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Never mix

Bleach + Rubbing alcohol

Can form chloroform

Never mix bleach and rubbing alcohol. Together they can form chloroform. [1] [2]

If you already mixed

Leave the area right away and get to fresh air. For household cleaners, open windows and doors to let in fresh air, and stay away until the gas has gone away. [3] [4]

Call 911 for any trouble breathing or swallowing. [3]

Eyes: rinse with lots of room-temperature running water for at least 15 to 20 minutes. [5]

Remove contaminated clothing; wash skin with soap and water. [6] [7] [3]

For mild symptoms or questions, call Poison Help 1-800-222-1222. [3]

A fading smell is not an all-clear: the smell may not be noticeable to people exposed many times, and chlorine gas is heavier than air, so it may linger near the ground. [7]

New Jersey DOH says bleach and rubbing alcohol can form chloroform, which can cause dizziness, nausea, headaches and even loss of consciousness. [1]

The Wisconsin Poison Center warns this mix can make you very sick or kill you, with effects such as slow breathing and drowsiness. [2]

Chemicals

Sources

  1. New Jersey Department of Health — Hazard Alert: Mixing Bleach with Other Cleaning Products Can Be Deadly retrieved 2026-10-27
  2. Wisconsin Poison Center (Children's Wisconsin) — Advice for Cleaning and Disinfecting retrieved 2026-10-27
  3. Washington Poison Center — Chloramine Gas retrieved 2026-10-27
  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Chlorine fact sheet retrieved 2026-10-27
  5. National Capital Poison Center (Poison Control) — Help for poisons splashed in the eye retrieved 2026-10-27
  6. NJ Department of Health — Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet: Sodium Hypochlorite retrieved 2026-10-27
  7. National Capital Poison Center (Poison Control) — Chlorine gas retrieved 2026-10-27