Never mix chemicals or cleaning agents with the anticipation that they will do a better cleaning job unless you are sure that they will interact safely. Mixing incompatible substances could result in a release of heat accompanied by violent boiling and splattering (e.g., via the addition of water to concentrated mineral acids), the release of toxic or deadly gases (e.g., mixing acids with bleaches or cleansers) or combustion (e.g., mixing acids with organic solvents).

Using strong mineral acids, such as hydrochloric acid (i.e., muriatic acid) or sulfuric acid, to clean glass is not worth the risks to your personal safety unless you are trained in their safe use and handling. The liquids and vapors are extremely corrosive and cause severe burns to all body tissue, they can react violently with many incompatible substances (e.g., strong bases, metals, metal salts, organics, other acids, water, combustible materials) and they are harmful to the environment.

Adding water to concentrated mineral acids is very dangerous, and the heat generated could easily crack the fragile glass object containing the mixture. Strong bases such as sodium hydroxide (i.e., caustic soda or lye) are also very corrosive and can cause severe burns to the skin, and they will also attack and dull "soft" glass upon prolonged exposure.

Use proper personal protection when cleaning with organic solvents, paint thinners, kerosene, etc., also. Prolonged skin exposure can result in dermatitis, vapors are harmful, these substances are highly flammable and some are even carcinogenic.

Author: Rick Baldwin from Brunswick, Ohio