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Six things you can use instead of bleach when cleaning

Oct 06, 2016

There are many natural alternatives you can use instead of bleach. Source: Getty.

Whether you’re cleaning the toilet or washing your white clothes, bleach has become a go-to product for most aspects of cleaning. But are you aware of the dangers of using bleach around the home?

Not only is bleach corrosive, its fumes can also be toxic in certain environments – particularly in enclosed spaces where there is no fresh airflow. Unlike natural products, bleach is also particularly dangerous to use around children and pets.

Don’t fret though as there are a range of natural products you can use instead of bleach when cleaning your home, and you’ll still get the great results you are looking for.

Here are six things you can instead of bleach around the house.

1. Lemon juice

Citric acid is a great natural cleaner which is why lemon juice makes a perfect replacement for bleach. Lemon juice is non-toxic and smells great!

All you need to do is cut a lemon in half and rub the juice on the area you can want to clean – whether it’s your toilet, cutting boards, trays or sink. You can also squeeze the juice out of the lemon and mix it with water in a spray bottle. Spray the lemon mixture onto your hard to clean areas or areas you want to disinfect such as sinks and counters.

2. Tea tree oil

Another natural alternative to bleach is tea tree oil. Known for its natural fresh scent, you can use tea tree oil as a disinfectant and cleaner instead of bleach. Simply mix a few drops of the oil with warm water in a spray bottle and spray it on your floors, counter-tops, bathroom and appliances. Not only will these areas of your home be easier to scrub clean, they will also smell great!

3. Borax

Chances are you have borax somewhere around your home. If you do, it makes for a great alternative to bleach. You can mix it with your laundry powder to give your clothes an extra cleaning boost. Borax is also a handy disinfectant and cleaner. Try mixing it with water and using it to clean your dirty or grimy surfaces such as sinks and toilets.

4. Vinegar

It might not have the nicest aroma, but vinegar is a very safe alternative to bleach. With its acidic properties, vinegar makes for a handy cleaning product. You can put it in a spray bottle and spray it in your toilet, around your bathroom, or just dab it on a cloth or rag and use it to wipe down your surfaces.

Vinegar is also a great alternative to bleach in your laundry. It’ll brighten your clothes and get rid of any soap residue. Try pouring some vinegar in your washing machine, or soak your clothes in a mix of vinegar and hot water.

5. Castile soap

Made with olive oil, Castile soap is another very handy alternative to bleach. While many soaps have chemical elements, Castile soap is biodegradable and safe to use around your pets and grandkids. Try diluting it with water and using it to scrub your bathrooms, dishes and floors. You can also use it in your laundry as a detergent by combining it with vinegar, baking soda and borax.

6. Baking soda

You can use it for just about anything, which is why baking soda makes a great alternative to bleach. To use it as a cleaner, simply mix it with water or vinegar and make a paste that will easily remove tough stains in your bathroom, kitchen or toilet.

Baking soda is also great for using instead of bleach in your laundry as it helps to break down grease, stains and residue. All you need to do is add 1/2 cup of baking soda to your laundry detergent and you clothes will come out fresh, clean and smelling much better.