By Mrs. Mathis
Image by {Guerrilla Futures | Jason Tester}
I have to admit that household bleach use forms that backbone of my cleaning regime. For me, using bleach to remove stains from a countertop or mildew from a shower stall is as easy as falling off a log. I have more uses for bleach than I do for potatoes, and that’s saying something. However, I also know that many are concerned that bleach uses chemicals that are too harsh for homes or the environment. However, once you understand the relative concentrations of bleach appropriate for different jobs, you will find that it will be your favorite cleaner, too.
Relative Concentrations of Bleach
There are many relative concentrations of bleach. However, these are the most common ones.
- Less than 1% – this is what you have when your add ½ cup of bleach to a load of white laundry, the most common household bleach use.
- 5% – add 2 tablespoons of bleach to a 32 ounce spray bottle and then fill it with water. This is great when using bleach for removing for disinfecting surfaces that are already relatively clean but may have been exposed to germs or bacteria
- 10% – add 1/3 cup of bleach to a 32 ounce spray bottle and fill it up. This is good for one of the best uses for bleach, killing mold and removing stains.
Using Bleach Safely
Here are some good rules of thumb for safely using bleach at home.
- Always store bleach out of the reach of children and pets.
- When using bleach, wear old or white clothing, as an accidental spill can fade fabric.
- Be careful when spraying to only get it on its intended surface.
- Should you have an accident of any type with bleach, flush the area affected with water until it is thoroughly rinsed.
Now that you are familiar with all the best bleach uses, I trust that you will find it to be your best cleaning friend, too. Print This Article