Bleach is NOT for Cleaning

Bleach is not for cleaning

Have you ever wondered why the symbol for bleach on the laundry tag is the warning triangle? That is because bleach is a hazardous chemical. 

Warnings about Chlorine Bleach exposure: 

• During or immediately after exposure to dangerous concentrations of chlorine bleach, the following signs and symptoms may develop:
  • Blurred vision
  • Burning pain, redness, and blisters on the skin if exposed to gas. Skin injuries similar to frostbite can occur if it is exposed to liquid chlorine
  • Burning sensation in the nose, throat, and eyes
  • Coughing
  • Chest tightness
  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. These may appear immediately if high concentrations of chlorine gas are inhaled, or they may be delayed if low concentrations of chlorine gas are inhaled.
  • Fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema) that may be delayed for a few hours
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Watery eyes
  • Wheezing

It is recommended if choosing to clean with bleach to do so in a well ventilated area or take breaks during the exposure. But did you know that when you clean with bleach that you are creating more work over time?!

Effects of bleach in your home:

• Never use bleach on porous items such as wood or wood-based materials, metal, granite or other stone materials. 
• Most bathroom surfaces that tend to grow mold can look like the mold problem is eliminated with the use of bleach however, the problem is only getting worse because most of the surfaces in your bathroom are metal or stone-based. 
• Bleach breaks down the surface creating a deeper crevice for the mold to grow which in turn creates a bigger problem that could be very expensive. The effects are non-reversible.
• Bleach in your laundry may whiten your whites but it also breaks down the fabrics similar to how a bleach spill will destroy your non-whites. 
• Bleach, in all forms, can be toxic to your pets if they are exposed. 

Alternatives to Bleach:

• Hydrogen Peroxide 

1 and 1/2 cups 3% hydrogen peroxide

1/2 cup Lemon Juice

12 cups purified water

Combine ingredients in a gallon bottle and use in place of chlorine bleach to whiten your laundry, to disinfect and clean non-porous surfaces. 

• Baking Soda and Vinegar

Use 1/2 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup vinegar for toilets, showers and grout. Apply with a tooth brush or grout brush and rinse. 

Use the combination in a clogged sink or tub with some added natural degreasing dish soap or lemon juice. Back with boiling water. You can use this as a preventative method as well to prevent unwanted clogs. 

• Vinegar

Mix equal parts water and vinegar for a wood floors cleaner. You can add your favorite essential oil to mask the smell of vinegar if it is unpleasant to you. 10-20 drops will do. Spray and mop with a microfiber cloth. 

• Lemon Juice

Use straight lemon juice to remove hard water spots. Apply and let sit for about an hour and wipe away. (Hot vinegar works well too)

• Tea Tree Oil

Add 10-20 drops to a 1/2 and 1/2 mixture of water and vinegar for a sweet smelling disinfectant for your kitchen or bathroom. Tea tree oil has anti-bacterial agents and the vinegar helps remove stains (thanks to its diluted acetic acid). 

Baking Soda is one of my favorite cleaning agents that is not harmful to you, your family or our planet. There are many uses even for hygiene purposes. Can you say that about bleach? No way!