There can be no disputing the fact that bleach is a fantastic disinfectant and cleaning agent, but it is a harsh product and highly toxic, and when there are alternatives to using it for cleaning your bathroom, health experts advise that it’s use be kept to a minimum.
The dangers of using bleach for cleaning your bathroom:
Bleach is in fact the name given to a group of chemicals that are used both on an industrial and domestic scale, and it can be used for a variety of purposes, not least of all for helping to eliminate stains and bacteria in bathrooms, and act as a disinfecting agent.
However, as with any chemical product, exposure to it in its undiluted form can cause significant irritation to the eyes, nose, skin and even lungs. Prolonged or massive exposure to bleach can have serious side effects on the respiratory and nervous system, can cause migraines, vomiting and will burn the skin if exposed directly to it.
So, if you don’t want to use such a harsh chemical to blitz your bathroom and get it hygienically clean – particularly if you have small children in your home – what else can you use?
Alternatives to using bleach for cleaning:
Scientists have proven that bicarbonate of soda – a basic store cupboard essential in most homes – is just as effective as bleach at removing limescale. Scatter the soda into the toilet bowl and leave it overnight, and when you flush the next morning, most of the limescale will have disappeared, you may find that you need to lightly scrub at the remaining limescale with a scouring pad or stiff brush.
Others have been quick to point out that a bit of old fashioned elbow grease works wonders when trying to get rid of stains, and then the area can simply be sterilised with a combination of vinegar, lemon juice and baking soda, which is most effective when used as a paste. Apply, give a quick rub and then simply wipe away the remainder.
For eliminating feisty bathroom aroma’s, simply place a cup of bicarbonate of soda on a shelf or window sill and wait for it to work its magic.
There are also a variety of bathroom cleaning products available online and in stores, that are completely free of bleach and will work just as well at keeping your bathroom clean. Most of them rely upon citric acid, and have a much less eye stinging fragrance, too.
Coca Cola for limescale removal:
It’s true that Coca Cola, when flat, works amazingly well at getting rid of limescale, but do be warned that the sugars in the beverage can encourage bacteria growth, so be sure to scrub the area well once the Coca Cola has been removed. Because of its propensity for encouraging bacteria growth, you would probably need to use a disinfecting product after using Coca Cola, and why not use lemons to do the job? Unless you are wanting to eat your dinner out of your toilet bowl or off your tiles, the citric acid in lemons works perfectly well at killing germs and bacteria. It won’t eliminate 100% of the germs, but it will certainly work for 99%, something which most over the counter and chemical cleaning agents will also do…which would you rather choose? The sweet smelling and environmentally friendly natural product, lemons, or a highly toxic, eye stinging product that is certainly not the environments best friend.
So, blitzing your bathroom without using bleach really is as simple as popping to the grocery store and buying yourself a bottle of Coca Cola, some lemons and a tub of bicarbonate of soda. Job done!