Bleach is a carcinogen and can be harmful to your lungs, as it contains ammonia and produces a toxic gas. It can cause respiratory problems and gastrointestinal issues. Bleach products can have many health risks, especially to children when used around your household. There are many different bleach alternatives that can help disinfect surfaces and whitening your clothes without the harmful side effects. These can also be all-natural, green alternatives and prevent damage to the environment, as well as being cost-free, smelling good and non-irritant to skin. If you would like more natural ways to clean your home, then check out our recent blog on how to clean your oven naturally!
1. Vinegar
This is a great alternative to replacing your bleach and for disinfecting and brightening your clothing. It also helps remove soap residue and is 80% effective against viruses and mould bacteria. As a natural disinfectant, you can pour this into your washing machine, soak your clothes in a mix of vinegar and hot water and it can lift stains.
2. Baking Soda
A great whitening agent to get out stains and to boost your laundry detergents performance. Baking sofa can soften and deodorise your clothing, and acts as a great replacement for bleach. It helps break down grease, stains and residue. You can add a 1/2 cup of baking soda to your laundry detergent.
3. Lemons and Citric Acid
The citric acid can break down stains and is safe to use on coloured clothing. You can cut a lemon in half and use the juice on the area you want to clean. Mix it with water in a spray bottle and spray on hard to clean areas to disinfect such as sinks and counters.
4. Tea Tree Oil
This contains no harsh smelling chemicals, a few drops or teaspoons to your laundry acts as a powerful and natural anti-fungal treatment. Its known for its natural fresh scent, and can be mixed with warm water in a spray bottle and used around your home. Essential oils are good as all-purpose cleaners, and are better if you have a septic system that is effected by chlorine bleach.
5. Castile Soap
An all-in-one product, it can help you clean everything clean. It is vegetable-based, natural and very gentle, therefore, it is safe to be used around children and pets. Made with olive oil, it is biodegradable and safe to use around children and pets. This can be diluted with water and used to scrub bathrooms, dishes and floors. You could also use it in your laundry as a detergent.
6. Sunlight
Sunshine is a natural disinfectant, ideal for brightening and disinfecting laundry. If you want to limit dryer machine use and save energy. You can hang out your whites outside, this becomes a natural way of sanitising and brightening them.
You can also use these more natural alternatives to protect your home and family from Coronavirus and other viruses and bacteria. Using active ingredients such as thymol, hydrogen peroxide and silver can help sanitise or disinfect your home. Hydrogen peroxide can be used as a mild bleaching agent to remove stains or whiten clothes. It has less impact on the environment than Chlorine bleach. You should use the same 3% solution for laundry; this can commonly be found in the first aid aisle in the supermarket. This should be dispersed evenly into your washing machine or added as you are filling it with water. Do not put it directly on dry coloured fabrics, as this can cause spotting and remove colour.
Here at OvenKing, we understand the importance of protecting your home and using safe and eco-friendly products! You can find out more about us here or follow our OvenKing Facebook Page to learn more about our products and services.
