Dangers of Combining Chemicals for a Poultice

Do Not Mix Chemicals for a Poultice

Most grown adults know that chemicals can be dangerous. Sometimes when people are creating a poultice for stain removal on natural stone or other surfaces, they consider mixing chemicals without realizing that mixing chemicals can be especially hazardous.

There are many chemicals that are commonly used but can be dangerous if not handled properly. To put this in context, an irritant can damage organic tissue, but this damage is reversible. A caustic or corrosive substance can cause irreversible damage, as well as respiratory distress if inhaled in high concentrations.

Here are a few examples of dangerous potentially chemicals:

1. Hydrochloric acid
2. Sodium hydroxide
3. Sulfuric acid
4. Ammonia
5. Chlorine
6. Ethanol
7. Acetone

Fred Hueston, Chief Technical Director of Surface Care Pros and Owner of Stone Forensics warns, “When you are mixing a poultice, you should not combine chemicals. There are many chemicals that, when mixed together, can form a deadly gas. An example is ammonia and bleach. If these two household cleaners are mixed together, they will produce a deadly chlorine gas. Never mix chemicals together unless you are instructed to on the product’s instructions. Mixing certain chemicals can damage your stone or other surfaces, too.”

Some chemicals, when combined, can generate heat. They can even become explosive. Mixed chemicals can contaminate the environment, including water sources, and harm wildlife and vegetation. Mixing chemicals may be ineffective or even produce an undesirable outcome, such as corrosion, discoloration, or degradation of the surface.

Is it ever safe to mix chemicals?

Yes, if you read the safety data sheets and follow the product manufacturers instructions, including taking the appropriate precautions such as wearing protective gear, following ventilation requirements, and being prepared for emergency procedures. You also need to follow any applicable regulations for handling chemicals. Certain products require specific training and experience. If you are not qualified, do not proceed. 

If you read the instructions but you do not find them clear and comprehensive, contact the product manufacturer to ask questions and get further guidance before you proceed. 

Make sure that you follow the instructions precisely if you have to measure more than one substance. It is important to mix the correct proportions of each substance to avoid problems.

If you are creating a poultice for stain removal on natural stone or other surfaces, remember that chemicals, in and of themselves, as well as mixing chemicals can be dangerous or deadly.