FEATURE: CLEANING & LAUNDRY
TOXIC TIKTOK: BRITS RISK EXPLOSIONS AND ACID BURNS WITH VIRAL CLEANING HACKS
Derek Bruce, a health and safety expert at SMSTS Course, is warning Brits about the hidden dangers of viral cleaning hacks on TikTok that could lead to toxic gas exposure, explosions, and severe acid burns.
T
he latest wave of social media cleaning trends sees users mixing common household chemicals to achieve
sparkling results, but the reality is far more sinister. Unknowingly, many are creating highly volatile reactions that could send them straight to A&E.
“Some of these so-called ‘cleaning
ADVICE FOR SAFE CLEANING
Stick to trusted cleaning products and follow instructions
Never mix household chemicals unless professionally advised
Ensure proper ventilation when using strong cleaning products
Educate children and teenagers about the risks of TikTok trends
hacks’ are nothing short of chemical warfare in your own home,” says Derek Bruce. “Mixing the wrong products can create lethal gases or even trigger explosions. It’s a serious risk, and people need to be aware before blindly following a trend.”
Deadly combinations lurking under your sink Cleaning products are designed to work effectively on their own, but when mixed, they can create toxic chemical reactions. Some of the most dangerous TikTok trends involve:
Bleach and vinegar: Creates chlorine gas, leading to breathing difficulties, chest pain, and lung damage.
Bleach and ammonia: Produces deadly chloramine vapours that can cause severe respiratory issues. Baking soda and vinegar: While often thought of as a harmless fizzing reaction, when stored in a
STAINLESS-STEEL VACUUM AND ASH CLEANERS JOIN THE HANDY PRODUCT RANGE
British garden equipment manufacturer, The Handy has announced a new addition to The Handy brand in the form of Stainless-Steel Vacuum Cleaners and Ash Cleaners with wet and dry capability, designed to offer customers an efficient and all-year-round versatile cleaning solution. Featuring a durable and easy to clean large 15-litre stainless-steel tank for increased resistance to corrosion, there are three mains- powered models in the range: The Handy 15 Litre Wet and Dry Stainless-Steel Vacuum Cleaner, The Handy 15 Litre Stainless-Steel Ash Cleaner and The Handy 10 Litre Stainless-Steel Ash Cleaner. The Handy 15 Litre Wet and Dry
Vacuum Cleaner features a flexible design and achieves impressive
20 DIY WEEK FEBRUARY 2025
suction power with a powerful 1250W motor to efficiently handle heavy-duty cleaning of liquids, dust, DIY, debris, and more. Equipped with a large stainless-steel 15 Litre container and a long 15-meter cable for uninterrupted use, the new Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner from The Handy is a robust and versatile cleaning tool suitable for various environments, including the home, workshop, garage, or car. For easy cleaning of fireplaces, barbecues, log burners, and garden chimneys, the range also includes two new products designed to safely and efficiently vacuum fine ash particles.
The Handy 15 Litre Stainless-Steel Ash Cleaner features a powerful 1200W motor with a suction strength of 18 kPa. Additionally, The Handy 10 Litre Stainless-Steel
Ash Cleaner comes equipped with an 800W motor and steady suction power of 15 kPa. Both come equipped with a one-meter hose and six-meter-long cable, allowing easy access to tight spaces and distant areas, without the need for extension cords. Offering optimal performance with minimum fuss, the new Stainless- Steel Vacuum Cleaner and Ash Cleaner range from The Handy provides a powerful experience with minimum effort. Lightweight and easy to use, the range offers a robust alternative to manual cleaning methods. Also featuring an ergonomic design for comfortable handling, all models come with a large stainless-steel storage capacity designed to reduce the need for frequent emptying. This means users can enjoy a smooth and
uninterrupted cleaning experience. This new range of Ash Vacuum also complements existing retail product categories such as outdoor entertaining, including BBQs, further enhancing The Handy’s diverse offerings. To find out more and purchase
direct at trade pricing, please go to
www.thehandy.co.uk
closed container, it can build up pressure and explode.
Hydrogen peroxide and vinegar:
Creates peracetic acid, which can cause skin burns, eye damage, and respiratory problems.
Why this is a growing problem
The rise of DIY cleaning influencers and viral home hacks has fuelled dangerous misinformation, with users unintentionally putting themselves and their families at risk. Many videos fail
to mention the chemical dangers, instead promoting them as “safe, budget-friendly solutions.” Derek Bruce is calling for greater
awareness and responsibility, urging social media users to fact-check cleaning tips before them at home.
attempting
“Just because something has a million views doesn’t mean it’s safe. If you’re unsure, always check with official health and safety guidance before trying any chemical mix,” he warns.
www.diyweek.net
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