You hear plenty of stories about bleach and its applications. Some people swear by the product; others can’t stay far enough away from it. With so much popularity and controversy, you may be asking yourself, “is it safe to clean with bleach?”
Like any cleaning product, you must use bleach correctly to take advantage of its many benefits. You should always assess the risks and hazards of using this cleaner in your home because it is not suitable for everyone.
House cleaning experts in Toronto from Brilho dispel some popular myths about bleach below, so you have a comprehensive understanding of how this chemical cleaner works.
What is Bleach?
Bleach is an ordinary household cleaner people use to disinfect surfaces from harmful elements like fungi and bacteria. The most common type of household bleach is a solution of sodium hypochlorite — a potent mixture of water and salt.
Bleach products are available anywhere from convenience stores to large department retailers. For simple projects, you can buy a small bottle of bleach to tackle kitchen and bathroom cleaning. Larger gallons handle industrial size disinfection.
This product is excellent for killing harmful bacteria like salmonella and E. Coli, significantly better than hot water, soap, and elbow grease. That is why people choose it during deep cleans. Lighter, diluted bleach solutions are useful everyday disinfectants for kitchen countertops and laundry.
The Best Applications for Bleach
Bleach is versatile, and you can use it on both hard surfaces and fabrics. Be sure that any materials you apply the solution to are bleach safe. With this awareness, you will avoid unnecessary stains and damage.
It is generally safe to use bleach on non-porous surfaces, which is why it is a popular deep cleaning product. Consider some ways you can sanitize or improve your home with a safe bleach solution:
● Disinfecting kitchen countertops after you handle raw meat and other foodstuffs
● Deep cleaning bacteria and mildew buildup in a bathtub or shower
● Whitening clothes with hard-to-remove stains
● Killing bacteria on and around sink handles and other high-touch surfaces
● Restoring colour and shine to your floors and tile
With so many applications, it is no wonder why the demand for bleach is so high. However, don’t get too carried away. You need to be responsible and aware when you handle chemicals. Bleach has many risks and benefits, and you should consider them before use.
Bleach and Your Health
Bleach is safe to use in suitable environments with moderation. You should always make sure there is proper ventilation in the room while applying the bleach solution. Bleach emits fumes that can be harmful to your lungs and organs if you inhale too much.
Wear protective clothing to keep your skin and eyes safe from direct contact with the substance. Because bleach is corrosive, you can suffer burns on the skin if you misuse it. Never attempt to consume bleach or use it as a hygienic product on yourself.
Never mix bleach with other household chemicals. Bleach is safe to use by itself, but mixing it with the wrong cleaner can cause a chemical reaction that forms poisonous gas. Bleach and ammonia form chlorine gas, which causes nerve damage and is highly lethal.
If you use bleach and experience shortness of breath, nausea, or blurry vision, you should stop using the product immediately and seek appropriate help.
Use common sense when you clean with bleach. Like any chemical product, you should handle the solution responsibly to keep you and your home safe from accidents and damage.
Cleaners Around Children and Pets
Is it safe to clean with bleach around your children or pets?
If you consume or misuse bleach, it can be incredibly hazardous to your health. This puts children and pets at high risk of injury if this cleaner is accessible. Make sure you store your cleaning products in places where animals or children cannot reach them.
Many bleach products are colourless, like water. To prevent confusion, avoid transferring the solution into a different container than the one you buy. However, if you need to, make sure you clearly mark the container as “Bleach” and keep it away from children.
A child may not be able to tell the difference between a dangerous chemical and a gallon of water at a glance. All chemical cleaners have warning labels on the containers. It helps to read them to ensure that you know the risks and handle the bleach properly.
Bleach and the Environment
Household bleach is safe for the environment in most situations. Many people use bleach to clean and sanitize their outdoor features like trash cans, garden tools, and walkways. Problems occur with the improper disposal of bleach.
Manufacturers that dispose of large quantities of chlorine-based bleach into the air or water have detrimental impacts on the environment. Try not to contribute to this waste. Dispose of your bleach correctly after use. Keep containers away from wildlife areas and other vulnerable environments.
Using Alternatives
By understanding what bleach can do and weighing the risks, you see that bleach is a safe and effective household cleaner when you use it responsibly. If you have a health condition or cleaning preference, you may still feel that it’s best to avoid bleach. So what are your options? You can try more than just hot water and soap!
Hydrogen peroxide is a popular, non-toxic method of disinfecting surfaces. Baking soda and white vinegar are also great for removing tough stains from clothing or countertops without corrosion.
Remember that some bacteria are resilient. Educate yourself on the right household cleaning products for your home and choose what is best for you and your family. If you wonder, “is it safe to clean with bleach in my home?” learn about the primary reasons to hire a professional cleaning service today. Call our experts at 416-923-3300 or email [email protected] to learn more about our service and schedule an appointment today. We guarantee exceptional results.
