Home Care

Do Not Try to Make “Rubbing Alcohol” from Rum, Bleach, and Hand Sanitizer

The resulting chemical compound is toxic.

Photography: Kelly Sikkema | Unsplash

As the enhanced community quarantine caused by COVID-19 continues, there have been “instructional videos” circulating on social media perpetuating that you can make your own “rubbing alcohol” using rum, bleach, and hand sanitizer. This is false, and can even cause you huge health problems.

In fact, alcohol and bleach are two house hold chemicals that you should never mix as the resulting solution is toxic. According to Apartment Therapy, mixing the two will create chloroform, which “emits toxic and corrosive fumes.” If you watch a lot of crime shows, you’ll know that chloroform is what criminals use to render their victims unconscious — but what these shows don’t reveal is that this compound cause damage to the “central nervous system, liver, and kidneys, in addition to irritating the skin, lungs, and eyes, and causing nausea and dizziness.”

Alcohol, bleach, and liquor brands have already released their warnings about avoiding this harmful mixture.

In a Facebook post, Tanduay Distillers, Inc. said that it “strongly advices against mixing Tanduay Rum with bleach, hand sanitizer, or other chemicals.”

Green Cross Incorporated, which produces Zonrox Bleach, had the same message, explaining further that “mixing bleach with ethyl alcohol (present in rum) will form a dangerous chemical that has toxic effects if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin.   

ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

Aside from alcohol, you should never mix bleach with any of the following:

  • Ammonia
  • Vinegar
  • Toilet bowl cleaner
 

The bottom line is not to mix bleach with anything but water. Quarantined at home and you’ve run out of hand sanitizer? Wash your hands with soap and water. In fact, the two are still your best bet against COVID-19 as soap melts away the lipids surrounding the virus, destroying the latter.

CONTINUE READING BELOW
watch now

For more stories on COVID-19, please click here

More on Realliving.com.ph

Shares

Read more stories about

Latest Stories

How To Compute a Property's Market Value

Real estate, unlike most luxury goods or cars, doesn't depreciate over time, making it a good investment. But have you ever wondered why?

What All Those Pinoy Construction Terms Mean

Here's a handy glossary to help you decode your contractor's or worker's lingo, from Asintada to Tambol

Exploring Baby Bean's Enchanting Farm: A Celestial Retreat

Baby Bean's farm has a lot of potential.

Yeng Constantino's Dream Beach House in Zambales

Their vision is coming to life.

7 Popular Local Materials For A Filipino Home

Show your love for Filipino design and culture with these local products and the indigenous materials they are made from

What Do Ascott and St. Luke's Have in Common? A Bedsheet Supplier

You can get the same hotel-quality sheets from Filipino brand Doyle & Furnham.

Which Type of Wood is Best for the Home?

Tanguile, Narra, or Mahogany? Each type of wood has its pros and cons.

Christmas Gifts for Every Budget

Some suggestions for that holiday cheer.

Here's Everything You Need to Know About Anne Curtis' Trending Camaleonda Sofa

Plus, where to buy similar sofas that can elevate any space.

This Resort in Quezon Gives A Modern Filipino Take on 30sqm Prefab Homes

Planning your next family or barkada staycation? This resort in Quezon lets you unwind in comfort.
Load More Stories