Social media is awash with snippets of cleaning hacks, advice, suggestions and even time-lapse footage of people simply cleaning their own homes. This rising trend promises to provide nifty solutions for tackling the most stubborn and frustrating household tasks, but one expert cautions there's a dark truth lurking behind the gleaming outcomes.

Derek Bruce, a health and safety specialist from SMTS Course, is sounding the alarm about the hidden perils of popular cleaning tricks circulating on TikTok. The expert claims that certain trending tips could result in poisonous gas exposure, blasts, and serious chemical burns.

He added: "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."

As fresh trends and tricks continuously emerge across social platforms, the specialist pinpointed key substances that must never be combined, including bleach, vinegar, ammonia, baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.

He explained that combining bleach with vinegar produces chlorine gas. Breathing in even small amounts of this toxic substance can trigger respiratory problems, chest discomfort, stinging sensations in the eyes or throat, and damage to the lungs.

Based on Gov.uk recommendations, anyone exposed to chlorine gas should immediately distance themselves from the contamination source and wash any tainted clothing or affected skin with lukewarm water and soap for a minimum of 10 minutes.

In a similar vein, mixing bleach with ammonia generates chloramine fumes. This combination can trigger various breathing complications, ranging from breathlessness to severe fluid build-up in the lungs.

While hydrogen peroxide and vinegar work brilliantly as individual cleaning agents, mixing them produces peracetic acid, which can lead to skin burns, eye damage, and breathing difficulties.

Baking soda and vinegar combinations are frequently seen as a simple cleaning solution for loosening grime.

Whilst this creates a largely harmless reaction that produces just some fizzing, storing the mixture in a sealed container can cause pressure build-up could potentially explode the container.

Derek cautioned: "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."

Rather than experimenting, he urged people to rely on established cleaning products and adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines on the packaging.

The specialist also stressed that household chemicals should never be combined without expert supervision.

He further recommended ensuring adequate air circulation during cleaning sessions and making sure youngsters understand these potential dangers.