Keeping your home clean is important, but it’s also essential to keep yourself safe when cleaning. For many people cleaning with bleach is a normal part of their cleaning routine. But do you know exactly what chlorine bleach is and how to use it safely?
Chlorine bleach, a water solution of sodium hypochlorite, is a strong oxidising agent and can be hazardous if not used properly. However, when you know exactly how to use it, and most importantly, how to use it safely, it can be a great household cleaner suitable for sanitising many surfaces.
Cleaning with Bleach: Safety Must-Dos
- Be sure to measure out the recommended dosage (see below)
- Carefully follow the instructions on the product’s label
- Test on a small area of the surface first to check the material will not be damaged
- Wear rubber gloves to prevent contact with skin
- Wear eye protection – if you do get bleach in your eye, rinse immediately and call your doctor
- Ventilate the room by opening the windows or using a fan
- Keep children and pets out of the room
- Only use chlorine bleach in fairly low concentrations – typically 5.25% or 6% sodium hypochlorite
- Do not mix bleach with ammonia or any other cleaning product
How to Clean With Bleach
Cleaning with bleach is easy when you know how! Here we’ve put together a list of what to clean with bleach to help you get great results. Remember, when using bleach to clean, always follow the above safety instructions
Bathroom Tiles
Tile grout is notorious for getting grubby, and a build-up of soap scum, limescale, and mould can make your bathroom look dirtier than it actually is. Mix equal parts of chlorine bleach and water in a spray bottle and spray the grout. Alternatively, mix the solution in a basin and use a sponge to apply to the grout. Allow the diluted chlorine bleach to get to work for approximately 15 minutes, then scrub with a stiff brush or old toothbrush. You should only use chlorine bleach if you have white tiles and grout – the bleach will have a whitening effect – not so desirable if you have dark tile grout and tiles!
Shower Curtains
Banish mould and mildew from your shower curtains with the help of some chlorine bleach! Check that your shower curtains are machine-washable, then pop them in the washing machine and wash in warm water with your normal dose of detergent and ½ cup of chlorine bleach (approx. 120ml). Allow to air dry or place in the tumble dryer on the lowest setting. Always consult the care label for specific advice on the temperature and setting to use when washing and drying your shower curtains.
Worktops and other surfaces
Chlorine bleach is great for disinfecting a variety of surfaces, for example food preparation areas in the kitchen such as worktops and chopping boards, and toilets and sinks in the bathroom. It’s also very effective at sanitising surfaces in the home, such as door handles, to prevent the spread of germs when someone is ill. To clean and disinfect your surfaces, wash them with hot, soapy water first, then rinse, and disinfect by applying a mixture of 1 tablespoon of chlorine bleach per 4.5 litres of water, preferably using a spray bottle and clean cloth. Allow to air-dry to prevent re-contaminating the surface by drying with a towel.
If chlorine bleach isn’t already your go to cleaning product, then now you know how to use it safely – plus some simple cleaning tricks – why not try it yourself and make sure your home is sparkling clean and germ free?!