Steer Clear of Certain TikTok Cleaning Tips for the Sake of Your Wellbeing
In the world of social media, TikTok has become a popular platform for sharing quick and easy cleaning hacks. However, a growing concern is that many of these hacks can be dangerously unsafe.
Health and safety experts are warning users about the risks associated with mixing household chemicals, which can lead to toxic chemical reactions, explosions, acid burns, and serious injuries. One of the most concerning combinations is mixing bleach with ammonia or products containing ammonia, such as some cleaning agents or Goo Gone. This produces toxic chloramine gases, which can cause respiratory distress and other injuries.
Another risky hack involves using dishwasher tablets with water inside electrical appliances like air fryers. This can cause electrical damage, fire hazards, or electric shocks. Electrical Safety First advises against cleaning an air fryer by putting a dishwasher tablet in the drawer and running the appliance.
Indoor use of multipurpose products like WD-40 is also strongly discouraged, as it exposes people to toxic fumes. Viral hacks involving aggressive chemicals without proper safety precautions have caused explosions and acid burns.
Mixing certain household chemicals can be highly risky and dangerous. For instance, combining hydrogen peroxide and vinegar creates peracetic acid, which can cause skin burns, eye damage, and respiratory problems. Similarly, a mixture of baking soda and vinegar can build up pressure and explode when stored in a closed container.
Mixing bleach and vinegar creates chlorine gas, which can lead to breathing difficulties, chest pain, lung damage, and in high concentrations, death. Lemon juice is an acid and will trigger a similar chemical reaction when combined with bleach.
Many cleaning videos on TikTok fail to mention the dangers of their 'hacks', instead promoting them as safe and budget-friendly. This lack of caution is concerning, as it could lead to accidents and injuries.
To avoid these risks, it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best way to clean your appliance. If unsure about chemical mixes, it's advisable to check official health and safety guidance. Always prioritise safety over convenience when it comes to cleaning.
Derek Bruce, a health and safety expert, and Giuseppe Capanna, product safety engineer at Electrical Safety First, have made these warnings clear. They urge users to be cautious when trying out cleaning hacks they see on TikTok, as not all of them may be safe.
In conclusion, while TikTok can be a great source of creative cleaning tips, it's crucial to remember that safety should always come first. Always research the safety of a cleaning hack before trying it out, and never mix chemicals unless explicitly safe to do so.
- Science and health experts have voiced concerns about the safety of cleaning hacks shared on TikTok, warning users against the risks of dangerous chemical reactions when mixing household substances like bleach and ammonia.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness and lifestyle, it's important to prioritize safety over convenience when it comes to cleaning, especially when using household chemicals like bleach and vinegar, which when combined, can produce harmful chlorine gas.
- To maintain a healthy home-and-garden environment, it's essential to adhere to official safety guidelines when performing cleaning tasks, such as using multipurpose products like WD-40 indoors, which can expose individuals to toxic fumes.
