Know which chemicals should never share a shelf

Select what you store at home. The checker flags dangerous pairs and shows you how to split them into safe zones.

Your Chemical Inventory

Check every product you currently store at home.

Quick presets:

Cleaning Products

Automotive & Workshop

Garden, Pool & Outdoor

Paint & Solvents

    Compatibility Results

    Select chemicals from the list to see compatibility warnings.

    Common Storage Scenarios

    These examples show how the checker works with real situations people run into at home.

    The Under-Sink Cabinet

    Many people toss bleach, a glass cleaner with ammonia, and a drain cleaner under one sink. That is three dangerous pairs in one small space. Bleach plus ammonia makes chloramine gas. Bleach plus acidic drain cleaner releases chlorine gas. The fix: keep bleach alone on one side, acids on the other, and ammonia products in a different room if possible.

    Garage Workbench

    Gasoline, paint thinner, and aerosol cans often end up on the same shelf near a water heater. Gasoline vapors are heavier than air and can travel along the floor to an ignition source. Store flammables in a sealed cabinet away from any appliance with a pilot light or electrical switch.

    Pool Chemicals Next to Fertilizer

    Pool chlorine is a strong oxidizer. Fertilizer often contains ammonium nitrate. Storing these near each other, especially in a hot shed, can lead to a fire or explosion risk. Keep pool chemicals in a cool, dry, separate bin away from all other products.

    Laundry Room Mix-Ups

    Bleach and hydrogen peroxide are both common in laundry areas. Mixed together they release oxygen gas rapidly and can cause container rupture. Store them on separate shelves with a solid barrier between them, not just a few inches apart on the same shelf.

    Mistakes People Make

    • Storing everything in one plastic bin. If one container leaks, the chemicals mix. Use separate bins with lids for each zone.
    • Keeping old, unlabeled bottles. If you cannot identify it, you cannot check its compatibility. Dispose of unknown chemicals at a hazardous waste facility.
    • Putting chemicals on high shelves. A falling bottle can break and spill onto products below. Store heavy or hazardous items at waist height.
    • Ignoring ventilation. Even compatible chemicals can build up fumes in a closed closet. Leave some air gap or use a ventilated cabinet.
    • Storing near heat or sunlight. Temperature changes can increase pressure inside containers and speed up chemical breakdown. A cool, shaded spot is best.

    Questions People Ask

    What happens if bleach and ammonia mix?
    They form chloramine gas. Breathing it causes coughing, chest pain, and in serious cases, lung damage. Never store these in the same cabinet.
    Can all cleaning products go under one sink?
    Not safely. Keep bleach away from acids and from ammonia-based products. Use the zone suggestions in this tool to split them up.
    Is gasoline safe in the garage?
    Only in an approved container, away from heat, and never near oxidizers like pool chemicals. Vapors can travel and ignite from a pilot light or tool spark.
    How often should I re-check?
    Every time you bring a new product home. Save your inventory here and re-run the check when you add something.
    What if my product is not in the list?
    Add it using the custom field. While the checker cannot flag unknown pairs, having it on your list helps you think about placement. Check the product label for storage warnings.

    What This Checker Assumes

    This tool covers the most common household chemicals and their well-known incompatibilities. It does not cover every product on the market, industrial chemicals, or unusual concentrations. The risk descriptions are simplified for clarity. Always read the safety data sheet for your specific product. This tool is for general guidance only and does not replace professional safety advice.

    Last updated: 2026 · Version 1.0