For years, bleach has been a household favorite, especially in bathroom cleaning, because it keeps sinks and bathtubs and other porcelain fixtures spotless and germ-free. But there are more eco-friendly alternatives for cleaning bathrooms..
Most bleach contains chlorine, which has powerful whitening and antimicrobial properties. However, its impact on your bathroom comes with negative consequences for you and the environment.
- When used with vinegar or ammonia, it can emit toxic gases.
- Industrial-grade bleaches emit air and water pollutants that kill off land and aquatic life.
- Anyone who swallows or touches bleach can suffer major health problems, some of them fatal.
Luckily, there are some green house cleaning products you can use in your bathroom that are more environment friendly. Here are some of them:
Hydrogen Peroxide: People have been treating cuts and scrapes with this product for years, and its antibacterial properties also make it a safe way to disinfect your bathroom. Hydrogen peroxide also has the same whitening effects as chlorine bleach, but without the toxic fumes.
White Vinegar: Normally used as a cooking ingredient, vinegar is mildly acidic, so it’s great for killing germs in your bathroom. It also has an unpleasant smell, however, so if that bother you mix the vinegar with warm water, or add a few drops of lemon juice to create a fragrant bathroom cleaner.
Baking Soda: Sodium bicarbonate (the chemical name for baking soda) is used for everything from cooking and extinguishing grease fires to brushing teeth and curing indigestion. It also neutralizes odors and controls fungus growth, making it a perfect cleanser for your bathroom.
If you want to eliminate the risks associated with cleaning with chlorine bleach, use these other common household products to keep your bathroom spotless from top to bottom.