Can You Mix Vinegar And Hydrogen Peroxide?

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Samatha Brazeau-Wilson Profile
No!  The longer answer is:   Never mix hydrogen peroxide and vinegar together in one container. The resulting chemical, per-acetic acid, can harm you when mixed together this way if you accidentally create a strong concentration in this fashion. Per-acetic acid also has entirely different characteristics and properties than either hydrogen peroxide or vinegar. Additionally, we don't know if per-acetic acid kills the same group of pathogenic food-borne bacteria when used this way as a spray - it very well may not. You can spray one first, then the second to follow.
thanked the writer.
Anonymous
Anonymous commented
Confused. How is mixing them different from spraying one on top of the other?
Christina Mauthe
Christina Mauthe commented
Peracetic acid is very unstable and highly corrosive. As it decomposes, oxygen is released, which builds up pressure. Your average spray bottle is probably not vented to allow the oxygen to escape, in which case it may leak or explode. It is also highly combustible. In the case of a fire, peracetic acid will feed the fire as it releases oxygen. Chemical fire extinguishers are not effective on fires involving peracetic acid. Also, if it were to spill, the vapors are toxic at high levels. The levels produced from spraying vinegar and peroxide separately are not enough to harm you.

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