Don’t make this mistake when you clean with bleach

Don't make this mistake when yous make clean with bleach

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Bleach is ane of the most replied-upon household products when it comes to cleaning. It'southward platonic for whitening, sanitizing and disinfecting, and can be used all over the home for all kinds of chores. But, are you using it correctly? There'southward really ane very common mistake which most people will make when it comes to cleaning with bleach.

This mistake is as common as using fabric softener on your towels — this big laundry mistake could be ruining your towels. And even if y'all apply bleach to make clean the best washing machines or the grouting in your bathroom, this habit volition render this cleaner ineffective. Read on to observe out if you're guilty of this fault.

What is bleach?

Bleach is produced from a combination of chemicals and contains sodium hypochlorite as an active ingredient. It's predominantly used for stain removal in laundry, and it does this through a process of oxidation. It will essentially break downwardly the molecules of the stain to help lift it from the fabric.

Disinfecting and sanitizing is also possible through the active ingredient of sodium hypochlorite, which is effective at killing bacteria, fungi and viruses. Bleach is often used to keep whites white when information technology comes to laundry too — it will strip the color from dyed material, leaving a brighter issue. This is by no means the limitation of bleach, it can be used effectually the home for endless chores, from scrubbing the grouting, to shifting mold and mildew. If you ofttimes dilute bleach for cleaning, at that place'southward one method you lot must avoid yet.

Someone wearing gloves removing the lid from a bottle of bleach — (Image credit: Getty Images)

Hot water and bleach

If you dilute your bleach with hot water, you're rendering information technology pointless. It might seem like a good idea — hot h2o is better for cleaning than cold, right? However, hot water will actually decompose the sodium hypochlorite ingredient, significant the bleach won't disinfect or clean every bit well as information technology could. And then, you should stick to using cold or tepid water for the best results.

The CDC recommends diluting one loving cup of bleach to five gallons of water if you're cleaning household surfaces, such equally sinks and floors. If you're removing mold, information technology suggests diluting one cup of bleach to ane gallon of common cold h2o. If y'all demand to stock up on bleach, we recommend Clorox ($17.29, Amazon).

Other tips for cleaning with bleach

When diluting, add the bleach 2d to the water, so it mixes amend. Otherwise it will sit at the base and won't combine.
Always clothing protective gloves, goggles and a mask, even when y'all're using a pocket-size amount. Bleach tin can irritate your skin also as your airways. Don't wear any clothing which is precious also in case it splashes.
Open the windows and doors when you use bleach to allow for better ventilation. Don't breathe in the fumes as information technology tin lead to shortness of breath, and in extreme cases, death.
Never mix bleach with ammonia as it will release a toxic chloramine gas.

Katie looks afterwards everything homes-related, from kitchen appliances to gardening tools. She also covers smart home products too, and so is the best point of contact for any household advice! She has tested and reviewed kitchen appliances for over six years, and so she knows what to expect for when finding the all-time. Her favorite thing to examination has to be stand mixers as she loves to bake in her spare time.