Bleach can kill germs fast, but using it wrong can harm your skin, lungs, and surfaces – here’s how to stay safe while cleaning.

Bleach may kill germs fast, but it’s more harmful to your skin than you realize if you don’t use it right. Follow these tips when cleaning with bleach:

• DON’T USE IT TO CLEAN EVERYTHING – bleach is strong and best kept for using only in extreme circumstances such as cleaning up body fluids (blood, poop, vomit) and whitening laundry.

• DON’T MIX WITH AMMONIA – it’ll form a toxic gas which can damage tissue in your eyes, throat, nose, and lungs.

• DON’T MIX WITH ACIDS – when you mix it with vinegar, drain cleaner, or anything acidic, chlorine gas forms, and it’s dangerous to breathe in much of it.

• DON’T PUT TOO MUCH IN YOUR LAUNDRY – bleach works as a stain remover but don’t overuse it, don’t pour directly on your clothes, and don’t use it for spandex, wool, silk, or leather.

• DON’T CLEAN YOUR PHONE WITH IT – bleach can damage the screen’s coating and ruin your device’s surface.

• DON’T USE IT ON METAL – bleach is corrosive. It can eat away at metal surfaces over time.

• DON’T USE AN OLD BOTTLE – bleach mixed with water only lasts 24 hours! Pure bleach lasts 3–5 months if stored properly, but toss after 1 year from the manufacture date.

• DON’T POUR IT DOWN THE DRAIN – bleach can react dangerously with other substances in the pipes or sewage.

• DON’T USE IT ON FOOD – never use bleach to wash your fruits and veggies, but you can use a diluted mix for utensils and countertops.

• DO PROTECT YOURSELF – cover your skin and airways; bleach can burn skin and ruin clothes if too strong.

• DO AIR OUT THE SPACE – open windows and doors if using bleach, especially if you have allergies, asthma, or COPD.

• DO USE WATER FIRST – always try soap and water first, as bleach won’t clean dirt. Use your bleach mix after, and let it air dry.
  
  Original source: https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/ss/slideshow-cleaning-with-bleach-harmful-mistakes-youre-making