Have you ever stopped reaching out for that trusty bleach cleaner just as you’re about to clean hard water stains off a toilet bowl or soiled floors? You probably worry about the harsh chemical smells, constant eye irritation, damaging other surfaces like wood, or just being concerned about its overall environmental impact.
You’re not alone. Many seek safer and more eco-friendly cleaning alternatives to bleach— and there are! Let’s explore some of the best bleach alternatives in this guide and compare their effectiveness against the other.
| Alternative | Effectiveness | Safety | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
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Has mild disinfecting properties. Can be used on clothes tiles, tile grout, shower walls, and brick walls. |
Generally safe, and less corrosive due to not containing chlorine. It breaks down into hydrogen and water unlike bleach. |
Laundry, whitening, stain removal, cleaning grout and tiles, general disinfecting |
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Hydrogen Peroxide |
Best when used as a disinfectant but its cleaning uses are also multipurpose. It can kill bacteria fungi, and viruses. |
Can be used as a stain remover, for whitening grout, disinfecting, dishwashing, and sanitizing various household items. |
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Vinegar |
Cleaning windows and mirrors, removing hard water stains, deodorizing, cleaning floors (except unsealed wood or stone) |
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Baking Soda |
Also known as sodium bicarbonate which is a naturally-occuring mineral. It's a base, which is in the opposite of the pH scale. Effective against pests like cockroaches removing pesticides, and general cleaning of bathroom tiles and surfaces (except hardwood). |
Cleaning and deodorizing, scrubbing surfaces, removing stains, unclogging drains with mineral deposits that have formed in them. |
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Essential Oils |
A safe, and non-toxic addition to natural, homemade cleaners. They also give off a fresh scent. |
Adding fragrance, disinfecting (tea tree oil), cleaning (lemon, orange), deodorizing (lavender, eucalyptus) |
Deep Dive Into The Various Bleach Alternatives
We’ll now cover the various types of oxygen bleach alternatives listed in the table, discussing their mechanisms, instructions for use when cleaning, safety precautions, and the like.
Oxygen Bleach
Oxygen bleach is a naturally occurring plant derivative also known as sodium percarbonate.
Its main ingredients include soda ash (its name is derived from one of its earliest uses, in which plant and wood ashes were burned and the resulting ash was combined with water and left to evaporate) and hydrogen peroxide.
How It Works
When oxygen bleach is mixed in with water, it emits oxygen molecules that lead to a bubbling action. These can seep deep into fabrics and surfaces to lift and remove stains while also acting as a deodorizer and disinfectant.
Using Oxygen Bleach For Cleaning
Here’s a quick guide on using oxygen bleach for cleaning different surfaces:
- Mix about ¼ cup of oxygen bleach in a gallon (about 3.8 Liters) or warm water. Use the solution to wipe down countertops, tiles, sinks, grout, and appliances.
- To remove stubborn stains, make an oxygen-bleach paste by mixing oxygen bleach with a little water. Apply it to the affected area and leave it to set for about 10-15 minutes. Scrub gently with a microfiber cloth, then rinse thoroughly.
Safety Precautions
Due to not having chlorine, oxygen bleach is generally safe. However, it can still irritate sensitive skin and eyes when exposed. Make sure to wear gloves to prevent direct contact.
There are various oxygen bleach products in the market that come in scented and unscented forms. Make sure to read the package and follow the cleaning instructions of whatever brand you’re using.
Additionally, do not mix oxygen bleach with other cleaning solutions like chlorine bleach. This could lead to dangerous fumes.
Is Cleaning WIth Oxygen Bleach Effective?
Yes, it is effective on various light stains, not to mention it’s eco-friendly and biodegradable. It may not be as effective as bleach on tougher stains. Some cleaning jobs may also require longer dwell times to get optimal results.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Among the most widely-available bleach cleaning alternatives in our list is hydrogen peroxide. You may have found it lurking in your medicine cabinet— heck, your parents might have even used it to clean scrapes and wounds from your years as an active kid!
Apart from just disinfecting cuts and scrapes, however, hydrogen peroxide is effective as a cleaning agent and can handle cleaning tasks like sanitizing, deodorizing, and stain removal. Its accessibility makes it affordable and safer than bleach, too.
How It Works
Hydrogen peroxide, or known by its chemical composition as H2O2 kills pathogens through oxidation bursts and local oxygen production.
When it comes into contact with organic matter like bacteria, viruses, or stains, it gives off an extra oxygen atom, breaking down and oxidizing these substances.
Using Hydrogen Peroxide For Cleaning
You can use hydrogen peroxide to disinfect, remove mold and mildew, and deodorize. Here are quick mini-guides:
Disinfecting
- Mix a 3% strength hydrogen peroxide solution with water in a 1:1 ratio.
- Pour the solution into a spray bottle or use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe it, on non-porous surfaces like countertops, cutting boards, toilets, sinks, kitchen appliances, equipment, and other fixtures
- Leave the solution to sit for about 2-5 minutes before wiping clean.
Removing Mold And Mildew
- Make sure to wear gloves for this part to prevent possible irritation: Spray undiluted 3% hydrogen peroxide on the stained or affected area.
- Leave the solution to dwell or sit for about 10-15 minutes, then scrub off with a clean sponge or microfiber cloth. Rinse with water thoroughly.
Cleaning And Deodorizing
Hydrogen peroxide also helps to eliminate natural odors like fish or rotten food. You can mix it with baking soda and leave it to sit in odorous areas like near bathroom toilets, garbage waste disposals, kitchen sinks, and the like.
This mixture can also help clean soap scum and hard water stains, so it’s not just a deodorizer. You can use it for various cleaning tasks, be it for bathroom tiles, kitchen utensils, and surfaces.
Safety Precautions
As mentioned, hydrogen peroxide can mildly irritate the skin and eyes, so it’s best to wear gloves or even facemasks to prevent direct contact. Also, make sure to follow the package instructions to ensure proper dilution and usage.
Do not mix hydrogen peroxide and vinegar because the resulting mixture is peracetic acid, which is an extremely corrosive and potentially harmful chemical when in its concentrated form.
Is Cleaning With Hydrogen Peroxide Effective?
Yes, it’s quite useful for disinfecting surfaces and removing odors. According to Jeremy Craddock, owner of a janitorial cleaning business in Dallas, he and his cleaning staff “… no longer use bleach. We use hydrogen peroxide as an alternative”.
Hydrogen peroxide apparently enjoys wide commercial use, with clients prefering hydrogen peroxide fogging and disinfection. Plus it’s also food-grade so it’s safe for cleaning a wide variety of facilities.
As always, make sure to test hydrogen peroxide on a small, inconspicuous surface to ensure it doesn’t discolor or damage the material.
Vinegar
If you’ve read our article on cleaning with vinegar, you’ll know just how versatile it is as a cleaning agent. If you haven’t done well, we hope you come to the same conclusion after reading this!
Vinegar’s natural acidity (distilled white vinegar, that is) can dissolve grime, soap scum, and minor mineral deposits. You can use it to clean floors, countertops, and even everyday household fixtures.
How It Works
It may seem like a simple household item and ingredient used in cooking dishes, but cleaning with vinegar involves complex molecular manipulations. We mentioned earlier acetic acid, which is a higher, and more corrosive form of vinegar.
Table vinegar, or what we’re used to, is a diluted version of acetic acid which is naturally produced during fermentation. Since vinegar is mildly acidic, it can break down various dirt, stains, and minerals (even those that form due to hard tap water).
Using Vinegar For Cleaning
Whether it’s for removing molds, mildew, or simply cleaning surfaces, vinegar’s cleaning usage is varied. Here are some quick instructions to help you out:
Make your vinegar-water solution by following the golden 1:8 ratio vinegar-water ratio. Place inside a spray bottle (or pour in a bucket if you’re cleaning large surfaces).
Use the appropriate cleaning tool, be it a microfiber mop or a cloth, depending on the scope of work.
When cleaning mold or mildew, pour a vinegar-water solution inside a clean spray bottle. Spray directly onto the affected surface and allow the solution to sit for about 30 minutes. Scrub vigorously and rinse thoroughly with clean water once done.
Safety Precautions
Vinegar is generally safe but can irritate especially to individuals with higher sensitivities. As always, make sure to wear gloves and avoid direct contact with the eyes.
Never mix vinegar with bleach to avoid the formation of toxic fumes. While there’s nothing wrong with mixing vinegar with baking soda, you’re just left with a neutralized solution that’s neither dangerous nor effective at cleaning. Just use either of the two.
Is Cleaning With Vinegar Effective?
This question isn’t as relevant as whether cleaning with vinegar will lead to a sometimes unpleasant vinegar odor, but it is generally safe to clean with it.
However, make sure to correctly clean with vinegar and use it on appropriate surfaces to prevent damage. If you plan on tougher cleaning or disinfection jobs, it’s recommended to use a stronger, commercially available cleaning agent or a disinfectant.
Baking Soda
Another staple in most household kitchens is baking soda. It’s also eco-friendly and can replace cleaning with bleach in many situations.
Baking soda is also known as sodium bicarbonate and is mildly abrasive, allowing it to dissolve away grime and stains, and deodorize various surfaces.
It’s also safe and gentle when used in recommended amounts, making it ideal for cleaning areas where pets, people, and children might frequent.
How It Works
Sodium bicarbonate is often likened to fine sand that when cleaned with, can scrub off the dirt as well. It’s also water soluble which means it binds extremely well with water and can make any cleaning job a breeze.
Baking soda works pretty much on any type of dirt you can imagine, like dirt and stains. Even as an abrasive cleaning product, it doesn’t leave behind scratches. Further, its alkaline nature helps with deodorizing odors to leave behind a fresh, clean scent.
Using Baking Soda For Cleaning
Baking soda’s uses can be classified into general cleaning, deodorizing, and unclogging drains:
- General cleaning: Make a baking soda paste by mixing the powder with a little water. Aim for a slightly thick consistency.
- Apply the paste onto the stained or dirty area. Leave to sit for a couple of minutes, then gently scrub it off with a soft sponge or a microfiber cloth.
Deodorizing:
- Pour some baking soda powder into a flat, open container then place it inside refrigerators, near toilet bowls, sinks, and any other area which is prone to bad odors.
- Sprinkle some baking soda powder on carpets, rubber, or welcome mats. Leave them to sit for about 10-15 minutes before vacuuming. This helps freshen up and deodorize the material.
Unclogging Drains
- Have a pot of boiling water ready. Afterwards, pour about a cup of baking soda mixed with ½ cup of white vinegar down the drain. Allow the mixture to fizz for several minutes. This will allow some of the mineral deposits to dissolve. Then flush the drain with hot water once more.
Safety Precautions
Cleaning with baking soda is generally safe, but like all the other bleach cleaning alternatives on this list, it’s best to err on the side of caution and just wear gloves or face masks while cleaning. This helps prevent direct contact.
Additionally, don’t use baking soda on delicate surfaces like marble or malleable materials (like aluminum). Baking soda’s abrasive properties might dull the surface or cause scratching.
Always conduct a spot test first to prevent damage.
Is Cleaning With Baking Soda Effective?
Baking soda might not be as potent as commercially-available disinfectants and cleaning solutions, but it’s been the go-to choice for general cleaning and deodorizing, and not to mention, a safe alternative to bleach.
Essential Oils
While not a replacement for heavy-duty disinfectants like bleach, some essential oils have natural antimicrobial properties due to bioactive compounds. For example, tea tree oil is effective on various bacteria and fungi.
Citrus oils like orange and lemon, on the other hand, can help cut through grease and grime. Lavender and eucalyptus meanwhile, have natural calming and refreshing properties.
You can mix in essential oils with homemade cleaning solutions to add deodorizing and relaxing scents.
For instance, if you’re cleaning with a water-vinegar solution, use about 10-30 drops of essential oil (depending on how much of the vinegar solution you have), in the spray bottle (or bucket of water).
Shake the spray bottle thoroughly and clean with it, as you would a normal vinegar mixture.
Key Takeaway
Hopefully this comprehensive guide has helped you compare various cleaning alternatives to bleach and which one is best. Although we’d like to argue that there’s no such thing as an umbrella “best” cleaning alternative.
Whatever’s effective is one that you know works, anecdotally. Just make sure to follow all safety precautions when cleaning. Try not to mix cleaning solutions together, especially those you’re unfamiliar with to avoid harmful and toxic fumes.