Drain cleaner + A different drain cleaner
Dangerous reaction
Never mix different brands of drain cleaners. New Jersey DOH warns they can react dangerously when combined. [1]
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. [2] [3]
Call 911 for any trouble breathing or swallowing. [2]
Eyes: rinse with lots of room-temperature running water for at least 15 to 20 minutes. [4]
Remove contaminated clothing; wash skin with soap and water. [5] [6] [2]
For mild symptoms or questions, call Poison Help 1-800-222-1222. [2]
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. [6]
Some drain cleaners contain acids, such as sulfuric or hydrochloric acid; others contain bases, such as sodium or potassium hydroxide. Mixing drain cleaners can cause an explosive reaction and release hazardous gases, such as hydrogen sulfide and chlorine gas. [7]
Splashes of corrosive cleaning products can burn skin and eyes. [7]
Eyes: rinse with lots of room-temperature running water for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Skin: wash with gentle soap and water for 10 minutes. Contact a poison center. [4] [2]
Chemicals
Sources
- New Jersey Department of Health — Hazard Alert: Mixing Bleach with Other Cleaning Products Can Be Deadly retrieved 2026-10-27
- Washington Poison Center — Chloramine Gas retrieved 2026-10-27
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Chlorine fact sheet retrieved 2026-10-27
- National Capital Poison Center (Poison Control) — Help for poisons splashed in the eye retrieved 2026-10-27
- NJ Department of Health — Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet: Sodium Hypochlorite retrieved 2026-10-27
- National Capital Poison Center (Poison Control) — Chlorine gas retrieved 2026-10-27
- Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) — Cleaning Products - Working Safely retrieved 2026-10-27