using vinegar and detergents.

However, vinegar and bleach cannot be used to effectively get rid of rats in your home. Most chlorine bleach is made from sodium hypochlorite diluted in water. Bleach, on the other hand, kills 90 of viruses and bacteria. The danger lies in the chemical reaction that happens when these two meet. Household bleaches and vinegars are best kept separate since 'combining these creates dangerous fumes that can be harmful or even fatal,' explains green-cleaning expert Tonya Harris.

Bleach and vinegar