We get it. When it comes to keeping your home clean, you want the best options possible to ensure that your living area stays germ-free and your laundry stays bright.
It is easy to turn to bleach for all of your cleaning needs because it is always readily available and seems to work well… right?
Unfortunately, although bleach may be good at what it does, it also poses certainhealth risks because it releases hypochlorous acid and chlorine gases into the air around you, especially if you are cleaning in an area that is not well ventilated.
Bleach can also cause damage to your skin, and if you don’t feel like slapping on a pair of gloves every time you clean, this can be a real hassle.
Even more, households with pets and small children can be risky when it comes to bleach because it can be difficult to keep the areas that are being cleaned completely off-limits for your kids and critters. When it comes to laundry, bleach is great for keeping your whites looking white, but it can also cause yellow spots, and it should never be used on colored clothing.
So, if it sounds like bleach is not quite as convenient as it once seemed, don’t worry, we have you covered. Here are 6 of thebest alternatives to bleach.
1. Dr. Brite’s Multi-Purpose Cleaner
Dr. Brite’s Multi-Purpose Cleaner is made from 70% isopropyl alcohol, and it is infused with essential oils, making it great for all kinds of everyday messes, and safe for all different surfaces, though a small test patch is always a good idea with any product before you start cleaning!
This cleaner gives you a shiny, streak-free clean, and it is safe on hands, which cannot be said about bleach.
Even more,Dr. Brite products are cruelty-free and vegan, so you can rest assured that your cleaning products did not put an animal in harm’s way just so you can have a clean home.Dr. Brite cleaning products are also free from toxic chemicals, which means whether you are cleaning a poorly-ventilated area or not, you do not have to worry about wreaking havoc on your health.
This multi-purpose cleaner can be purchased in an unscented version, but if you’re yearning for that clean house smell, you can also opt for that classiccitrus scent we all know and love. You can opt for a gallon bottle to mimic a bottle of bleach for bigger clean-up projects, or choose a convenientspray bottle for more controlled cleaning power.
2. Castile Soap
Castile soap is a great choice when you are looking for a bleach alternative because it can be used for a wide range of purposes. Not only can you use castile soap to clean up the same household messes you might normally use bleach for, but castile soap is also safe to use on clothing, and even your hands, hair, and face.
If you want a highly versatile cleaning product to swap out your bleach-based products for, castile soap may be the choice for you.Dr. Brite’s Citrus Castile Soap has a natural citrus scent so you can get the perfect clean.
Castile soap is great if you have pets or small children, or are otherwise concerned about the safety of your cleaning products for yourself and your loved ones. Because it can be used in so many different ways, it can pretty much cover all of your needs with just one product, which may be something you value for the sake of convenience.
3. Cleancult All-Purpose Cleaner
This all-purpose cleaner comes in a variety of scents and can be used like any other cleaner for everyday messes. It is also non-toxic, cruelty-free, and made with non-GMO plant-based ingredients. This cleaner also comes in a reduced-waste, recyclable milk carton, making it a great, environmentally-conscious choice.
The product itself is great when it comes to your cleaning needs, but one downside is that you can only purchase it as a “refill” carton, meaning that you have to buy an empty spray bottle or another container separately and then pour the refill carton into that container for more optimal cleaning. So, if you would rather not buy two pieces separately, this may not be your favorite.
Additionally, there is little information regarding the safety of this product on various surfaces, so you should play it safe and do a patch test before starting your cleaning routine.
4. Honest Disinfecting Spray
The Honest Disinfecting Spray cleans, deodorizes, and disinfects all in one go, making it effective in warding off cold and flu viruses. This product has no fragrances or harsh chemicals, so you will not have to worry about harmful fumes.
That being said, this spray will not give you that same satisfying smell of a clean house because of the fact that it is fragrance-free, so if you are looking for something with a fresh scent, this might not be your number one choice. Additionally, this spray is not recommended for use on unfinished wood, unsealed tiles, carpets, brass, painted surfaces, or marble, so be sure to do a small patch test before cleaning.
5. The Laundress Bleach Alternative
The Laundress Bleach Alternative is another good option that allows you to clean your home more safely, and this can come in handy if you want a bleach alternative for both cleaning messes and brightening laundry. Having one product that does both can be highly convenient, as it prevents you from having to purchase two different products.
That being said, this bleach alternative is safe for all colors and fabrics, but you cannot use this product on silk or wool, which makes it a bit more of a limited choice, especially if you hope to use this product on your laundry.
6. Grab Green Bleach Alternative Pods
The Grab Green Bleach Alternative Pods are a helpful option if you are looking for a product you can use strictly on laundry and fabrics. You can purchase these pods in three different sized pouches, so if you are looking to buy in bulk, they have what you need.
These pods are chlorine-free, and they remove odors and stains while brightening your clothing. The pods can also be used to clean carpets and upholstery, and these uses simply entail mixing the pods with a certain amount of water. This product may be a perfect choice for all your fabric-cleaning needs, but if you want something that can cover all of the messes in your home this will likely not be the best option, since it has not been formulated to deep-clean hard surfaces like those in your kitchen or bathroom.
In Closing
Now that we have covered the six best alternatives to traditional bleach-based products, you can determine which product will have your needs taken care of.
Though bleach is easy to find, easy to use, and great for all kinds of messes and cleaning purposes, it is most definitely not the safest or most versatile option. Bleach can release harmful chemicals into the air around you, especially if you are cleaning in a poorly ventilated room.
Furthermore, bleach can cause damage to your skin, and it contains toxic ingredients that could do harm to any uber-curious furry-friends or little kids. So, don’t sacrifice the safety of yourself and your loved ones for the sake of a clean home. In fact, you don’t need to make that sacrifice, because plenty of bleach alternatives now exist.
Dr. Brite’s Multi-Purpose Cleaner surely takes the cake when it comes to safe ingredients that work on a variety of surfaces, butDr. Brite Castile Soap wins for versatility because of the fact that it can be used for many different surfaces, fabrics, and even on skin and hair.
Grab Green Pods and The Laundress Cleaner can take care of your laundry and fabrics, while disinfectant sprays can clean up your household messes. If you want something that works for both laundry and household cleaning, the Dr. Brite Castile Soap is without a doubt the best choice, or the Dr. Brite Multi-Purpose Cleaner has you covered when it comes to a streak-free clean that is safe on hands and most surfaces.
Even more, both of these products are cruelty-free and vegan and contain absolutely no toxic chemicals or ingredients. Swapping out bleach for other alternatives means you can get the same clean without posing further health risks to yourself and the people around you.
Your choice will vary depending on your specific cleaning needs, but no matter the case, aDr. Brite product can definitely save the day.
FAQs
1. What is a good substitute for bleach?
Bleach is a strong cleaning agent that is often used to disinfect and sterilize surfaces. However, it can be harmful and should not be ingested. There are a number of different bleach alternatives that can be used for a variety of cleaning tasks. One such product is hydrogen peroxide which we can use to clean, disinfect and remove bacteria from surfaces.
2. Is borax as good as bleach?
In the washing machine, borax acts as a bleaching agent. Bleach works better when used with a laundry detergent that already contains it. Borax can be added to your regular cleaning routine to whiten teeth without using bleach.
3. Is vinegar as strong as bleach?
White vinegar is the most commonly used cleaning vinegar, not apple cider vinegar or wine vinegar. Vinegar fails to kill germs as effectively as commercial cleaners like bleach, and it is not as effective in disinfecting surfaces as these products.
4. How do you disinfect without using bleach?
The use of vinegar, baking soda, and water in a multipurpose spray is a great idea. Sprinkle a quarter cup of vinegar into the bowl and let it sit overnight before scrubbing it clean in the morning.
5. Is hydrogen peroxide better than bleach?
While hydrogen peroxide can stain some fabrics, it is less damaging than bleach. There is no need to alter anything; use it as is. Hydrogen peroxide decomposes into water and oxygen.
Sources:
https://www.cleancult.com/products/all-purpose-cleaner-refill-blue-sage-16oz
