# Household Chemistry Basics ### Common compounds, safety & storage ## 1. Basic chemistry concepts | Term | Definition | Example(s) | |---------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------| | Acid | Substance with pH < 7; donates H⁺ ions; corrosive. | Vinegar (acetic acid), lemon juice (citric acid) | | Base | Substance with pH > 7; accepts H⁺ ions; slippery feel. | Baking soda (NaHCO₃), soap (NaOH) | | pH Scale | Measures acidity/alkalinity (0-14); 7 = neutral. | pH 2: Lemon juice; pH 12: Bleach | | Oxidizer | Causes combustion by releasing oxygen. | Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), bleach (NaOCl) | | Reducing Agent | Donates electrons; can prevent oxidation. | Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), sulfur dioxide (SO₂) | | Solvent | Dissolves other substances. | Water (H₂O), acetone (nail polish remover) | | Solute | Substance dissolved in a solvent. | Salt (NaCl) in water | --- ## 2. Common household chemicals ### A. Cleaning agents | Chemical Name | Common Name | Uses | Effects/Risks | Never Mix With | Storage Container | |---------------------|----------------------|-------------------------------|----------------------------------------|----------------------------------|-----------------------------| | Sodium hypochlorite | Bleach | Disinfectant, whitening | Skin/eye irritation; toxic gas if mixed | Ammonia, vinegar, rubbing alcohol | Opaque plastic (HDPE) | | Ammonia (NH₃) | Glass cleaner | Degreaser, stain remover | Respiratory irritation; corrosive | Bleach, vinegar | Glass or HDPE bottle | | Hydrochloric acid | Toilet bowl cleaner | Removes rust, scale | Burns skin; corrosive fumes | Bleach, baking soda | Glass or HDPE with vent cap | | Sodium hydroxide | Drain opener (lye) | Unclogs drains | Severe burns; corrosive | Aluminum, vinegar | Plastic (HDPE/PP) with child lock | ### B. Kitchen chemicals | Chemical Name | Common Name | Uses | Effects/Risks | Never Mix With | Storage Container | |---------------------|----------------------|-------------------------------|----------------------------------------|----------------------------------|-----------------------------| | Acetic acid | Vinegar | Cleaning, cooking, deodorizing | Mild irritation; safe in dilution | Bleach, hydrogen peroxide | Glass or plastic (PET/HDPE) | | Sodium bicarbonate | Baking soda | Baking, odor neutralizer | Generally safe; can irritate eyes | Vinegar (exothermic reaction) | Cardboard box or plastic | | Citric acid | Lemon juice | Preservative, cleaning | Mild irritation | Bleach (chlorine gas risk) | Glass or plastic | | Hydrogen peroxide | Disinfectant (3%) | Wound care, stain removal | Skin irritation; decomposes in light | Vinegar, bleach | Dark glass or opaque plastic | ### C. Personal care & miscellaneous | Chemical Name | Common Name | Uses | Effects/Risks | Never Mix With | Storage Container | |---------------------|----------------------|-------------------------------|----------------------------------------|----------------------------------|-----------------------------| | Isopropyl alcohol | Rubbing alcohol | Disinfectant, cleaning | Flammable; drying to skin | Bleach (chloroform risk) | Glass or HDPE (tight seal) | | Acetone | Nail polish remover | Solvent, adhesive remover | Flammable; irritates skin/respiratory | Bleach, hydrogen peroxide | Metal or glass (flammable cabinet) | | Sodium carbonate | Washing soda | Laundry booster, stain remover | Irritates skin; alkaline | Aluminum, vinegar | Plastic (HDPE) with lid | --- ## 3. Dangerous chemical reactions | Mixing These | Produces | Effects | |----------------------------|----------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Bleach + Ammonia | Chloramine gas (NH₂Cl) | Toxic fumes; causes coughing, chemical pneumonia, death in high doses. | | Bleach + Vinegar | Chlorine gas (Cl₂) | Greenish-yellow gas; severe respiratory distress, burns. | | Bleach + Rubbing Alcohol | Chloroform (CHCl₃) | Carcinogenic; dizziness, unconsciousness. | | Hydrogen Peroxide + Vinegar | Peracetic acid | Corrosive; skin/eye burns, respiratory irritation. | | Baking Soda + Vinegar | CO₂ gas + water | Harmless but messy (volcanic eruption effect). | --- ## 4. Storage guidelines | Chemical Type | Recommended Container | Where to Store | Extra Tips | |-------------------------|--------------------------------|----------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------| | Acids (vinegar, citric acid) | Glass or HDPE plastic | Cool, dark place (pantry) | Label clearly; keep away from metals. | | Bases (bleach, lye) | Opaque HDPE/PP plastic | High shelf (away from kids/pets) | Never store in metal (corrosion risk). | | Oxidizers (bleach, H₂O₂) | Dark glass or thick plastic | Away from heat/light (flammable risk) | Store upright to prevent leaks. | | Flammables (alcohol, acetone) | Metal or glass (tight seal) | Fireproof cabinet | Keep away from ignition sources. | --- ## 5. Practical household tips ### Cleaning hacks - Unclog Drains: Mix ½ cup baking soda + ½ cup vinegar, cover for 15 mins, then flush with hot water. - Disinfect Surfaces: Use 3% hydrogen peroxide (spray, wait 10 mins, wipe). - Remove Rust: Apply vinegar or lemon juice + salt to rusted tools, scrub after 1 hour. ### Safety tips - Ventilate when using bleach or ammonia. - Wear gloves/goggles when handling lye or drain cleaners. - Never store chemicals in food containers (e.g., bleach in a soda bottle). - Dispose of old chemicals at local hazardous waste facilities (never pour down the drain). ### First aid for chemical exposure | Exposure Type | Action | |-------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Skin Contact | Rinse with cool water for 15+ mins; remove contaminated clothing. | | Eye Contact | Flush with lukewarm water for 20 mins; seek medical help. | | Inhalation | Move to fresh air; call poison control if breathing difficulties. | | Ingestion | Do NOT induce vomiting; call poison control immediately. | --- ### Emergency contacts (US) - Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222 - Chemical Spill: Local fire department (non-emergency line for advice). --- Note: Always check product labels for specific instructions. When in doubt, dilute and ventilate!