Viral cleaning tricks are actually extremely dangerous, expert warns
People following DIY cleaning hacks from social media could be creating highly volatile concoctions in their kitchens
Satisfying cleaning routines on TikTok may be a recipe for disaster according to one expert
(Image: GETTY)
Social media has become inundated with clips of cleaning hacks, tips, recommendations and even time-lapse videos of people simply cleaning their own homes. The rising trend seems to offer easy ways to get around the most stubborn and frustrating chores in the home, but one expert warns there's a sinister reality behind the sparkling results.
Derek Bruce, a health and safety expert at SMSTS Course , is warning Brits about the hidden dangers of viral cleaning hacks on TikTok. Claiming that some viral tips could lead to toxic gas exposure, explosions, and severe acid burns.
He said: "Some of these so-called 'cleaning hacks' are nothing short of chemical warfare in your own home. 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."
While new trends and hacks are constantly rising up on social media, the expert highlighted some of the top ingredients that should never mix including bleach, vinegar, ammonia, baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.
He explained that bleach and vinegar creates chlorine gas. Inhaling even a little bit of this gas can cause breathing difficulties, chest pain, burning sensations in the eyes or throat and lung damage.
According to Gov.uk guidance, if you are exposed to chlorine gas you should remove yourself from the source of exposure. Wash any contaminated clothing or affected areas with lukewarm water and soap for at least 10 minutes and get medical advice.
Similarly, bleach and ammonia can make chloramine vapours. It can cause a range of respiratory issues from shortness of breath to pulmonary oedema in severe cases.
Baking soda and vinegar is often touted as an easy cleaning hack to loosen dirt. While it's a mostly harmless reaction that fizzes a bit, if you store it in a closed container it can create a build up of pressure that can cause the container to explode.
Hydrogen peroxide and vinegar are individually useful chemicals to clean with but create peracetic acid when combined. This can cause skin burns, eye damage, and respiratory problems.
Article continues below
Derek warned: '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.'
Instead, he advised people to stick to trusted cleaning products and follow the instructions on these items. The expert also warned never to mix household chemicals unless under professional advice.
It was recommended that people also ensure they have proper ventilation when cleaning and educate children and teenagers about these risks.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
RSPCA's stark warning to anyone wanting to walk their dog during heatwave
WARNING: CONTAINS DISTRESSING VIDEO. The RSPCA has shared a upsetting video to show owners the reality of what can happen when your pet overheats in the summer months As Britain bakes in another heatwave, the RSPCA has issued a stark message to anyone wanting to walk their pets in the sunshine. The animal experts continuously warn owners against walking their pets in hot weather - but no matter how many times they issue a warning, people keep doing it. However, a distressing video appears to have given some owners a wake up call after seeing the reality of what can happen when your pet overheats in the summer months. The video, which is so upsetting it comes with a TikTok warning, shows a dog panting on a vet table as it tries to cool down its body temperature. The poor animal is heavily panting while struggling to breath, drooling excessively, and is uncoordinated and stumbling. Their warning reads: "Involving your pooch in your family outings may feel like the right thing to do this summer, but when the weather gets hot there are some considerations and practical steps that we must take to ensure our dog's health and welfare is always being prioritised. "Dogs sadly die on hot walks. If in doubt, don't go out! Spotting the signs of overheating could mean the difference between life and death." Symptoms of heatstroke in dogs: The RSPCA has listed the following as symptoms you need to watch out for: Collapse: heat exhaustion, when severe, could cause the dog to collapse. Confusion or disorientation: dehydration might make the dog lightheaded or dizzy, affecting their movements. Dehydration: this can present as a dry nose, sunken eyes, heavy panting, infrequent urination, and tiredness. Drooling: if the dog is drooling more often, and it's thicker and stickier, this could be a symptom of heatstroke. Increased heart rate: check a dog's heartbeat by placing your hand on their chest, just behind their front leg's elbow. A fast pulse could signal overheating (remember that the dog's size affects their resting heart rate: big dogs have slower pulses, whereas small dogs have quicker pulses). Muscle spasms: these heat cramps are often associated with dehydration, and might appear as shivering and shaking despite the high temperatures. Noisy breathing: breathing noisily or faster than normal, especially if the dog is a flat-faced breed, is a sign of overheating. Panting: dogs cool down by panting, so the more they pant, the hotter they are. Red gums and tongue: whilst this is often a symptom of a dental problem, when coupled with panting and heavy breathing, red gums can occur when a dog is overheating. Seizures: heatstroke, especially in dogs with epilepsy, can trigger seizures and loss of consciousness. Vomiting and diarrhoea: stool that's softer than normal can be a symptom of heat exhaustion. Stool and diarrhoea that contains blood is a sign that the heatstroke has become more severe. Weakness and lethargy: the dog might sleep more, have trouble standing or walking, or generally seem more sluggish with their movements. Warning: Distressing video While all dogs can overheat in warm weather, owners with dogs with health conditions, flat-faced breeds and dogs with thick coats are most at risk. If you notice your dog is suffering in the heat, you should stop moving, give them water and find shade immediately. It's important to keep an eye on them until they recover or if they get worse, safety transport them to a vets while trying to cool their dog temperature on the journey. You can try to help cool them down by pouring water over them, submerging their body in cool water, or creating a breeze by fanning them.
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
UK heatwave map shows exactly where in Britain faces scorching three-day 33C heat blast
As urgent weather warnings are put in place across parts of the UK, a new interactive map shows Brits whether or not their area will be affected by the fourth sweltering heatwave of summer 2025 High-level weather warnings are now in place across five areas of the UK as the nation faces the fourth heatwave of summer 2025. Temperatures are expected to soar into the mid-30s within the next 24 hours, with a heat health alert issued as of 9am this morning across London, the West Midlands, the East Midlands, the South East, and the East of England. As of yesterday (Monday, August 11), a total of 234 local areas were seeing heatwave conditions, with the warm blast spreading across most of England apart from areas in the North East and Cumbria, as well as coastal areas in the East and South. Now, an easy-to-use interactive map allows Brits to see whether or not their area will be affected. Check if your area is in heatwave conditions today by typing your postcode into the following interactive map: According to the official definition set by the Met Office, temperatures must have risen above 28C for three consecutive days for those areas to be experiencing a true heatwave. This means one sunny afternoon in the garden simply won't cut it. Interestingly, this definition differs across the country, with a slightly lower threshold of 27C in some parts of the South East, while this threshold drops again to just 25C in the South West of England, most of Wales, Northern England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You can find out more about the Met Office's definitions of heatwave thresholds here. Temperatures approached 30C in various parts of the country yesterday, with areas of central and southern England set to meet heatwave criteria by midweek. The Met Office has warned that this latest wave will impact the health sector's capacity to deliver important services. The weather is expected to lead to "overheating" in indoor environments of community and care settings, as well as issues managing medicines. It's understood the sector is also bracing for staffing issues due to "external factors", including transport delays and increased power demand exceeding capacity. Dr Paul Coleman, Consultant in Public Health at the UK Health Security Agency, has issued the following statement: "Temperatures are forecast to rise above 30°C across central and southern parts of the country over the next few days, and generally hot weather is expected across most regions of England. "These kinds of temperatures can result in serious health outcomes across the population – particularly in those who are vulnerable, such as the elderly or those with serious health conditions - so it is important that everyone takes sensible precautions while enjoying the sun. "If you have friends, family or neighbours who are vulnerable, it is important to ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice. Check in on them if you can to make sure they know that hot weather is on the way and how to keep themselves safe."
Scotsman
an hour ago
- Scotsman
how to fix your dreaded office butt'
Sitting all day isn't just uncomfortable — it could be quietly harming your body 💺 Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A viral TikTok trend has spotlighted the rise of a condition dubbed 'office butt' Research shows most UK desk workers lack proper ergonomic support and movement Millions of office workers spend long hours sitting, risking joint pain and muscle issues Awareness of poor posture's impact is growing, with online searches surging dramatically Experts warn this widespread problem could lead to lasting discomfort and mobility loss A new viral TikTok clip has shone a light on the growing problem of 'office butt' — a condition caused by prolonged sitting that's affecting more UK workers than ever. The term refers to gluteal amnesia, or 'dead butt syndrome,' where the muscles around the backside essentially switch off due to inactivity. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad With over one in four UK adults spending five or more hours sitting at a desk daily, experts warn this sedentary lifestyle is contributing to poor posture, joint pain, and reduced mobility. And now, research from AXA Health insurance - which surveyed 2,000 UK adults - has found a startling lack of ergonomic awareness among desk workers. An overwhelming 89% admitted they do not use a supportive office chair, and 81% don't stretch regularly. (Photo: Pexels) | Pexels Even more concerning, 74% don't exercise frequently enough to counteract the effects of sitting — factors that collectively worsen musculoskeletal health. The TikTok video, which has racked up over 730,000 views, shows an office worker taking hourly 'squat breaks' to activate muscles and improve posture, sparking a surge in online searches for 'office chair butt' by 373% in just one month. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Comments from viewers reveal many regret not taking action sooner, with one sharing, 'I developed sciatica from muscle loss from extended sitting and developed the dreaded office butt. I am still in pain and wish I started this sooner!' Bethany Tomlinson, Musculoskeletal Clinical Service Manager at AXA Health and a physiotherapist with over 25 years' experience, explains why this is a serious problem. She says: 'Sitting for prolonged periods can lead to gluteal amnesia, where the glute muscles essentially switch off due to inactivity. This inactivity reduces production of synovial fluid, which is crucial for joint health. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'When your glutes aren't regularly activated, your hips, knees, and lower back compensate — often leading to joint pain and stiffness.' Office workers, in particular, are at risk. Over a third spend seven or more hours a day at their desks, yet 72% don't have a supportive chair, and only 30% report exercising regularly. This combination sets the stage for increased discomfort and potential long-term damage. To help combat this, Bethany has offered her expert tips to avoid the 'office butt' and its negative effects: Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Move at least once every hour 'Trends like 'squat breaks' on TikTok highlight an important point - that regular movement matters. 'Taking just 1-2 minutes every hour to stand up, stretch, or activate key muscle groups can help restore blood flow and stimulate synovial fluid production in the joints. 'Going for a walk before your working day, on your lunch break or after work, where possible, or utilising a standing desk are great ways to reduce sitting time. 'If you travel to work, try getting off one stop earlier or parking further away to add more walking and stimulate joint circulation before sitting down'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Make changes to your chair 'A lumbar cushion supports the natural curve of the back and promotes good posture. It often comes with a strap to attach to the back portion of your office chair. 'A seatpad is also a great option and is suited for those looking for additional support for the bottom of their back, as it reduces pressure on the coccyx and sciatic nerve and encourages hip alignment to support the spine. 'An ergonomic chair will often have adjustable features, such as the degree to which it is upright. These chairs are specifically designed to support the back during long periods of sitting and allow you to sit at a 90° hip-knee-ankle angle, reducing stiffness over time'. Adjust your screen level 'It's important to ensure your computer or laptop screen is positioned at eye level. If it's too low or too high, your neck will be angled for extended periods, which can lead to stiffness in the neck and shoulders, and even long-term joint issues. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'To avoid this, align your screen so that when you're looking straight ahead, your eyes are directly in line with the top of the screen. 'This encourages a natural 90° posture, helping to reduce strain on your neck and shoulders. This should also apply for standing desks'. Incorporate strength and mobility 'In your weekly exercise routine, incorporate strength-training exercises to build resilience in your glutes, hips and core. 'This will help to counteract the effects of sitting, as simple exercises including squats, lunges, glute bridges and clamshells will restore balance and strengthen muscles. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'It's also important to do mobility-focused movement to loosen joints, including neck and hip circles, and shoulder and ankle rolls, which you can even do sitting at your desk'.
