When used properly, bleach is neither scary nor toxic. In fact, bleach is one of the best and most affordable cleaning products you can use on surfaces.
Is Bleach Safe?
Household chlorine bleach is simply a mixture of water and sodium hypochlorite — essentially a type of salt. Contrary to common belief, bleach does not harm the environment or contaminate groundwater. It begins and ends its life cycle as salty water, making it part of a sustainable cycle.
It does not damage equipment or hard, non-porous surfaces, including stainless steel, plastic, glazed ceramic, glass, porcelain, and more. When diluted properly, it can be safely used to clean and disinfect countertops, floors, toilets, sinks, trash bins, keyboards, phones, light switches, and tables.
What is Household Bleach?
Liquid household bleach is a chemical commonly used for whitening clothes and disinfecting hard surfaces. Its active ingredient is a sodium hypochlorite solution at a concentration of about 2–10%.
Does Bleach Kill Coronavirus?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend using a bleach solution as a method to disinfect areas contaminated with the novel coronavirus.
You can view the full list of disinfectants approved for use against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) here:
https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2-covid-19
There are also other cleaning solutions, including sprays and wipes, that help disinfect areas exposed to the virus.
How Should Bleach Be Stored?
Bleach has an expiration date and loses its effectiveness quickly if not stored properly. Once opened, it begins to degrade, especially when exposed to heat and light. Even unopened, if stored improperly — such as in direct sunlight or at temperatures above room temperature — it will begin to deteriorate within a year.
How to Clean With Bleach
The most important thing to remember when cleaning with bleach is that a little goes a long way. Bleach should almost always be diluted with plenty of water. Because of its bleaching effect, keep it away from fabrics and surfaces that may discolor.
Laundry
Never pour undiluted bleach directly onto clothes, even whites, as it may leave stains. Instead, add ¾ cup of bleach to your washing machine’s bleach dispenser. For stubborn stains, soak white clothes for 5–10 minutes in a solution of ¼ cup bleach per 3 liters of cold water. Never use bleach on colored clothes.
Bathrooms
From showers and sinks to tubs and toilets, bleach thoroughly cleans and disinfects bathrooms. Mix ½ cup bleach with 3 liters of water, wipe surfaces, let sit for five minutes, then rinse with warm water. For toilets, pour ½ cup bleach into the bowl, scrub with a brush, ensuring to reach under the rim. Let sit for five minutes and then flush.
Kitchens
Even sealed granite countertops can be cleaned with bleach. Dilute ½ cup bleach in 3 liters of water, apply to surfaces, let sit for five minutes, rinse, and allow to air dry. Use the solution inside refrigerators, sinks, and on appliance exteriors.
General Disinfection
Diluted bleach can disinfect and sanitize hard surfaces prone to mold, mildew, germs, and viruses — including children’s toys, pet bowls, shower curtains, and outdoor furniture. Use the same ratio (½ cup bleach per 3 liters of water) and be sure to rinse thoroughly before letting the surface air dry.
Some Precautions
Bleach does not mix well with other cleaners — never combine it with anything. For example:
- Bleach and vinegar produce chlorine gas, which can cause coughing, breathing problems, and eye irritation.
- Bleach and ammonia create chloramine gas, which is toxic and can cause chest pain, breathing difficulty, and eye damage.
- Bleach and rubbing alcohol create chloroform, which is also harmful.
Always use bleach in a well-ventilated area and never mix it with other cleaning products.
By following these tips, bleach can remain a safe, effective, and economical disinfectant in your cleaning routine — whether in Turkey or anywhere else.
